Activists to Hold Global Actions Against Military Elections in Burma

Burma Groups and Supporters Show their Support for the People of Burma’s Resistance

In the final two weeks before the military regime’s elections, Burma’s exiles and their supporters will be holding a series of actions around the world to show their solidarity with the people of Burma and their resistance against the elections […]

Students and Youths Oppose 7 November Polls in Burma

Today marks World Youth Day for Democracy, a day in which Burma’s student and youth organizations are remembering their colleagues who have been imprisoned for demanding positive change. Students have been leaders in calling for progress in Burma throughout the country’s history, whether calling for the right to form student unions or resisting military rule as in the 1988 uprising. Students have also actively opposed the regime’s ‘roadmap to democracy’ with “Vote No” campaigns in the lead up to the 2008 constitutional referendum […]

Thailand Must Promote Human Security in Burma and ASEAN

Today, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva embarked on his first official trip to Burma. He is expected to be briefed on the SPDC’s plans after the elections and discuss the situation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other prisoners and ethnic minority groups, while economic interests also appear to be a main focus of the meetings.

Abhisit’s visit is timely in light of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya’s comment last week regarding a plan to repatriate refugees and intellectuals back to Burma after the elections. The statement raised serious concerns for the safety of those who could be repatriated, many of whom could be met with fines, arbitrary arrests, and even torture for leaving the country. Those who have been involved in political activities could face particularly harsh repercussions […]

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Release is Not an Olive Branch

Rumours circulated this week about the possible release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, days after the elections. Her latest term of house arrest is set to expire on 13 November.

Agence France-Presse reported that an SPDC official declared, “November will be an important and busy month for us because of the election and because of Aung San Suu Kyi’s release.” Another official said, “She will be released on that day according to the law.”

However, as we have seen repeatedly in the past, particularly with the regime’s disregard for the election laws, the SPDC only acts according to the law when it suits their needs. While we want to see Daw Suu free from house arrest immediately, her release notably raises three key issues […]

Demonstrations and Media Crackdowns Mark 3rd Anniversary of Saffron Revolution

Today marks the 3rd Anniversary of the Saffron Revolution when tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators led by Buddhist monks took to the streets of Burma’s cities, triggered by an overnight 500% increase in fuel prices on 15 August 2007. The protests escalated to hundreds of thousands of monks, nuns, and citizens participating in over 150 protests across the country. On 26 September, the SPDC launched a violent crackdown, arresting over 3,000 people and raiding monasteries. At least 31 people were killed […]

International Community Responds to Election Date Announcement

As we reported on Friday, the regime’s election commission has announced the long-awaited poll date for the elections: November 7, 2010. The election commission also called on political parties to submit candidate lists in the next two weeks.

November 7 is exactly one week before Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release. “[Burma’s ruling generals] are going to hold the election before the release of Aung San Suu Kyi because they want to marginalise her from any activities,” said NLD vice-chairman Tin Oo. “They don’t want any appearance by her during the run-up to the election, because the military junta is worried that most Burmese nationals would come out to follow her speeches[…]

9 – 15 August: International Community Responds to Election Date Announcement

As we reported on Friday, the regime’s election commission has announced the long-awaited poll date for the elections: November 7, 2010. The election commission also called on political parties to submit candidate lists in the next two weeks.

November 7 is exactly one week before Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release. “[Burma’s ruling generals] are going to hold the election before the release of Aung San Suu Kyi because they want to marginalise her from any activities,” said NLD vice-chairman Tin Oo. “They don’t want any appearance by her during the run-up to the election, because the military junta is worried that most Burmese nationals would come out to follow her speeches.”[…]

Burma’s Military Regime Announces Election Date

The regime’s election commission has announced the long-awaited poll date for the 2010 elections: November 7, 2010. State-run TV and radio ran the election commission’s brief statement earlier today. The statement also called on political parties to submit candidate lists between 16 and 30 August […]

8.8.88 – A Day of Unity that Must Live On

Twenty-two years ago on 8 August, Burma’s army brutally massacred as many as 3,000 peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators marching against increasing poverty and oppression, and calling for an end to the military dictatorship. The serious human rights violations and economic mismanagement that led to the national uprising in 1988 have continued to worsen under the current regime.[…]

2 – 8 August: 8.8.88 – A Day of Unity that Must Live On

Twenty-two years ago on 8 August, Burma’s army brutally massacred as many as 3,000 peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators marching against increasing poverty and oppression, and calling for an end to the military dictatorship. The serious human rights violations and economic mismanagement that led to the national uprising in 1988 have continued to worsen under the current regime.[…]