A Briefing by Burmese Rohingya Organization UK: International Investigation Urgently Needed into Human Rights Abuses Against the Rohingya

The Rohingya Muslim minority in Burma are the most persecuted ethnic minority in Burma, subject to policies of oppression which are applied almost exclusively to them. Government policies target Rohingya on the basis of their ethnicity and religion. The Rohingya are widely viewed in Burma as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, despite the fact that Rohingya people have lived in Burma for centuries […]

Allegations of Ethnically Motivated Rape and Killing in Myanmar of Grave Concern

I am gravely concerned by the killing and the allegations of the rape of two young female teachers from the Kachin Baptist Convention in a village in Northern Shan State in Myanmar on January 20th. I call on the Government of Myanmar to ensure that an impartial and effective investigation into this killing and alleged rape is conducted in order to ensure justice, reparations for the families and accountability for the perpetrators […]

19 – 25 January: More Murders, Same Patterns as Burma Army Acts with Impunity

The full text of this week’s issue of Weekly Highlights, including an analysis of current events and news highlights from inside Burma, the region and internationally, as well opinion pieces, actions, statements, press releases and reports from Burma groups and relevant actors.

Religions for Peace Myanmar Statement on sexual violence against two Kachin teachers

Religions for Peace – Myanmar shared its deepest condolence with the bereaved family and is extremely saddened by the rape, torture and killing of Kachin Baptist Convention religious volunteer teachers – Maran Lu Ra and Tangbau Hkawn Nan Tsin, age 20 and 21 at Kawng Hka village, Pansan township, Muse District, Northern Shan State, on the night of 19 January, 2015. Religions for Peace – Myanmar strongly condemns such act of armed and sexual violence in the Christian church compound in Kawng Hka village and to any kind of armed violence […]

Burma Army Kill Villager in Front of His Parents, then Force over 1,200 Villagers to Demonstrate Against “Insurgents” for Killing Civilians in Murng Yawng

Burma Army kill villager in front of his parents, then force over 1,200 villagers to demonstrate against “insurgents” for killing civilians in Murng Yawng

On December 12, 2014, Burma Army troops from LIB 573 shot and killed a 32-year-old mentally ill villager, Sai Sarm Tip, at his house in front of his parents, in the village of Wan Tinn, in Murng Yawng, eastern Shan State. The troops had surrounded the house, ordered Sai Sarm Tip to come out, then shot him as he stepped outside […]

Joint Statement for 67th Annivesary of Independence Day of Burma (Myanmar)

January 4, 2015 is the 67th anniversary of the Independent Day of Union of Burma (Myanmar). However, the promises made to the people of Burma have not yet been fulfilled. The basic essence of independence is still being denied to them and in fact they are losing their basic rights, along with their personal security. Although independence has existed for almost seven decades, there has been lack of opportunities for people to create their own fortune, live securely and work for the benefit and improvement of their country and people.

Even Though I Am Free I Am Not: The need for the campaign in 2015

Even though I am free I am not. This was the message the groundbreaking 2010 photography campaign sought to convey to the world. The message that the burgeoning road to freedom in Burma would be forever blocked while political prisoners remained. Freedom is not solely liberation from prison. It is also the need for a […]

Statement on Letpadaung Region Crackdown that Killed One Local Resident

Member political parties of United Nationalities Alliance (UNA) and partner political parties, ceasefire ethnic armed groups and mass based civil society organizations totaling 25 organizations held a consultation on 23rd and 24th December 2014, at Royal Rose Hall in Shwegondine, Bahan Township, Yangon and agreed on the following opinions:

Statement of Civil Societies on Latpataung Copper Mining Conflict

The civil societies from Myanmar strongly condemn current events arising in the Latpataung conflict and express concern that this hinders implementation of the EITI mechanism in Myanmar […]

Update on Burma Army Activity in Kachin State and Northern Shan State

Clashes between the Burma Army and ethnic resistance groups continue, despite ongoing peace talks and the presence of United Nations humanitarian aid workers in Kachin State.  Burma Army activity in Kachin State and northern Shan State shows frequent troop movements and increasing use of reconnaissance aircraft.  There are claims that civilians are being conscripted into Burma militia training; Burma Army troops make a regular practice of establishing checkpoints to monitor civilian movements, especially along rivers, railroads and bridges and the Burma Army frequently pressures civilians into paying bribes at these check points. Hundreds of Burma Army soldiers have been stationed in northern Shan State, which has seen some of the heaviest concentration of military clashes in 2014 […]