Navigating the Thaw: Burma-Canada Relations in 2012 and Beyond

This statement follows on an April 27, 2012 consultation hosted by the Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) with the support of University of Ottawa and Canadian NGO Committee on Burma. The aim of the consultation was to deliberate on CFOB’s platform […]

Analysis of EU Conclusions on Burma

On 23rd January 2012 the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union met and adopted conclusions about the current situation in Burma, including suspending implementation […]

Burma Briefing No. 13: Germany and Burma – Business before human rights

Commentary on an article published on 20th June 2011 in the Financial Times by Markus Loening, Germany’s federal commissioner for human rights policy.

It is rare for a German government official to make a detailed statement on their thinking on Burma policy, and the article is more revealing than perhaps was intended.

Loening’s arguments expose a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation in Burma, the history of EU policy, of the Burmese economy, and of the dictatorship itself […]

World Report 2011: Burma

Burma’s human rights situation remained dire in 2010, even after the country’s first multiparty elections in 20 years. The ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) continued to systematically deny all basic freedoms to citizens and sharply constrained political participation. The rights of freedom of expression, association, assembly, and media remained severely curtailed. The government took no significant steps during the year to release more than 2,100 political prisoners being held, except for the November 13 release of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi […]

Burma Briefing No. 4: The European Union and Burma

This briefing examines how the European Union, one of the most powerful political and economic blocs in the world, has so far failed to use its influence in an effective and productive way to help promote democracy and human rights in Burma […]

China’s Myanmar Strategy: Elections, Ethnic Politics and Economics

As Myanmar approaches its first elections in two decades, China’s primary concerns are the security and stability of its south-western border and protecting its strategic and economic interests in the country […]

EU Council Conclusions on Burma/Myanmar

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

“1. The Council reaffirms the EU’s unwavering commitment to the people of Burma/Myanmar. The EU remains a major donor to the country and stands ready to increase its assistance to the people of Burma/Myanmar, in order to improve their social and economic conditions. […]

Current Realities and Future Possibilities in Burma: Options for U.S. Policy

As the Obama administration turns to the thorny issue of engaging Burma’s authoritarian government, a new Asia Society Task Force report offers a detailed strategy that positions the United States to respond effectively and flexibly to the twists and turns that a potential transition in Burma may take over time […]

Burma needs a general election, not an election of Generals

The message could not have been clearer. On Armed Forces day, as soldiers marched through Naypyidaw, Burma’s Senior General Than Shwe set out his vision for “disciplined democracy”. A moment that could have been cause for celebration is instead a cause for concern and regret […]

Open Letter to Senior General Than Shwe

Dear Senior General Than Shwe,

The Parliamentary Friends of Burma (PFOB) has noticed the announcement by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of new electoral laws in preparation for the planned elections this year.

We are very disappointed with the electoral laws, which exclude Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 political prisoners from political participation […]