The SPDC’s crimes continue in 2010

A UNSC Commission of Inquiry is needed to protect Burma’s people

In January to March 2010, the SPDC continued to perpetrate crimes against humanity and war crimes with total impunity, highlighting the urgent need for a UN Security Council-mandated Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma […]

Analysis of the 2008 SPDC Constitution for Burma

Burma’s ruling junta, the SPDC, has decided to hold elections in 2010 to choose a civilian government under the 2008 constitution, which was adopted by force and fraud. Even if the elections are free and fair, the constitution will only allow for a partially civilian government rather than civilian rule.

International attention has focused most on the constitution’s mandate that the Tatmadaw will appoint 25% of the various legislative bodies. But there’s a much bigger problem: under the constitution, the Tatmadaw is not subject to civilian government, and it writes its own portfolio. It can do whatever it wants […]

Community-Based Assessment of Human Rights in a Complex Humanitarian Emergency: the Emergency Assistance Teams-Burma and Cyclone Nargis

Cyclone Nargis hit Burma on May 2, 2008, killing over 138,000 and affecting at least 2.4 million people. The Burmese military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), initially blocked international aid to storm victims, forcing community-based organizations such as the Emergency Assistance Teams-Burma (EAT) to fill the void, helping with cyclone relief and long-term reconstruction. Recognizing the need for independent monitoring of the human rights situation in cyclone-affected areas, particularly given censorship over storm relief coverage, EAT initiated such documentation efforts […]

Displaced Childhoods: Human Rights and International Crimes against Burma’s Internally Displaced Children

Displaced Childhoods is the first comprehensive report of its kind to document the experiences of internally displaced children against the backdrop of Burma’s obligations under domestic and international law. For more than 40 years, Burma’s children have been scarred by death, destruction, loss and neglect at the hands of Burma’s military. They have been forced […]

Monthly Chronology – March 2010

There are a total of 2,186 political prisoners in Burma, an overall increase in comparison to last month’s figure of 2,185. In March, 3 activists were arrested and 3 political prisoners were released […]

Weekly Political Events Regarding the SPDC’s Election (010-2010)

The Network for Democracy and Development (NDD), a Burmese political organization based on the Thai-Burma border, is researching and distributing weekly reports summarizing political events in Burma regarding the SPDC’s Elections. These reports include information on the activities of the SPDC and USDA, opposition groups, armed ethnic groups, cease-fire groups, border guard forces, international governments and non-governmental organizations, and civilians inside Burma.[…]

Functionally Refoulement: Camps in Tha Song Yang District Abandoned as Refugees Bow to Pressure

Two temporary refugee camps established during June 2009 in Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, Thailand, to provide refuge for villagers that fled increased conflict and exploitative abuse in Pa’an District have now been all but entirely abandoned. The camps were home to more than 2,209 refugees as recently as January 2010; over the last two months, the camp populations have dwindled as small groups have departed one by one. […]

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 […]

The Role of Political Prisoners in the National Reconciliation Process

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

For decades, the people of Burma have been striving for peace, democracy and the full realization of their human rights. Recognizing this goal, political parties like the National League for Democracy (NLD) and ethnic nationality groups have attempted to engage in a process of national reconciliation, but the ruling military regime (known as the State Peace and Development Council, SPDC) has resisted this at every turn. At its heart, ‘national reconciliation’ is resolution of the conflicts brought about by the struggle for democracy, human rights, equality, and self-determination that have been ongoing since independence. Burma’s 2,100 plus political prisoners represent that struggle, yet the SPDC continues to deny their existence.[…]