Burma Action Ireland

Autumn 2006 This newsletter is kindly supported by donations from members and with grant Newsletter assistance from the Irish Aid programme at the Department of Foreign Affairs PO Box 6786, Dublin 1, Ireland • Tel: + 353 87 1261857 • Fax: + 353 1 855 9753 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.burmaactionireland.org speaks with UN Envoy to Burma

On 11 November Aung San Suu Kyi was but critics charge that it is stage-managed by the allowed by Burma’s ruling military junta to military, and it has been boycotted by respected meet Ibrahim Gambari, the UN’s Under ethnic leaders and by Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, Secretary for Political Affairs, who in May had the National League for Democracy (NLD). been its first envoy to see her since 2004, and During his visit, the envoy also met seven was now on a further four-day visit to the members of that party’s Central Executive country. Taken by a police motorcade from her Committee. Topics discussed included the home in Rangoon, in which the Nobel Prize Convention, the general issue of national winner remains under house arrest, to the reconciliation, humanitarian assistance – regime’s State Guest House, she spoke with him especially the use of the Three Diseases Fund to there for about an hour. Few details have combat pandemic HIV/AIDS, malaria and emerged, but she is known to have expressed tuberculosis – and the implementation of the her serious concern about the situation in UN General Assembly’s resolution on Burma. Burma’s ethnic regions and her unwavering According to a NLD spokesperson, Myint Thein, sympathy and support for the Shan, the Karen Mr. Gambari said that he envisaged progress in and other racial groups, assuring Mr. Gambari accordance with that resolution, possibly in that she and her party would not abandon their ‘small steps’, but overall the party had been cause. She was worried too about the health of dissatisfied by his visit: ‘We thought Gambari Hkun Htun Oo, the outspoken leader of the would meet various political groups in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi and UN Under-Secretary Ibrahim Shan National League for Democracy, who was but we see that he has met only a few people’. Gambari pictured after their meeting in Rangoon. arrested in 2005 and sentenced to 96 years’ He was referring above all, no doubt, to the imprisonment. envoy’s not having spoken to important ethnic should be demonstrated by ‘concrete steps That morning the envoy had flown to the leaders, veteran politicians or representatives of forward’ on human rights, democratic reforms military’s new administrative capital Kyetpye/ the 88 Generation students, and one of these, and national reconciliation, no such concrete Naypyidan, and met for over an hour with the Mya Aye, expressed similar disappointment. steps had been revealed:‘The envoy seemed to Chairman of the State Peace and Development They had expected at least significant progress be keeping a strict diplomatic line.’As he added, Council, Senior General Than Shwe, and three in the situation of the five student leaders however: ‘We shall have to wait and see the other leading generals. The previous day Mr currently detained and likely to be sentenced results of Gambari’s briefing to the Security Gambari had observed a meeting at Nyang Hna and imprisoned, ‘but we have seen no progress Council’. Happily, the envoy stated that Aung Pin of the country’s National Convention, and at all so far’. San Suu Kyi seemed to be in good health, and had spoken to delegates from the junta-based Debbie Stothard, the coordinator of the after his visit the 61-year-old leader’s personal National Unity Party, state-supported women’s alternative ASEAN network on Burma, had physician, Dr.Tin Myo Win, was allowed to see associations and ethnic groups who have made concerns, as did Wyn Min, a Burmese analyst her for the first time since August. On 16 ceasefire agreements. The Convention is based in Thailand. Though UN Secretary- November he gave her an ultrasound medical claimed by the government to represent a first General Kofi Annan had stated prior to the visit checkup, and a source close to him has step in a seven-stage ‘road-map to democracy’, that the values of engagement with Burma reported:‘She appears to be fine’. Forced Labour ‘A Scourge on Humanity’ Declares ILO Leader In an unprecedented move, the International getting through to the leadership. The The recent release of two labour activists, Su Su Labour Organization (ILO) has decided to refer door is still open, but if negotiations are not Nway and Aye Mint, seemed to indicate some the ruling military junta in Burma to the conducted in good faith, then other ways have softening of the regime’s attitude, but the failure International Court of Justice (ICJ) because of to be explored—this is what the Governing to respond to ILO demands by a specified its failure to address the use of forced labour Body embarked on today in its reference to the October deadline has once again disappointed within the country. Juan Somavia, Director- Security Council, the International Court of the international community. General of the ILO, declared: "Forced labour is Justice and the International Criminal Court." Although the ILO is not empowered to deliver a scourge on humanity. Any government or According to the ILO report in June 2006, the legally binding judgements, their opinions are regime intent on perpetrating it will clash with use of forced labour is endemic around military most often taken up in UN Security Council the ILO head-on." Burma has retained installations in Burma. Local military commanders (UNSC) resolutions, which lay an obligation on membership of the ILO since Independence. seem to regard it as their right to press-gang member states to observe them. It is hoped Somavia continued: "The ILO has been villagers and central command does nothing to that this will bring further international pressure committed to dialogue with the Myanmar prevent this. The roots of the use of forced to bear on the regime, whose brutal record is [Burmese] authorities to solve the problem, but labour, according to the ILO, lie in Burma's dire already on the agenda of the UNSC. for some time now the message hasn’t been poverty and lack of international engagement. Burma Action Ireland Newsletter HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE

"It was like before I had no eyes", a seventeen- last week, Thai security forces reported shelling where they can discuss and exchange ideas.The year old student says of the nine-month’s and machine gun fire by the Burmese army into school is in a quiet area of Thailand, the location training she received at the School for Shan State one of these camps. of which is not made public and for safety Nationalities Youth (SSSNY), which was founded The School for Shan State Nationalities Youth reasons, the students are confined to the school by a group of Shan refugees in 2001. Her was set up to give young people from Shan State for the duration of the term. The larger rooms classmates are equally enthusiastic in their the skills necessary to help their people. The have been converted into classrooms and the assessment of what the course has meant to students come from diverse backgrounds and smaller ones into dorms where students sleep them – a liberating experience, an awakening, a have varying levels of previous education. on the floor – six to a room. Since the school chance to have hope for the future. Students range in age from 15 to 28 years and was set up, there have been about 100 gradu- Currently there are several hundred thousand come from the different ethnic groups in the ates, most of whom are now working with Shan refugees in Thailand. Unlike other ethnic Shan State such as Palaung, Pa-O,Wa, Lahu, Shan organizations such as SWAN, SHRF and the groups, the Shan have not received refugee and Kachin. They may have attended school in Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN). status from the Thai government, which would Burma which operates a ‘learning by rote’ policy The school is empowering young people and entitle them to health and education services or had some classes given by volunteer NGOs, building their capacity to participate in the and freedom of movement.The vast majority are or they may have been educated in the unofficial human rights and democracy movement. It is migrant workers employed as fruit-pickers, farm camps inside Shan State. Some have travelled highly regarded throughout the Burmese labourers, construction workers or in the textile hundreds of kilometers inconspicuously to the community both in Thailand and in Burma. In factories. However, there are others who have border, illegally crossing it and risking arrest and January 2007, the school will increase its intake not managed to gain legal status and must live in deportation; some were child soldiers, others from 36 to 54 students but many more are constant fear of arrest and deportation. There were abused by the military and another spent waiting to be educated. Burma Action Ireland are also about 5000 Shan refugees living in time in prison for singing a song. However, all are and the Irish people part-funded the set-up of unofficial camps along the Shan-Thai border, committed to improving the political, economic, the school in 2001 and have recently raised over supported by grassroot organizations such as the educational, social, and health conditions in Shan €600 for the school. SSSNY is in need of our Shan Women’s Action Network (SWAN) and State. continued support to train the future community the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF). The nine-month course includes training in leaders who offer the only hope for so many Most of these camps were originally in Thailand, English language, computer skills, basic mathematics people. but were pushed back across the border by Thai as well as media, health, enviromental and social As part of their training program, the students of authorities. These refugees are living in small studies. The students have the opportunity to 2006 produced a CD of their own songs, pockets of territory protected by Shan learn about their homeland, the cultures and available from BAI for €10. resistance forces and are vulnerable to attack by traditions of their ethnic neighbours, what the regime’s troops