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Editorial Contents
Welcome to the first edition of our Cover story Credits newly designed magazine, with a fresh 10 Too many years of empty words Editor: Anna Roberts new look and name. We hope you Words: enjoy reading Burma Campaign News Yvette Mahon, and feel inspired to take action. And Mark Farmaner, we’d like your feedback. Please take a Anna Roberts, few moments to complete the enclosed Jared Genser, Guy Horton. Readership Survey to find out how we can improve Burma Campaign News, Patrons: and to help us raise badly needed funds Sinead Cusack, by attracting advertisers to the magazine. Clive James, Plus you could win six bottles of Miriam Karlin OBE, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Fairtrade wine! Glenys Kinnock MEP, As Aung San Suu Kyi enters her 11th year Sue Lloyd Roberts, This year, we have seen how effective of detention, Yvette Mahon, Director of Roger Lyons, campaigning can be with Burma bowing the Burma Campaign UK, looks at the Sir John Mortimer, to pressure and pulling out of the failure of the United Nations to take any Lord Steel. chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006. In effective action against the regime in Published by: June, Aung San Suu Kyi spent her 60th Burma and the possibility of UN Burma Campaign UK birthday under house arrest in Rangoon. Security Council action. 28 Charles Square The international response was amazing, London N1 6HT with demonstrations, tributes and media Features T: 020 7324 4710 coverage across the world. On 24 13 Comment F: 020 7324 4717 October, as the United Nations Jared Genser, co-author of the report [email protected] celebrated its 60th anniversary, Aung ‘A Threat to the Peace’, considers the case www.burmacampaign.org.uk San Suu Kyi reached a total of 10 years for a resolution on Burma at the UN in detention. Our new campaign Security Council. To advertise in Burma Campaign News, highlights the failure of the international contact Mark Farmaner. community to translate words of 14 Burma’s Generals must be brought T: 020 7324 4713 support and concern into action and to account calls for Burma to be put on the agenda Human rights researcher, Guy Horton, All views expressed herein of the United Nations Security Council. recently conducted five years undercover are the authors’ and not necessarily those of the research in Burma into the persecution Burma Campaign UK. A new report, commissioned by Václav of ethnic minorities. Here he talks about Havel and Desmond Tutu, provides a his findings and the possibilities of action Printed by: convincing case for UN Security Council under international law. Rap Spiderweb action on Burma and Burma’s T: 0161 947 3700 democracy movement is united behind Regulars Design: the call. We now have a real 04 Burma News Sign opportunity for change and must make T: 020 7232 1111 sure that Burma is high on the 07 Campaign Update [email protected] international agenda. The latest news on the TOTAL Oil campaign
Thank you for your continued support. 08 Aung San Suu Kyi’s 60th Birthday A review of events around the world to mark her birthday.
16 Fast Notes New Lice of Myanmar
International Campaign Anna Roberts US Campaign for Burma
17 Student Network update 04 BURMA NEWS BURMA CAMPAIGN NEWS
Regimes loses ASEAN chairmanship Unions back Burma A big thank you to everyone who took the action in the last edition to stop Burma chairing ASEAN. With western countries Campaign threatening to boycott the meetings, and ASEAN members faced with the prospect of a brutal dictatorship representing them internationally, Burma was forced to stand down as ASEAN chair in 2006. “This is a lesson to the international community that when political pressure is applied on the regime, it can work,” said Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK. “It is very significant that ASEAN countries were pressuring the regime to stand down. ASEAN is finally losing patience, recognising that its policy of engagement has failed.”
Naing Ko Ko with Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development, at the TUC 2005 ”This is a lesson to Suu Kyi reaches Junta to leave Two delegations from the the international 10 years in ILO? Federation of Trade Unions – community that Burma (FTUB) have visited the detention UK this year. In July, the TUC There are conflicting reports when political hosted a visit by U Maung that Burma may withdraw pressure is applied Maung, General Secretary of from the UN’s International on the regime, it the FTUB. Maung Maung met Labour Organisation (ILO). with MPs, government Burma’s Ministry of Labour can work.” ministers, British trade informed the ILO in October unionists and British that Burma intended to leave companies involved in Burma. the organisation after nearly In September Naing Ko Ko, 60 years of membership. Vale Earth Fair international secretary of the However, Prime Minister Gen supports Burma FTUB, joined the Burma Soe Win has since been Campaign UK at the TUC quoted denying Burma has Congress. Naing Ko Ko was plans to leave. imprisoned for his union The ILO has been highly activities in Burma, and faces critical of the regime’s efforts the death penalty if he returns to stop forced labour. In to the country, as the regime On October 24th Aung San March it renewed its call for considers trade union Suu Kyi reached a total of ten sanctions against Burma. It membership a terrorist years in detention. The has also condemned Burma’s offence. Our joint exhibition at regime keeps her in virtual prosecution of what the the Congress encouraged UK solitary confinement, hoping regime considers to be false unions to join the campaign the world will forget her, but claimants of forced labour. A festival goer wears our Burma magazine as a hat for democracy in Burma, and campaigners around the world The ILO representative in was very well received. The joined together to call for her Rangoon, Richard Horsey, A big thank you goes to the RMT, The National Union of release, and demand United received 21 death threats in organisers of the Vale Earth Rail, Maritime and Transport Nations Security Council August and September 2005. Fair in Guernsey, who have Workers, is the latest national intervention. Almost 100 One of the letters said: “If donated a very generous union to affiliate to the Burma people joined our protest at you interfere our internal £4500 to the campaign. The Campaign UK, with other the House of Commons. The affairs, your head will be cut annual music festival is a long unions also pledging to sign campaign received a boost off and our people will crush time supporter of the Burma up. If you are a union member, with The Times newspaper you and poison you.” Campaign and this year we make sure your union is signed backing calls for UN Security were lucky enough to be able up to the campaign. Use the Council action. to have a stall at the festival order form on page 18 to to help raise awareness about order a trade union briefing Burma. and affiliation form. WINTER 2005 BURMA NEWS 05
