An Election Not Worthy of Support

Navi Pillay, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, recently said the world must exercise “utmost vigilance” to ensure the approaching elections in Myanmar (Burma) are free and fair.

We are disappointed in such comments, which focus on the election as something important for our country, as something worth waiting and watching for, although this election is not the solution for Burma.

The elections, scheduled for Nov. 7, are designed to legalize military rule in Burma under the 2008 constitution, which was written to create a permanent military dictatorship in our country […]

Lithuania Supports UN Burma Crimes Inquiry

Burma Campaign UK today welcomed Lithuania’s backing for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its support directly to Burma Campaign UK.

Lithuania is the 7th member of the European Union to publicly support an inquiry. The other EU members are Czech Republic, UK, Slovakia, Hungary, Netherlands, and France. The non-EU countries supporting an inquiry are Australia, USA, Canada and New Zealand, bringing the global total to eleven […]

The SPDC’s crimes continue: A UN Commission of Inquiry is still needed to protect Burma’s people

In March 2010, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana recommended that the UN consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry to investigate “gross and systematic” human rights abuses in Burma.

Following Ojea Quintana’s recommendation, 11 countries endorsed the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry on crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma. A Commission of Inquiry, in addition to opening a door for victims’ rights to truth and justice, also has a preventive value to discourage more crimes from being perpetrated […]

20-26 September: 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 […]

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 […]

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic received a delegation of the representatives of Burmese opposition

On September 23, the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Jiri Schneider, received a delegation of the representatives of Burmese opposition.

The current alarming situation in Burma/Myanmar was discussed during the meeting […]

Momentum Grows Behind Calls for a UN Commission of Inquiry to Investigate Burma’s Crimes Against Humanity

International support is growing for the establishment of a United Nations Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity in Burma. In recent days France, Canada, the Netherlands and New Zealand have added their support, and a total of ten governments are now calling for an inquiry. The United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Australia and Hungary have already expressed their support.

Japan: Press Burma for Justice

Japan should publicly support the establishment of an international Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma, Human Rights Watch and five other nongovernmental organizations said in a letter to Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara made public today.

NDF Support Recommendation for Forming UN Commission of Inquiry

1. The NDF has earnestly welcome and supported recommendation to the UN by its Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Situation in Burma (Myanmar), Mr. Tomás Ojea Quintana, to form a Commission of Inquiry (COI) for crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated by the SPDC military clique. The NDF is ready to cooperate fully with such a UN COI.[…]

France supports a Commission of Inquiry

FIDH, Human Rights Watch, Info-Birmanie and French Human Rights League demand the set-up of an international commission of inquiry

They welcome France’s statement and urge the EU to support this initiative at the UN General Assembly[…]