at any time. As recently as human rights are and they have a safe place Fair Trade Town BAG-PACKING Kinsale Hosts FOR BURMA Burma Photograph Burma Action Ireland members and Exhibition supporters took part in a bag-pack at the Nutgrove Tesco supermarket, Rathfarnham, ‘Burma: Forgotten Nation, Forgotten People’, the exhibition of photographs taken on the on 28 October, to raise funds for the School Thai-Burma border by Cork photographer, for Shan State Nationalities Youth (SSSNY). Burma Action Ireland held a vigil on Grafton Street in Philip Daly, who accompanied Simon A superb €620 was raised and BAI would Dublin on 24 October to mark the day Burma’s Coveney, TD MEP, on his fact-finding visit to democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, completed the refugee camps, was shown in Derry and like to thank all those who donated. All of eleven years in detention. BAI would like to thank all the Kinsale recently.These beautiful photographs this money will be donated to SSSNY to volunteers who helped with this event. provide a powerful testament to the help with basic literacy training and humanity and determination of the refugees. Both events were a great success and BAI computer skills for Burmese refugees. BAI would like to thank all those involved in would also like to thank Tesco Ireland hosting the exhibitions: in Derry, Fr. Paul for facilitating this event, especially Kiera at Farren, Anne Marie,Thérèse and Sr. Perpetua Nutgrove, and the volunteers who gave up at the Thornhill Centre deserve particular mention as do Padraig Fitzgerald, their Saturday morning to pack the bags for Chairperson of the Kinsale Fair Trade us, in particular Una who organized them so Committee and the management and staff of efficiently. the Blue Haven Hotel in Kinsale. Burma Action Ireland Newsletter

Update on Burma Membership Condoleezza Rice urges League for Democracy (NLD) party, renewal, every Burma to overcome its membership in the NLD party has been "adversarial" attitude increasing. euro matters On 18 November, US Secretary of State, While the state-run newspapers are carrying daily news about NLD members resigning Condoleezza Rice, urged North Korea and Membership subscriptions for the next Burma to follow the example of its ‘enemy’ from the party, the number of new members twelve months are now due for renewal turned trade partner Vietnam, and overcome is increasing, said Nyan Win, spokesperson for and a form is enclosed with this edition. (If their "adversarial" attitude. "The United States the NLD. "We began recruiting new members you have kindly paid a membership fee in continues to look to the day when cooperation about two years ago. We regularly get new is possible with Burma and with North Korea," membership application forms even though recent months, please ignore this letter). All Rice told a forum on the sidelines of an Asia- our offices are not there (closed down by the subscriptions/donations enable Burma Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) military government). The number of new Action Ireland carry out its public summit in Hanoi. "So far these governments recruits has increased even more especially awareness activities – such as street have chosen to reject the path of cooperation, since they started frequently carrying news in petitions, printing this newsletter and other violating their agreements and isolating their the newspapers about NLD members materials and hosting of Burmese speakers countries from the prosperity of the region," resigning." Nyan Win continued: "Most of them in Ireland. Every euro matters, and sincere (members) are young people and students, she said. But Rice said the new partnership thanks to those who of you who renew including female members. We approve the between the United States and Vietnam your membership annually or give "shows how the past can be overcome for the member applications after NLD members in donations. benefit of countries." "There are other the respective wards, endorse the credentials countries with which we hope to overcome of the new applicants." difficult circumstances too," she said, naming the two military-ruled regimes. "If the leaders Red Cross forced to stop more of Burma and North Korea would follow the Burma activities Christmas example of Vietnam and the example of other The International Committee of the Red adversaries throughout history who have Cross (ICRC) has been forced to halt several Card/New Year overcome their adversarial history… it will of their projects in Burma after the authorities open a new path of peace and opportunity." ordered their field operations to be managed Greeting from Rangoon. The ICRC has field offices in Hpa-an, Keng Tung, Mandalay, Moulmein and "I hope the world will not forget us" Burma visit for new Thai PM Taunggyi. It is impossible, according to the Thailand’s interim Prime Minister Surayud (Aung San Suu Kyi). organization, for the health and sanitation Chulanont travelled to Burma for his first If you would like to send a Christmas card activities of these offices to be managed from official visit on 23 November last, as part of a Rangoon for logistical reasons.The ICRC have or New Year card to Aung San