Burmese Global Fund Parliamentary activist meets ends Burma action
President Bush grant In our last edition we asked you to write to your MP Charm Tong, a 23-year-old The United Nations Global urging them to support two founding member of the Fund to Fight AIDS, Early Day Motions (EDMs). Shan Women’s Action Tuberculosis and Malaria EDM 51 calls on the Network and co-author of ended its grant to Burma in government to make Burma a the report ‘License to August. The fund explained foreign policy priority, and Rape’, met President Bush its decision saying that new EDM 52 calls on TOTAL Oil to at the White House in restrictions imposed by the pull out of Burma. Thanks to October where they regime made its planned your letters over 200 MPs discussed Burma’s human health programmes impossible. have backed EDM 51, and rights situation. She urged Burma’s democracy 151 have backed EDM 52. the president to use his movement has always TOTAL Oil were so upset by upcoming trip to Asia to welcomed international aid as the number of MPs backing persuade other countries, long as it can be administered the EDM that they asked to particularly Japan, to put in a way that is transparent, meet with them. The meeting more pressure on the Junta. accountable, and backfired, with John Bercow independently monitored. MP describing TOTAL as “utterly unconvincing”. MPs Václav Havel often tell us that letters from constituents are what got John Jackson leaves Burma and Desmond them interested in Burma. Campaign UK Tutu call for Please keep writing! UN Security Council action Action Please ask your MP to sign EDM 902 calling on A new report by Václav the government to table Havel, former president of a resolution at the UN the Czech Republic, and Security Council as Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace recommended by Václav Prize Laureate and Havel and Desmond Tutu. Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Write to your MP at John Jackson with Aung San Suu Kyi and Yvette Mahon Town, has found that Burma House of Commons, fits the criteria for United London SW1A 0AA. Nations Security Council You can find out who In July BCUK said its sad personally, to all of us at (UNSC) intervention. It calls your local MP is by farewells to one of its BCUK and to the movement on UNSC members to pass a phoning the House of Directors, John Jackson, who as a whole. His experience, resolution requiring the Commons Information left after eight committed his talent, energy and regime to work with the Office on 020 7219 4272 years at the campaign. John unwavering commitment has United Nations in restoring or visiting was a founder member of seen BCUK become the highly democracy to Burma, and to www.locata.co.uk/commons BCUK, and had been a professional and reputable release Aung San Suu Kyi and Director since 1998. He will campaigning organisation it is all prisoners of conscience. remain on the Board. John today. He will be much The report has received “MPs often tell us has joined MTV to work on a missed. Despite his absence widespread support from global initiative on HIV/AIDS from the office, I know he that letters from democracy groups inside and and on its European pro-social remains no less committed to outside Burma, including constituents are campaigns. ensuring the people of Burma Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, the what got them Co-Director Yvette Mahon, achieve the peace and National League for now BCUK’s sole Director, freedom they deserve. We interested in Democracy. paid tribute to John’s work wish John every best possible Take action. See page 12 Burma. Please for the campaign: “John has wish for the future.” keep writing!” been an inspiration to me 06 INSIDE BURMA NEWS BURMA CAMPAIGN NEWS
Junta moves Activist Khin Nyunt New Amnesty out of Rangoon imprisoned sentenced report after winning documents forced labour mass forced case labour
A young Burmese woman who A new report published by successfully prosecuted her Amnesty International in
local authorities for forced Irrawaddy/TammarongThe September says that tens of labour practices has been thousands of ethnic minority sentenced to 18 months in jail civilians in Burma face forced on politically motivated labour, beatings, extortion charges. and the destruction of their
The Irrawaddy The Su Su Nway, from Htan homes. The report cites Maning Village, Rangoon examples of villagers being Division, is the first person to Khin Nyunt forced by the military to build have successfully sued the roads, hand over food and authorities over forced labour Former Prime Minister and land and provide alcohol and In a surprise move, the charges. However, since taking Military Intelligence chief young women for the regime has transferred its the action she has been General Khin Nyunt, forced entertainment of the troops. government ministries from subjected to constant from office and placed under the capital Rangoon 250 surveillance and intimidation by house arrest in October 2004, miles north to Pyinmana, a the authorities and in October was sentenced to a 44 year new administrative centre in she was found guilty of suspended prison term on central Burma. abusing government officials. 