Burma Embarks on a New Chapter as Hope and Suffering Define 2015

The highlight of 2015 was undoubtedly the historic general elections, which saw Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party triumph emphatically at the polls on 8 November 2015. While the conduct of the polls was relatively smooth, the elections were marred by glaring irregularities, in particular during the preparation and campaign stages. They ranged from the partiality of the Union Election Commission (UEC), disqualification of minority candidates, rife voter disenfranchisement of large segments of minority communities due to conflict and blatantly discriminatory policies, and voter lists fraught with discrepancies.

However, the first competitive national vote since 1990 was significant as it marked a key milestone in Burma’s democratic transition process and more importantly, it resoundingly signaled the will of the people for “genuine change” […]

Burma Bows its Head in Shame on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Last week, the Women’s League of Burma marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by calling upon the incoming National League for Democracy Government to take a serious stance on the protection of women from sexual violence. According to their statement, “Women and girls in the Union of Burma are facing with different kinds of violence daily. Especially in ethnic areas, continuous impunity remains for the military personal who continued to commit sexual violence against women and girls.”

The International Day, observed each year on 25 November, was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to recognize the widespread physical and sexual violence against women around the world. Considering that globally, one out of three women have experienced physical or sexual violence, it is crucial for the international community to address this pandemic and the gender inequality that fuels it. In Burma, sexual violence is widespread and perpetrators – particularly those within the Burma Army – share complete impunity from prosecution […]

The International Day, observed each year on 25 November, was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to recognize the widespread physical and sexual violence against women around the world. Considering that globally, one out of three women have experienced physical or sexual violence, it is crucial for the international community to address this pandemic and the gender inequality that fuels it. In Burma, sexual violence is widespread and perpetrators – particularly those within the Burma Army – share complete impunity from prosecution.

Outgoing Govt Urged Not to Delay on Human Rights Reforms

RANGOON — In the wake of the National League for Democracy’s emphatic election victory, and a United Nations review into Burma’s human rights record, international rights advocates have told The Irrawaddy that the current government should take action on a number of urgent rights concerns before the next administration takes office […]

UN General Assembly Resolution on Burma – No Practical Action to End Abuses

Burma Campaign UK today described the draft UN General Assembly Resolution on the situation of human rights in Burma as not reflecting the scale and seriousness of the human rights situation on the ground, or the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar […]

Statement by Yanghee Lee, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar at the 70h session of the General Assembly

I would like to begin by renewing my deepest sympathies to all those affected by the floods and landslides in Myanmar in recent months […]

OPINION: Rights not rhetoric needed for reform in Burma

This 8-8-88 anniversary is a reminder that it has been more than four years since Burma undertook economic and political reforms when President Thein Sein came into power […]

Another Year Passes in the War Against the Kachin, the International Community Must Pressure the Burma Government

On 9 June 2015, the latest summit of ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) concluded in Law Khee Lar, Karen State. On the very same day four years ago, Burma Army broke its 17-year-old ceasefire agreement with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and launched a relentless offensive in Kachin and northern Shan State. As EAOs, including the KIA, were reaffirming their unity, organizations around the world displayed solidarity with those suffering from this four year war, calling for conflict to end, and humanitarian aid to be delivered to over 120,000 displaced by this bloody and ruthless war […]

Keynote Address By Daw Seng Raw: 4th Anniversary Of Kachin War

An event commemorating the 4th anniversary of the Kachin War, organized by the Kachin Peace Network, was held at the Micasa Hotel in Yangon, on June 9, 2015 […]

Outcome Statement of senior officials Workshop on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and Related Resolutions

The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC) and UN Women, Myanmar organized a Workshop on UN Security Council Resolution, 1325 ( UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security, and related Resolutions in Nay Pyi Taw on 27-28 April 2015. The meeting brought together 41 participants – parliamentarians, senior government officials from ministries addressing women, peace and security issues, commissioners and staff of MNHRC and academics […]

Press Release: Justice Trust

— A group of Buddhist monks who were severely injured at Letpadaung copper mine on 29 November, 2012 will announce the launch of a lawsuit against Home Affairs Minister General Ko Ko for ordering an illegal police action that used phosphorus munitions.