Suu Kyi, her diplomatic tour of Association of Southeast no immediate plans to withdraw from Burma, postal address is: 54 University Avenue, Asian Nations (ASEAN) members. During his but it is likely the organization will have to Bahan 11201, Yangon, Myanmar Naypyidaw talks, Surayud discussed plans to consider what the new restrictions mean for (Burma). register Burmese migrants working in Thailand. their operations. Aung San Suu Kyi’s high profile is one of the The Burmese military recently approved things that has kept her alive, but there are documents for 10,000 Burmese citizens Lavish wedding for Senior growing concerns for her safety.The cards allowing them to apply for visas to work General Than Shwe's daughter will probably be intercepted by the military legally in Thailand. Other topics discussed Thandar Shwe during the meeting included energy regime, but the generals will know that the Burma’s military chief, Senior General Than cooperation, closer joint efforts on narcotics world is watching, and that will help to keep Shwe, hosted a lavish wedding in July for his eradication and health issues especially the her safe. BAI wishes all its friends and daughter Thandar Shwe. A leaked video of the problem of HIV/ AIDS. Surayud has always supporters a very happy Christmas. wedding, first seen on Burmese internet been a vocal critic of Burma's reluctance to forums in late October, shows Thandar Shwe stop the flow of narcotics from the north of and her groom Major Zaw Phyo Win, Deputy the country into Thailand and has been Director of the Ministry of Commerce, at the sympathetic to the refugees along the border. ceremony. Thandar Shwe appears dressed in exquisite finery with a variety of jewels – Membership of Burma's NLD mostly diamonds. The video depicting the increasing bountiful occasion, in a country where one in Despite intimidation by Burma's State Peace ten children die before their fifth birthday, has and Development Council (SPDC), which is provoked criticism from both in and outside trying to weaken Daw Suu Kyi’s National Burma. Burma Action Ireland Newsletter Book Review: True Love and Bartholomew: Rebels on the Burmese Border

Jonathan Falla, [with a foreword by Nigel Barley] Pyinmana and the Burmese army is again driving Although the war is ever-present in the Cambridge University Press ISBN 0521399203 them out. Only this spring, thousands more background, Falla gives it surprisingly little pbk, Price: £33.00stg (US$58.00). First published in Karen people were driven into the refugee attention. He is chiefly interested in the people hardback 1991, paperback 2006. camps on the Thai border. themselves and their ideas.We are introduced to The re-publication of this book is timely. The However, this is far from being a sentimental many of the villagers as individuals - their feelings, Karen people of Burma, the ‘rebels’ of the title, portrait of the Karen. Equally Falla does not see their frames of mind, their compatibilities. The are currently under renewed attack by the them in the way an ethnographer might - with chapters take themes such as the social arrange- Burmese army. Their situation is no less professional curiosity - but in a much fresher, ments, or the importance of the river in people’s desperate than it was when Falla first wrote: "as simply human way, as people who are trying to lives, their music, their work; Falla does not try to the Burmese army closes in, their choices are live their social and family lives in spite of the war force this richly experienced life into a single horribly limited and many of them simply don’t which has been waged on them for the last forty narrative or to make heroes and heroines out of know what to do ... their villages are being burnt, years. He does not try to sort out the complex- the real people he knew. Yet as the book their men shot and their women raped." Falla ities of the history of the Karen ‘revolution’ but progresses and all are touched by the tragedy of spent the year of 1986-7 living with the Karen in concentrates on giving a vivid and lively portrait the ‘revolution’, there is an increasing sadness and the area that had originally been designated as of the people as he knew them. ‘True Love’ and poignancy in the writing. As one reads the final their ‘semi-independent state’ of Kawthoolei. But ‘Bartholomew’ are two of the men from the chapters, the sense of death and loss is over- now, nearly twenty years after Falla was there, village where Falla worked as a nurse. The village whelming, even though it is barely spoken about the Karen’s tenure of their homeland is even included Karen who had been brought up in either by Falla or by the Karen themselves. It is a more insecure, because First General Than Shwe Rangoon as well as people from the hills of tribute to the quality of Falla’s writing that the (of the Burmese military regime known as the Kawthoolei. Falla describes the village as reader can gradually come to this profoundly State Peace and Development Council or containing ‘a bizarre forest hybrid of tradition and touching awareness for himself. SPDC) has declared his ‘new capital’ at nearby revolution, with a powerful character of its own.’ Mary Montaut.