22nd July 2005. He was There have been rumours The Assistance Association for found guilty on eight charges, ‘Catwalk to of a relocation for several Political Prisoners (AAPP) has including corruption, after a years but it is unclear why the now submitted her case to the two-week trial. He remains the Barracks’ – junta has suddenly made the UN Working Group on under house arrest. sexual violence move. The regime itself insists Arbitrary Detention. A tribunal in Rangoon’s it is because Pyinmana is In an interview with Insein Jail also handed down in Mon state more strategically located. Democratic Voice of Burma sentences of 68 years and 51 A new report by Woman and Some observers suggest that earlier this year, Su Su Nway years respectively to two of Child Rights Project and the they are acting on the advice said: “If I go to prison, I want Khin Nyunt’s sons, Zaw Naing Human Rights Foundation of of astrologists, while many to urge all those have been Oo and Ye Naing Win, who Monland exposes the believe that it is a sign of the subjected to forced labour are also believed to be serving ongoing and systematic use regime’s paranoia about the like me not to feel dejected their sentences under house of sexual violence by Burmese threat of invasion and fears but fight on bravely. Everyone arrest. They were found guilty Army troops in Mon areas of of civil unrest as political and is afraid, but be afraid with of export-import violations, southern Burma. The report, economic tensions rise. your eyes open.” diverting public property, bribery and corruption. ‘Catwalk to the Barracks’, The junta has weeded out details cases of young Khin Nyunt’s allies from top women being forced into posts and about 300 people sexual slavery at local army linked to the former Prime barracks and schoolgirls Russia aiding Burma’s Minister have stood trial so forced to parade on a far, with more than 40 catwalk for the entertainment nuclear ambitions convicted, mainly for of military officers. The report economic crimes. Some have corroborates the findings of According to Mizzima News, Russia’s atomic agency, Minatom, has received sentences of more earlier reports on sexual resumed talks with the Burmese military about developing a than 100 years making Khin violence in Shan and Karen nuclear research reactor in central Burma. While there are concerns Nyunt’s sentence look States, revealing a pattern of about the potential misuse of the facility, the International Atomic comparatively lenient. abuse that provides strong Energy Agency has also expressed concerns about low safety evidence that rape has standards. become systemic under Russia is also helping to arm the military regime. Russia’s biggest military rule in Burma. The arms trader, Rosoboronexport, is planning to open an office in full report can be read at: Burma by the end of 2005, according to Mizzima. www.rehmonnya.org WINTER 2005 CAMPAIGN UPDATE 07
TOTAL Oil campaign grows
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TOTAL, one of the Bastille Day is normally a day organizations, including ethnic and they said they were. But biggest foreign of celebration for France, but nationality groups, says “It is we are now at the stage investors in Burma, this year it was marked by an outrageous that even while where we have told them we international day of action, the people of France think they should be moving earns the regime highlighting how the celebrate their revolution, out of Burma.” millions of dollars government allows its foreign their government are trying every year. Our policy on Burma to be dictated to stop ours.” In the UK, an Early Day campaign, the largest by the interests of TOTAL Oil. Motion calling on TOTAL to international campaign In the Netherlands, adverts pull out of Burma has been ever mounted against Burmese communities in North have been running on signed by over 150 MPs. MPs America, Europe, Africa and national television that met with TOTAL in a company working in Asia took part. France highlighting TOTAL’s role in October were not impressed Burma, goes from continues to block EU Burma, and in South Africa by their excuses. After the strength to strength. sanctions against Burma in former anti-apartheid activists meeting Vera Baird QC MP order to protect the interests have held meetings and and John Bercow MP said of French oil giant TOTAL, protests against TOTAL Oil. “TOTAL’s investment is which is a business partner of propping up a sadistic, FTUB the regime. French policy Investors continue to pressure hideous regime, providing it provides crucial support for TOTAL. Barry Clavin, Ethical with a cloak of respectability, the regime. Policies Manager at CIS, told behind which it can continue the Observer newspaper; “We its brutal oppression of the Aung Din, Director of US told TOTAL to look at this Burmese people.” Campaign for Burma and a former political prisoner, says “Because the French TAKE ACTION – JOIN THE CAMPAIGN Revolution has been the What can you do? inspiration for many freedom 1. Send a campaign postcard to TOTAL. Use the order form on page 18 struggles, we are demanding 2. Send a campaign email. Visit: www.burmacampaign.org.uk/total.html Children on the Thai/Burma border learn that the French Government about the TOTAL Campaign ends its protection of Burma’s 3. Write to your MP asking them to sign EDM 52, calling on Burma to military dictators.”Soe Aung, withdraw from Burma. Write to your MP at House of Commons, Spokesperson for the National London SW1A 0AA. Council of the Union of 4. Join the international day of action on Friday 3rd February 2006. Burma (NCUB), an umbrella To find out about actions on this day, join our email network by sending a blank email to: [email protected] group of 30 pro-democracy 08 CAMPAIGN UPDATE BURMA CAMPAIGN NEWS
Aung San Suu Kyi’s 60th birthday celebrations
The publicity, the In June, Aung San Suu Kyi spent her 60th birthday in detention. Thanks to the support of birthday cards, thousands of campaigners around the world, for the weekend of her birthday Aung San Suu Kyi demonstrations and was headline news around the world, reminding politicians that they should take action to secure her release, and reminding the regime that the world is watching. Here’s a roundup of some of the campaign emails have events that took place for Aung San Suu Kyi’s birthday. all helped to keep Aung San Suu Kyi safe Tony Blair meets Burma Campaign delegation from the regime, and On 10th June, a delegation of high profile women met Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing to ensure the world Street to urge him to do all he can to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. The delegation was does not forget what is led by Glenys Kinnock MEP and included Prunella Scales, Jo Brand, Marie O’Riordan, editor of Marie Claire, Vera Baird MP, Chair All-Party Parliamentary Group for Democracy in Burma, BCUK happening in Burma. Campaigns Manager Anna Roberts and members of the Women of Burma group. Jo Brand described Aung San Suu Kyi as a “brave and determined woman, taking on one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world. She has asked for our support, and she must get it.”
