Rights Groups Express “Grave Concern” Regarding U.S. Policy on Investment in Burma

In response to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s announcement on the lifting of restrictions on U.S. investment in Burma, five human rights groups issued the following statement:

“We express grave concern regarding the U.S. government’s decision to allow investments into businesses connected to the Burmese regime that are corrupt and help to fuel human rights violations. As it stands now, investment in many of the most attractive sectors of the Burmese economy is likely to worsen the human rights situation while directly benefitting individuals and entities responsible for rights abuses, who contribute to corruption, or are otherwise acting to obstruct political reform […]

Junta’s Handpicked Election Commission Issues Unjust Directive

On 21 June, the military regime’s handpicked Union Election Commission issued a directive banning marching, holding flags and chanting during political parties’ campaigning rallies. Parties wishing to hold a public event or speech must seek approval from a local sub-commission at least one week in advance […]