Report on the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma

This report documents the themes from the testimonies of the 12 Tribunal testifiers – on sexual violence against women, on civil and political violations, and on social, economic and cultural violations of human rights in Burma […]

Attacks on cardamom plantations, detention and forced labour in Toungoo District

This field report documents recent human rights abuses committed by SPDC soldiers against Karen villagers in Toungoo District. Villagers in SPDC-controlled areas continue to face heavy forced labour demands that severely constrain their livelihoods […]

Burma’s 2010 Elections: Implications of the New Constitution and Election Laws

A report that outlines the SPDC’s 2008 Constitution and the new Election Laws, as well as responses from inside Burma and internationally. Includes the Congress’ position on the elections and possible actions depending on the SPDC’s next steps.

Monthly Chronology of Political Prisoners in Burma – April 2010

Summary of current situation

There are a total of 2,199 political prisoners in Burma. This is an overall increase of 13 in comparison to last month’s figure of 2,186. In April, 12 activists were arrested and 3 political prisoners were released. The AAPP also received information about activists who were arrested and released before April 2010, and this retroactive information explains why there is actually an overall increase of 13 this month.[…]

The Economy of Burma/Myanmar on the Eve of the 2010 Elections

This report examines the economy of Burma at a crucial moment in Southeast Asia’s most troubled country. A low-intensity conflict based on ethnic and religious differences has simmered since independence in 1948. The country’s military rulers have been waging an existential struggle with a democratic movement led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi since they repudiated her party’s election victory in 1990. Before the end of 2010, an election will be held that is more about transferring power to a new generation of military officers than making a transition to civilian rule. To focus attention on the economic dimension of peacebuilding in Burma, this report draws on the discussion at a day-long workshop sponsored by USIP’s Center for Sustainable Economies. The workshop brought together experts on key aspects of Burma’s economy and employees from congress and U.S. government departments and agencies directly concerned with U.S. relations with Burma. The workshop sessions focused on macroeconomic policy, the extractive sectors, agriculture, the private sector, trade and investment, and the narcotics economy […]

Myths Vs Realities: Burma’s 2010 Elections

A paper that addresses some of the myths surrounding Burma’s 2010 elections and the 2008 Constitution.

Available in English and Burmese.

Cross-border DKBA attack displaces households in Thailand

On April 21st 2010, Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) soldiers from Battalion #7 of Brigade #999 crossed into Thailand and burned three huts in the Thai village of Hsoe Hta in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. The raid was ordered by Batallion #7 Column Commander Bpweh Kih, who believed that the villagers had been in contact with the KNLA and were withholding information about four DKBA soldiers who had recently deserted […]

“I Want to Help My Own People”

State Control and Civil Society in Burma after Cyclone Nargis

This 102-page report based on 135 interviews with cyclone survivors, aid workers, and other eyewitnesses, details the Burmese military government’s response to Nargis and its implications for human rights and development in Burma today. The report describes the government’s attempts to block assistance in the desperate three weeks after the cyclone […]

SPDC Election Laws Set the Stage for Sham Elections

[…] The following paper gives a concrete update since the last report ALTSEAN published on the electoral process in Burma. It also explains how the regime is preparing itself for the day after the elections which are organized with only one aim: to ensure that the country will remain still hostage of the military for many more years to come […]

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. […]