The delegation briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation in Burma, asked him to do all he can to help free Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners and to put Burma on the UN Security Council agenda. The Prime Minister expressed his concern about events in Burma and was keen to hear what Britain could do to help. He also signed a birthday card for Aung San Suu Kyi. The fact that the Prime Minister agreed to meet our delegation personally is a sign of how seriously he is taking the issue.
House of Commons birthday reception MPs showed their support at a parliamentary reception for Aung San Suu Kyi in the House of Commons organised by the All Party-Parliamentary Group for Democracy. MPs also discussed the human rights situation in Burma at a debate in Westminster Hall in the House of Commons called by
Burma Campaign delegation with John Bercow MP, joint chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Democracy in Burma and 190 Tony Blair MPs signed the Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for Aung San Suu Kyi’s release.
Global protests An unprecedented number of protests were held outside Burmese Embassies across the world, including throughout Europe, USA, South Africa, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. In the UK, members of the Burmese community joined with the Burma Campaign and Christian Solidarity Worldwide outside the embassy to demand Aung San Suu Kyi’s release.
Global honours Tributes to Aung San Suu Kyi poured in from around the world for her birthday from a host of world leaders, and from Nobel Peace Laureates, with a special birthday wish from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In his Birthday Wish he said: “My very warmest and best wishes to you, my dear sister, on your 60th birthday. All my richest blessings on you, and may your vision of justice, democracy, and peace become a reality for you, and for all the people of Burma... You’re proof that strength does not lie in force but in integrity and in commitment to justice and human rights... In South Africa we had an intransigent problem, apartheid. We overcame apartheid. No problem is intransigent. Burma will be free. You will be free. And the military dictators of Burma will be free.”
Birthday procession through Edinburgh In Edinburgh, the City Council honoured Aung San Suu Kyi with the Freedom of the City Award. Aung San Suu Kyi’s son, Kim, accepted the award on her behalf, and the ceremony was followed by a commemorative tree-planting ceremony. This is only the second time that the Council has awarded Freedom of the City to a person outside Edinburgh. The first time was to the South African leader Nelson Mandela.
Britain’s largest trade union, UNISON, awarded Aung San Suu Kyi honorary membership at their national conference in Glasgow. UNISON president Pauline Grant presented the honorary WINTER 2005 CAMPAIGN UPDATE 09
Damien Rice's song for Suu Kyi
MTV posters on the London Underground
Front page of The Independent on 19 June ese Embassy in the UK Protest outside the Burm
membership on behalf of the union’s 1.3 million members in recognition of Aung San Suu Kyi’s fight for democracy in Burma. She called on the British government to do all in its power to end the regime in Burma by imposing strict economic sanctions.
MTV Free Aung San Suu Kyi Campaign Global music television broadcaster MTV relaunched their campaign to free Aung San Suu Kyi. Over the summer, birthday posters were put up in London Underground stations all over the capital and MTV broadcast two awareness-raising videos in support of Suu Kyi. The promos directed people to a new website, www.mtvburmaaction.com, where they can send emails to the regime, demanding the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
REM concert in Dublin broadcast into Burma At their Dublin concert in June, rock group REM dedicated three songs to Aung San Suu Kyi and “In South Africa we the concert was broadcast into Burma via the new Democratic Voice of Burma satellite channel. had an intransigent Lead singer Michael Stipe said: “We pray with our hearts that by your 61st birthday, you will walk free among your people... we are gathered here tonight to join in solidarity with your vision of problem, apartheid. democracy in Burma.” We overcame apartheid. Bono from U2 also paid tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi when he sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her from No problem is the stage at their concert on 19 June. intransigent. Burma will be free. Damien Rice releases song for Suu Kyi You will be free.” Irish singer Damien Rice visited Burma and refugee camps on the Thai Burma border in July 2004. He was so moved by the experience that he wrote a song for Aung San Suu Kyi, ‘Unplayed Piano’, Archbishop Desmond Tutu which was released to coincide with her birthday. Damien Rice has donated all proceeds from the single to the Burma Campaign UK and US Campaign for Burma. 10 BURMA CAMPAIGN UK BURMA CAMPAIGN NEWS
Too many years of empty words: time for UN Security Council action
By Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK
As Aung San Suu Kyi On 24 October 2005, Aung San Suu Kyi began her eleventh accumulated year in detention in Burma. enters her 11th year of In the sixteen years that have passed since 1989 and the first of her three periods of arrest, the detention, Yvette situation in Burma has steadily deteriorated. The international community has failed throughout these years to initiate any democratic progress in the country. Protracted hand-wringing, inertia, the counter Mahon, Director of the economic interests of some key countries, and a marked absence of creativity and vision, has meant Burma Campaign UK, that there has never been a coherent or consistent strategy from any government, or any body of looks at the failure of governments such as the European Union (EU) or the Association of South-East Asian Nations the United Nations to (ASEAN) or indeed from the United Nations (UN) on how to tackle Burma’s intransigent rulers. take any effective action against the Too many years of empty words The repetitive words of fourteen years of UN reports and resolutions, the efforts of the Secretary- regime in Burma and General’s office, and those of a sequence of UN Special Envoys and Rapporteurs have failed to the possibility of UN affect any positive change in Burma whatsoever. Indeed, neither the current Special Envoy nor the Security Council action. Special Rapporteur have even been permitted to enter the country they are responsible for in recent years. Annual resolutions by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) have repeatedly outlined the reforms necessary to move Burma from dictatorship towards democracy. They have repeatedly expressed ‘grave concern’ at ongoing violations of human rights. They have consistently asked that the regime cease its harassment of the NLD and instead engage in dialogue with both the NLD and ethnic nationalities. They have called year on year for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi. They have been consistently and unashamedly ignored.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) too has taken Burma repeatedly to task over the systematic use of forced labour. In 2000 the ILO invoked article 33 of its Charter for the first time in its history – calling upon its constituencies to review their relationship with Burma to ensure they don’t contribute to the continuation of forced labour. The call was ‘suspended’ temporarily in 2001 to give the authorities time and space to comply with requests made, but reinstated in March 2005, after the regime made clear its unwillingness to co-operate. WINTER 2005 BURMA CAMPAIGN UK 11
