British Government Defends Burma Reforms: Burma Campaign UK Responds

This briefing paper responds in detail to the British government’s misleading claims and the selective use of information that it uses to defend Burma’s reform process and its own trade-led policy […]

British Government In Denial About Burma’s Stalled Reforms – New Briefing Paper

Burma Campaign UK today publishes a new briefing paper responding in detail to the British government’s misleading claims and the selective use of information that it uses to defend Burma’s reform process and its own trade-led policy. The briefing paper is available here:http://burmacampaign.org.uk/burma_briefing/british-government-defends-burma-reforms-burma-campaign-uk-responds/ […]

Parliament Committee: Re-impose Burma Sanctions If No Improvement In Human Rights

The influential Foreign Affairs Committee of the British Parliament has published a report today which calls on the British government to support the re-imposition of European Union sanctions on Burma in 12 months’ time if there is no improvement in the situation of the Rohingya, and if all political prisoners are not unconditionally released. […]

The FCO’s Human Rights Work 2013

Summary

In this report, we examine the 2013 Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Report on Human Rights and Democracy (2013 Report), and highlight some areas of particular concern. Promoting human rights should be a foreign policy priority, but for this to be meaningful, we believe that the Department would benefit from the establishment of clearly defined objectives and benchmarks to measure the outcomes of all of its human rights policies, and further prominence being given to these in the Report.

Countries of concern

The FCO designated 28 countries of concern in its 2013 report, where it judged the gravity of the human rights abuses to be so severe that a particular focus should be applied. We have concentrated our attention on three of these countries: Sri Lanka, Burma, and Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Favourable trade concessions to the EU market should be removed from Sri Lanka if the Government of Sri Lanka continues to deny the OHCHR investigation team access into the country. The Government should advocate re-imposition of sanctions by the EU if there is no improvement in the human rights situation in Burma. The human rights of Israeli, Palestinian and Bedouin citizens living in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continue to be of serious concern to the UK. […]

Britain Must Support International Investigation into Rape and Sexual Violence in Burma

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, more than 2,000 campaign postcards are being delivered to the British Foreign Office calling on Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond to support the establishment of an international investigation into rape and sexual violence committed by the Burmese Army. The postcards were signed by supporters of Burma Campaign UK. […]

British Government Still In Denial About Reality Of Burma Reforms

Following a debate on human rights in Burma in the British Parliament yesterday evening, Burma Campaign UK today accused the British government of being in denial about the reality of the reform process in Burma. Burma Campaign UK called on the British government to formally accept that the reform process in Burma has stalled, that the process is not a transition to democracy, and to change policy accordingly. […]

Boost for Burma with new UK funding

The UK remains committed to supporting Burma to reach its potential as a peaceful and prosperous country that respects the human rights of its entire people, International Development Minister Desmond Swayne said while announcing new funding at a reception to mark 10 years of DFID’s presence in Burma […]

Ministry Of Defence Broke Law Delaying Disclosure Of Burma Military Training Details

The Information Commissioner’s Office, which monitors adherence to the Freedom of Information Act 2000, has issued a decision notice that the Ministry of Defence breached the Freedom of Information Act by failing to disclose details of military training being given to the Burmese Army […]

President Thein Sein Should Reveal Role in 88 Massacre

As the 26th anniversary of the 88 massacre and crackdown approaches, Burma Campaign UK today launches a campaign calling on President Thein Sein to publish his full army record and reveal his role during this time.

When he became President, Thein Sein described the massacre and crackdown as having ‘saved the nation’ […]

Finnwatch Researcher Andy Hall Faces Court in First ‘Natural Fruit’ Hearing 2nd July, Insists No Meaningful Negotiation Likely

Andy Hall and his team, with TFFA/TTIA representatives, in front of the Prakanong Court prior to his detention pending bail on 18th June 2014

British migrant rights activist Andy Hall, who campaigns to improve conditions for migrant workers in Thailand, will face Prakanong Criminal Court at 830am on Wed. 2nd July in his first formal appearance before a Thai court in numerous criminal and civil cases filed against him by Natural Fruit Company Ltd […]