Open Letter to ASEAN Nations: Widespread Human Rights Violations In Burma Ignored by ASEAN UPR Delegates

Your Excellencies,

We are writing to you to express our dismay at the statements by ASEAN Member States during the Interactive Dialogue of the Universal Periodic Review of Burma.

On 27 January 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council examined Burma’s human rights record during the country’s first Universal Periodic Review (UPR). This review provided a vital opportunity to highlight the widespread human rights violations in Burma and engage with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) on ways to improve its human rights record […]

The Burma Fund UN Office Releases Comprehensive Election Report Documenting Widespread Political Repression and Human Rights Abuses

A report released by the Burma Fund UN Office for the opening of Burma’s first Parliament, documents the widespread political repression and human rights abuses marring the electoral process in the country’s first elections in more than 20 years. It shows that none of the fundamental requirements for free and fair elections exist in Burma, and instead of heralding in positive change, the elections brought about a deepening of Burma’s human rights crisis [..]

Burma: UN Should Tackle Rights Crisis as New Parliament Convenes

Junta Window Dressing Ahead of First UN Rights Review

The review of Burma’s human rights record at the United Nations this week should reflect reality and not the false promises of the military, Human Rights Watch said today.

Burma will face its first-ever Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in the Human Rights Council in Geneva on January 27, a process all member states must undergo every four years to ascertain each country’s progress on human rights […]

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi ‘free’ but for how long?

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) welcomes the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and respects the importance of this moment, both for her, her family and for the people of Burma.

While the ending of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest is welcome, it is also fraught, as more than 2,200 other political prisoners continue to languish behind bars in Burma’s appalling prison system […]

Burma Campaign New Zealand welcomes the New Zealand Government’s endorsement of a Commission of Inquiry on Burma

The Burma Campaign New Zealand applauds the New Zealand Government for their decision to support the establishment of a United Nations Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma.

New Zealand joins the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary in publicly supporting the proposal for an investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma […]

13-19 September: Election Commission Wipes Away Opposition

On 14 September, the Union Election Commission (EC) officially announced the dissolution of the National League for Democracy and nine other political parties. The NLD and five other political parties – the Union Pao National Organization, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy Party, the Shan State Kokang Democratic Party, and the Wa National Development Party – were dissolved because they failed to re-register under section 25 of the junta’s Political Parties’ Registration Law. An additional five political parties were banned because they failed to meet the minimum candidate requirements.

State-run media that carried the news of the dissolutions also accused the NLD of “attempting to mislead the people into misunderstanding the law” […]

New Democrats call for UN commission of inquiry on Burma

Canada should add its support for the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry into alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the military regime in Burma, says New Democrat Leader Jack Layton (Toronto-Danforth).

“Canadians have spoken out against human rights violations in Burma – from political repression and forced displacement of civilians to sexual violence, torture and murder,” said Layton. “Violating human rights has been used systematically and with impunity by the Burmese junta and it’s time to establish a UN Commission of Inquiry” […]

23 – 29 August: The Emperor’s New Clothes?

In the latest of the recent series of resignations in the military, reports emerged on Friday that six top military officials resigned from their military posts, possibly including Senior General Than Shwe and his deputy, General Maung Aye. The reports have yet to be confirmed. However, if accurate, Than Shwe would remain the head of state until the end of the 2011 financial year, at which point he is expected to hand over power to the incoming elected government.[…]

AAPP welcomes the U.S.A’s endorsement of a Commission of Inquiry on Burma and urges other nations to take action.

Burma warmly applauds the United States of America for their decision to support the establishment of a United Nations Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity in Burma. AAPP is appealing to ASEAN, members of the European Union, and other like-minded nations to stand in solidarity with the Burmese people and pledge their support for a Commission of Inquiry[…]

About 8.8.88: Why is this Anniversary Important?

One of Burma’s most important moments in history began at 8:08am on 8 August 1988 as peaceful demonstrations, escalating to a brutal massacre of protesters and civilians by the military regime. Resentment towards Ne Win’s military regime for its human rights violations and catastrophic economic mismanagement simmered for decades, coming to a boil in 1988. […]