Václav Havel Archbishop Desmond Tutu
“The evidence makes Time for a coherent UN strategy starkly clear that The regime continues to reject any assertion of human rights abuses, has shown no commitment to Burma poses a years of UN mediation efforts and refuses to cooperate with current nonenforceable UN efforts. It has also failed to end the practice of forced labour as required by its ILO treaty obligations. Instead, at “threat to the peace” each turn Burma’s Generals have opted to reject, snub and embarrass a UN system whose approach of the region”. to the issue of Burma has been mired by an absence of both strategy and sense of urgency. After a combined total of twenty-seven failed resolutions by the UNGA and UNCHR the time for empty words is surely done and a coherent UN strategy for tackling Rangoon’s intransigence long over-due.
“Burma’s regime has Burma – A threat to the peace A groundbreaking report ‘Threat to the Peace, A Call to the United Nations Security Council to Act’, already proven itself launched on 20 September, 2005 may finally prove the catalyst which enables the UN to break free of to be seriously rattled this cycle of ignored requests, and instead effectively engage the regime in a meaningful democratic by the potential for process. The report, compiled by law firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary and commissioned by this new multilateral Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former President of the Czech Republic Václav Havel, provides an show of unity on objective and definitive account of the threat that Burma’s illegitimate regime poses not only to its own Burma”. people but also to regional peace and security. The evidence makes starkly clear that Burma poses a ‘threat to the peace’ of the region, and that under Chapter VII of the UN Charter this authorises the UN Security Council (UNSC) to become engaged in seeking a resolution to the situation.
The report examines key factors judged, in previous UNSC resolutions, to be a factor in determining a threat to international peace and security, and concludes not only that each of these key factors is present in the case of Burma, but uniquely that all are present concurrently and have frequently proved to be of a more severe nature than in other instances when the UNSC has acted. These factors include: the overthrow of a democratic government; conflict between the regime and ethnic groups; widespread internal humanitarian/human rights violations; substantial outflow of refugees; drug production and trafficking and the export of HIV/AIDS.
A unifying initiative The launch of the Tutu-Havel report, and the support it has already garnered, marks the beginnings of the first effective multilateral effort to bring about change in Burma. For those countries that have, until now, explained their failure to act by decrying the uselessness of unilateralism, this must now give them pause to reconsider.
The effort also addresses concerns about the presumed isolationist attitude towards Burma, encompassing as it does the most significant attempt yet to engage the regime diplomatically. 12 BURMA CAMPAIGN UK BURMA CAMPAIGN NEWS
Any resolution achieved at the Council would not be asking for sanctions, thereby bringing pro and anti-sanctions advocates together for the first time. It would instead require the regime to: work with the Secretary-General’s office in implementing a plan for reconciliation and restoration of a democratically elected government; provide access for UN and humanitarian organisations and release unconditionally Aung San Suu Kyi and all prisoners of conscience.
United Burmese call for action The report has already been seized upon by a significant number of domestic, regional and international actors who have recognised the unique opportunities it presents and come together in supporting its proposals.
Inside Burma, the report has also been endorsed and its recommendations supported by the National League for Democracy, the Committee Representing the People’s Parliament, the Karen National Union, the Restoration Council of the Shan State, eleven of the ethnic nationality parties that won seats in the 1990 elections, several of the ethnic cease-fire groups, including the Kachin UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Independence Organisation (KIO) and Mon New State Party (MNSP) and many other pro-democracy groups. Additionally, key prominent student leaders who led the 1988 democracy uprising– including Min Ko Naing – have issued statements of support. In exile, the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, the National Council of the Union of Burma, the Members of Parliament Union-Burma and the Ethnic National Council (ENC) (the largest ethnic political alliance in Burma) are all united in their call for the UNSC to take up the issue of Burma.
Burma’s regime has already proven itself to be seriously rattled by the potential for this new multilateral show of unity on Burma. A statement issued by Burma’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday 29th September dismissed the Tutu/Havel report as being “based on misinformation by a few remaining insurgents and foreign funded expatriates,” and an “attempt to discredit the government.”
United international support essential It is clearly vital that this significant new opportunity, combined with a united Burmese call for action, must not now be squandered. Individual Governments, the European Union, the Association of South-East Asian Nations and, in particular, the current member states of the United Nations Security Council must respond to the call from within Burma and get fully behind this initiative; to achieve binding Security Council intervention at the earliest possible opportunity. Burma’s Generals have shown they will respond to nothing less. Having exhausted all other non-enforceable mechanisms, only the unifying and binding power of the UNSC can now help restore peace, promote UN Security Council chamber reconciliation and facilitate a return to democratic rule in Burma. The people of the country, after forty-three years of illegitimate military rule and oppressive government, surely deserve no less.