• Take all necessary measures toward a • To end the continuing violations of human How you can help speedy restoration of democracy in Burma, rights, in particular forced labour, forced • Demand the immediate release of Aung relocations, abuse, torture, sexual violence, San Suu Kyi, exploitation and abuse in detention and BECOME A MEMBER OF BAI • Express your concerns about the torture summary executions, often committed by BAI is always pleased to welcome new mem- in prisons and the growing HIV/AIDS crisis military personnel; bers. Members are encouraged to become in the country. • To end the systematic forced displace- active in one of BAI’s voluntary subcommit- The oppression of the Burmese people ments of persons and the flow of refugees tees: political, awareness and campaigns and and the detention of Daw Suu Kyi to neighbouring countries and create fundraising and assistance. Please contact Mary Write appeals to the State Peace and adequate conditions for their safe and Montaut at BAI (number given below) if you Development Council (SPDC) the Burmese voluntary return and complete reintegration, would like to speak to someone about joining military regime, calling for the safe release of and to allow humanitarian personnel safe the group. In addition, there are other ways Aung San Suu Kyi and all Burmese political access to assist their return and you can help the people of Burma from your prisoners. Daw Suu Kyi has been in and out of reintegration. own home or office: detention in Burma since 1989. She was held Please address your action letters to the under house arrest from 1989 - 1995, and following: ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES again under virtual house arrest from 2000 - Lieutenant General Soe Win, Write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr 2002. She was then arrested in May 2003 Prime Minister, Dermot Ahern,TD (Bishop’s Square, after the Depayin massacre (in Burma), during State Peace and Development Council, Redmond’s Hill, Dublin 2), your local which up to 100 of her supporters were Ministry of Defence, Signal Pagoda Road, county/urban district councillor,TD and/or beaten to death by the regime's militia. She is Dagon Post Office, MEP to let them know of your concern for currently under house arrest in Rangoon. In Yangon, Union of Myanmar. human rights in Burma. Urge them to raise addition to asking for the release of Aung San the Burma issue at every level of the political Suu Kyi, please ask the SPDC to take action BAI would appreciate it very much if you could process and: on the following: send us a copy of your letter(s).

Burma Action Ireland is a voluntary Burma Action Ireland group established since May 1996 to raise awareness in Ireland of PO Box 6786, Dublin 1, Ireland. Disclaimer:The views expressed herein are those of the current situation in Burma and Burma Action Ireland and can in no way be taken to the nature of the ruling regime. Tel:+ 353 87 1261857 reflect the official opinion of Irish Aid. Hon. President: Fax: + 353 1 855 9753 Thank you to Deputy Máire Hoctor,TD, Senator John Boorman Email: [email protected] Paschal Mooney, Senator Joanna Tuffy and Senator Web: www.burmaactionireland.org Brendan Ryan for the posting of this newsletter. Chairperson: Their support is appreciated. Eileen Seymour

Designed and printed by Brosna Press, Ferbane, Co. Offaly