TAKE ACTION
Please write to Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, urging him to throw Britain’s diplomatic weight behind efforts to persuade UNSC members to back action on Burma.
Key points to make in your letter: 1. Burma's regime has ignored all requests from the United Nations and governments to restore democracy to Burma. UNSC decisions are binding on member countries, and the UNSC has the power to enforce its decisions. The regime could no longer ignore the international community if UNSC action is secured.
2. The British government must use all its diplomatic resources to persuade UNSC members to back a resolution in support of restoring democracy to Burma. Send your letter to: Right Hon Jack Straw MP, Foreign Secretary, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH WINTER 2005 BURMA CAMPAIGN UK 13
Burma: A job for the Security Council
By Jared Genser Since 1990, the military junta Council possesses unparalleled grave, systematic, widespread that runs Myanmar has refused authority to make binding and ever worsening human to honour the results of the decisions that uphold the rights abuses against the elections it organized in United Nations’ commitment Burmese people. Such abuses which the National League to prevent war, defend human include the destruction of more for Democracy (NLD) won rights and promote than 2,700 villages since 1996, more than 80 percent of the international political stability. massive forced relocations, seats in Parliament. For the Only such a binding decision rape of ethnic minorities by last 15 years, the generals in will force the military junta in government soldiers, charge have systematically Myanmar back to the widespread forced labour and oppressed their own people bargaining table to achieve the use of more than 70,000 and committed countless national reconciliation. child soldiers by the regime.
Jared Genser atrocities to maintain their grip on power. While there is no precise Fourth, as a result of these definition of what represents a abuses, more than 700,000 Jared Genser is an The time has come for the ‘threat to the peace’ under the refugees have poured out of attorney with the law United Nations Security Council UN charter, a review of Security Myanmar into neighbouring to take action in Myanmar. Council resolutions adopted in countries in recent years, firm DLA Piper Rudnick Since 2003, the Nobel Peace response to previous internal especially to Thailand, Gray Cary and co- Prize laureate and NLD leader conflicts makes clear there are destabilizing the region. author of the report Aung San Suu Kyi has been compelling reasons why the ‘Threat to the Peace: A under her third round of house council should act now. The And last, but also important, Call for the UN Security arrest. All attempts by the junta is not just a threat to its the military junta continues to Council to Act in international community own people; the worsening thwart the will of its own through the UN secretary crisis has serious transnational people as expressed in the Burma’ commissioned general’s special envoy, the effects that are destabilizing 1990 election. by former Czech General Assembly and the the broader region. Republic President Commission on Human Rights Based on its internationally Václav Havel and to encourage the generals to First, Myanmar is one of the recognised mandate, the Bishop Desmond Tutu. pursue national reconciliation world’s primary producers of Security Council is compelled have been flatly rejected. heroin and amphetamine-type to get involved, promote stimulants. The trafficking and national reconciliation, ease the This article was first The international community use of these drugs are of growing regional instability and published in the has never been more unified enormous concern to the facilitate the return of a International Herald on Myanmar. And yet, up to international community and democratically elected Tribune on September this point, the United Nations’ to the region particularly. government for the people of 19, 2005 efforts have failed. This Myanmar. By adopting a statement is not designed to Second, as a result of Burma’s binding resolution requiring place blame on any individual status as the heroin supplier for action by the military junta, the or international organization. the region, HIV strains that Security Council can force the Indeed, the blame for a lack of originated in Myanmar are generals back to the progress lies solely with the now being spread to negotiating table, ensure UN generals in Rangoon. neighbouring countries along agencies access to provide Nevertheless, whether the UN the heroin routes as a result of humanitarian relief, secure the can find a way to deal with the needle-sharing. The release of Aung San Suu Kyi situation is in many respects government’s unwillingness and other prisoners of not only a question for to cooperate with the conscience, and bring an end Myanmar, but a challenge to international community to to the tragedy that has befallen the United Nations’ ability to terminate its funding to fight the Burmese people. Serious carry out its own charter. HIV/AIDS in Myanmar. leadership by the UN Security Charged with the critical Council is the only effort that mission of maintaining peace Third, the government of can break the logjam. and security, the Security Myanmar has committed 14 BURMA CAMPAIGN UK BURMA CAMPAIGN NEWS
Burma’s generals must be brought to account
By Guy Horton For too long the world has either been ignorant of, or indifferent to, the destruction inflicted on Burma’s ethnic peoples. Figures are difficult to substantiate exactly, but the most recent report of the UN Special Rapporteur, Professor Pinheiro, estimates over a million violently displaced people inside Burma. Outside the country, there are about 150,000 registered refugees with hundreds of Human rights thousands of others hiding in Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and China. Inside Burma across the researcher, Guy Thai/Burma border alone, there are about 600,000 ethnic Karen, Karenni and Shan, either at risk of Horton, recently death in free fire zones, or concentrated into camps where they are subjected to, amongst other conducted five years things, relentless forced labour, extortion and sexual violence. Over 2,500 villages have been undercover research in destroyed. For decades, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or died as result of unsustainable conditions deliberately inflicted upon them. This situation is graver than Kosovo, Burma. His report, when about 800,000 Kosovars were violently expelled into Albania, and northern Iraq, when about ‘Dying Alive’, paints a 600,000 Kurds fled to the Turkish border after the first Gulf War. The widespread, systematic picture of systematic human rights violations inflicted by the Junta violate international law. This means the situation human rights abuses inside Burma ceases to be solely an internal matter cloaked behind the mask of national against Burma's ethnic sovereignty. minorities. Here he Many observers, however, avoid facing up to the reality of the situation. Some hide behind the talks about his findings excuse that lack of access makes independent verification impossible. This is why I travelled in and the possibilities of eastern Burma. Everywhere I found widespread, systematic destruction. In the jungles and action under mountains traumatised, weak, psychologically numb people were attempting to survive in international law. conditions where their homes, food, implements and animals had been destroyed. They lived in constant fear of attack. The fact that many survived was in spite of the Junta’s policies, not because of them.
What, however, is the connection between this level of deliberately inflicted destruction and the threat to international security now asserted in the Havel/Tutu report? Just as it is now accepted that when violence, or abuse, inflicted within the home reaches a certain level it becomes a matter of concern for society as a whole, so also when human rights violations inflicted within a State become sufficiently serious, international law is triggered, in particular the principle of universal jurisdiction and the emerging principle of the responsibility to protect. The former establishes that those responsible for certain grave crimes can be arrested and prosecuted anywhere, as was demonstrated in the case of General Pinochet. The second that humanitarian intervention is justified in certain grave circumstances.
What are the laws which apply in Burma’s case? Firstly, Article Three of the Geneva Conventions protects all those civilians in a situation of internal armed conflict, not directly involved in fighting. The 600,000 violently internally displaced, ethnic people are thus protected by this cornerstone of international law. Junta leaders can be arrested and prosecuted for violating this law. Secondly, Crimes against Humanity are crimes inflicted on any group of victims, including gender and political groups, which are either widespread or systematic, or both. The violations inflicted in Burma have been described for years in UN General Assembly Resolutions as widespread and/or systematic. The UN Special Rapporteur for Myanmar specifically condemned widespread and systematic violations in his address to the UN General Assembly on October 27 of this year. Moreover, invoking and applying Crimes against Humanity would have the advantage of enabling those responsible for torturing, persecuting and killing Burman democracy activists in lowland Burma to be arrested and prosecuted. Finally, the crime of attempting, committing, inciting or conspiring to commit genocide Many people in Burma live in constant fear of attack. This woman's village had obliges prosecution of those responsible for the crime. Burma signed and acceded to The Genocide just been attacked and her husband Convention in 1956. Thus any signatory country, including the UK, can submit a case to the beheaded. International Court of Justice asking it to rule on Burma’s responsibility for any of the above acts of Genocide. WINTER 2005 BURMA CAMPAIGN UK 15
Massacre of Karen, including women and children, in Dooplaya 2002
There is little doubt about the Burmese Junta’s responsibility for the first two sets of crimes. In addition, a case can be made of its responsibility for attempted genocide.
The time has come for us to confront the truth. All attempts at transition have so far failed. While one hopes the current attempt to refer Burma to the Security Council succeeds, it may get blocked. The regime is so much in control that it can dismantle its whole intelligence apparatus and yet remain invulnerable. It is so brazen, that it can attack and ambush Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s convoy, even though her release and freedom had been guaranteed by the UN Secretary General’s Special envoy, Ismail Razali.
For years I have listened to testimonies of prisoners whose genitals have been tortured with electric instruments, been buried up to the neck and driven over by lorries, or locked up in dog kennels for years and forced to bark for food. The people of Burma need help. One way we can do that is to apply international law which can be implemented, even though the perpetrators are still in power. To those who understandably argue this will force them further into their bunker, it should be noted that this is just where years of appeasement have led. The UN estimates over a million displaced people inside Burma The justification for this course of action was made by former UN Special Rapporteur Rajsoomer Lallah, QC, who concluded, as long ago as 1998, that the violations were systematic and involved legal responsibility:
"The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about the serious human rights violations that continue to be committed by the armed forces in the ethnic minority area. The violations include extrajudicial and arbitrary executions (not sparing women and children) rape, torture, inhuman treatment, forced labour and denial of movement. These violations have been so numerous and consistent over the year as to suggest that they are not simply isolated or the acts of individual behaviour by middle and lower rank officers but are the result of policy at the highest level, entailing political and legal responsibility."
It is high time that responsibility was fulfilled. 16 BURMA CAMPAIGN UK BURMA CAMPAIGN NEWS
Fast notes International campaign New Lice of Myanmar focus: United States Campaign for Burma
Aung Din (left), Policy Director of the US Campaign for Burma, at a recent demonstration
The regime controls all media in Burma, forcing newspapers to The US Campaign for Burma thousands of displaced people print propaganda and omit any stories critical of the regime. The (USCB) is our sister hiding in Burma’s jungles. main newspaper in Burma is the New Light of Myanmar. Readers organisation in the USA. It of the New Light of Myanmar are used to attacks on the NLD is one of the most successful Securing high profile celebrity and the democracy movement, but since ‘A Threat to the Peace’ Burma Campaigns in the support is a key priority of was published, articles and even poetry attacking Desmond Tutu world, having persuaded USCB. Recent achievements and Vaclac Havel feature in almost every edition. As you can see the US government to impose include securing the support of for yourself here, the generals are obviously very worried by this tough economic and trade musician Damien Rice, who threat of unified action. sanctions against the regime brought out a benefit single in Burma, and to push for about Aung San Suu Kyi for Burma’s inclusion on the her 60th birthday. In 2004 October 1st Aw! These two characters United Nations Security they brought out an album – A poem warns Is it because of astonishing eyes Council agenda. For The Lady – dedicated to “Those intent on destroying Myanmar That they won the peace prizes feature, get into acts of destruction Food for Thought! Food for thought. Aung San Suu Kyi, which purposefully throw stones, actually it “Our main activities are featured tracks from REM, Paul is you who will be disfigured, October 21st lobbying the US Congress and McCartney, U2, Coldplay, Peter Myanmar will retain status quo, and The people are angry with government, organising Gabriel and Eric Clapton. will move ahead with chin up.” Havel & Tutu for “their grassroots activities, raising slanderous accusations... in public awareness, and assisting The USCB has groups October 5th reality the entire people of the Burmese democracy throughout the USA and The report is ‘one-sided’, Myanmar are enjoying the movement inside Burma and works closely with the Burma ‘unreasonable’, and ‘an act of taste of peace… the two are on the Thai-Burma border,” Campaign UK and other sabotage’. always ready and proud to says Aung Din, Policy Director Burma campaigns around the slander any nations when of USCB. Trade and financial world. Members joined with October 7th they are summoned to do so sanctions brought in under campaigners around the world Havel and Tutu are ‘narrow- by the West.” the 2003 Burmese Freedom in July for a day of action on minded’, ‘totally obstinate’, and Democracy Act have to TOTAL Oil and helped co- ‘intransigent’ and have ‘ill October 26th be renewed each year, and ordinate international action will’ towards Burma. “Where is this Threat to the the USCB has successfully for Aung San Suu Kyi’s 60th Peace?” asks NLM, just days ensured overwhelming birthday. October 11th after a new report reveals majorities in favour when the More Poetry; Burma is the most conflict act has to be renewed. The Campaigning for UN Security Havel & Tutu, flying in tandem prone nation in the world. USCB also secured increased Council action on Burma is Searching for lice on bald head They cite the fact that tourists government funding for now one of the main activities Claim that they’ve found them. visit Burma as a sign all is Burmese refugees and of the USCB. “While the Won’t even glimpse, well in the country, and there internally displaced people, Security Council dithers, on pate that has plenty. is no need for the UN to making the USA one of the Burmese people are dying,” Say they’ve lice to crow about intervene. few countries supporting says Aung Din. “It is time for Quite remarkable, their prowess humanitarian assistance to the them to act.” WINTER 2005 BURMA STUDENT UPDATE 17
Report from the border
After spending the last year Her father was killed and her of my degree as a student rep mum had no money for Mujar Sheffield for BCUK, I felt I wanted to to go to school. gain a closer insight into the awards whole Burma issue and so In 1999 Mujar decided to go Aung San booked myself a ticket to the to the border to attend one Burma/Thai border. I linked up of the refugee camp’s schools. Suu Kyi with an organization called the Even here in Thailand, Honorary Burma Volunteer Program seemingly so far away from (BVP). BVP aims to place the guns and the bullets and Degree Jenny Hedstrom with her students volunteer English teachers the army boots of the SPDC, with Burmese NGOs scattered they will still all collectively around the border, so that freeze at the sight of a police they can get their messages car cruising down the street. Jenny Hedstrom, out and interact with other The threat the police pose is former BCUK student organizations across the world. very real – when I stayed in representative, talks Mae Sot, the office besides about her experiences After a few days training with ours was raided and the BVP, I was placed with a multi- members taken to ‘the cage’, on the Thai/Burma ethnic women’s organization a building where the police border working with situated just outside Chiang put the ‘convicts’ until they On 24 October, Sheffield Burmese refugees. Mai. Their office is an can get their bribes together. Hallam University anonymous looking house in If the Burmese cannot pay announced that it was the suburbs, with nothing on the bribe they may be awarding an honorary the outside to indicate that deported to Burma where degree to Aung San Suu it’s an illegal Burmese they will most likely be Kyi, to coincide with the organization, staffed by a branded traitors and jailed. day marking her ten years handful of very dedicated I feel I have gained a lot from under house arrest. women, all with a unique and teaching these girls. Whether Professor Nicholas Round, often sad history of their own they know it or not they are who accepted the degree about how they came to end teaching me more about on behalf of Suu Kyi at up in Thailand. The youngest Burma and the things that are the university’s graduation girl I teach is called Twetwe. going on there than I could ceremony, said: “It’s She is 18 next year and hasn’t ever have hoped to gain from crucial that this lady is seen her family since she was reading the news on the other honoured in the West, 11. When she was one, her side of the world. I am just both in solidarity with her father participated in the hoping that I will be able to political campaign, and student uprising of 1988 and bring some of these insights because her words and the family had to flee the back with me to Europe and her example have shown country to settle in one of the from there encourage more us how richly the many refugee camps scattered people to come to the border Burmese people deserve along the Thai-Burma border. to work with the refugees or our respect, as well as the In my beginners class there’s in other ways help to raise freedom for which she also a girl called Mujar, who awareness about Burma. and they together strive.” came to Thailand six years ago. Her brother was a student in the 1988 uprising and had to To find out more about the flee when the military clamped Burma Volunteer Program, down on the demonstrators. email: [email protected]
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