***The 13 ONLINE PETITIONS FOR BURMA HERE.***
__________________________
Some quick updates on the UN talks and UN special rapporteur on human rights for Myanmar Paulo Sergio Pinheiro's trip to Burma.
Suu Kyi Meets Junta's Official
By The Associated Press
Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi—under house arrest for 12 of the last 18 years—met for about one hour with a Burmese military government official Thursday afternoon, a diplomat said.
Pinheiro Hopes for More Cooperation This Time
By Yeni
Amid mounting international pressure, Burma's military rulers have now agreed to a return visit by the UN's human rights rapporteur for Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, who was appointed to the position seven years go.
Pinheiro Says He’ll End Visit If Junta Doesn’t Cooperate
By Lalit K Jha/United Nations
UN human rights envoy Paulo Sergio Pinheiro says that unless the Burmese junta cooperates fully with him when he visits Burma in November he will immediately leave the country.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
ASEAN should stop passing the buck on Burma
***The 13 ONLINE PETITIONS FOR BURMA HERE.***
__________________________
The Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma released a briefer today.
The full report can be downloaded HERE.
The briefer asserts that ASEAN countries must exercise their substantial influence on Burma’s military leaders to secure the delivery of genuine political and economic reforms, instead of using China as an excuse for inaction. The briefer reveals that:
* Burma relies on petrol and diesel supplies from Malaysia and Singapore to keep business running and military vehicles on the road. The military is the biggest consumer of fuel.
* Burma relies on trade with ASEAN for 51.3% of foreign exchange revenue, with gas sales to Thailand alone accounting for 48.4% in 2005/06.
* Burma relies on Thailand and Singapore as their biggest sources of new Foreign Direct Investment, constituting a total of 98.61% of FDI in the past 2 years.
* Burma relies on Singapore’s financial services to store and move the wealth that they drain away from Burma.
The briefer recommends an ASEAN freeze or even a slowdown on economic, material, and diplomatic support in order to shepherd the regime to political dialogue and the achievement of genuine reforms. Action should include a temporary freeze on large Burmese-held bank accounts and other financial assets in Singapore as part of a money-laundering review.
__________________________
The Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma released a briefer today.
The full report can be downloaded HERE.
The briefer asserts that ASEAN countries must exercise their substantial influence on Burma’s military leaders to secure the delivery of genuine political and economic reforms, instead of using China as an excuse for inaction. The briefer reveals that:
* Burma relies on petrol and diesel supplies from Malaysia and Singapore to keep business running and military vehicles on the road. The military is the biggest consumer of fuel.
* Burma relies on trade with ASEAN for 51.3% of foreign exchange revenue, with gas sales to Thailand alone accounting for 48.4% in 2005/06.
* Burma relies on Thailand and Singapore as their biggest sources of new Foreign Direct Investment, constituting a total of 98.61% of FDI in the past 2 years.
* Burma relies on Singapore’s financial services to store and move the wealth that they drain away from Burma.
The briefer recommends an ASEAN freeze or even a slowdown on economic, material, and diplomatic support in order to shepherd the regime to political dialogue and the achievement of genuine reforms. Action should include a temporary freeze on large Burmese-held bank accounts and other financial assets in Singapore as part of a money-laundering review.
Panty Power Campaign for Burma
***The 13 ONLINE PETITIONS FOR BURMA HERE.***
__________________________
From The Guardian-
[Burmese] embassies in the UK, Thailand, Australia and Singapore [and all around the world] have all been targeted by the "Panties for Peace" campaign, co-ordinated by an activist group based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. [In this campaign, activists mail female underwear to Burmese embassies all around the world].
The [maneuver] is a calculated insult to the junta and its leader, General Than Shwe. Superstitious junta members believe that any contact with female undergarments - clean or dirty - will sap them of their power, said Jackie Pollack, a member of the Lanna Action for Burma Committee.
------------
Find the Burmese embassy closest to you HERE.
(For those in Melbourne, Australia, they'll be an Panty action at the State Library at 12:30 on Oct. 26. More info HERE).
More information about the Panty Power Campaign HERE.
__________________________
From The Guardian-
[Burmese] embassies in the UK, Thailand, Australia and Singapore [and all around the world] have all been targeted by the "Panties for Peace" campaign, co-ordinated by an activist group based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. [In this campaign, activists mail female underwear to Burmese embassies all around the world].The [maneuver] is a calculated insult to the junta and its leader, General Than Shwe. Superstitious junta members believe that any contact with female undergarments - clean or dirty - will sap them of their power, said Jackie Pollack, a member of the Lanna Action for Burma Committee.
------------
Find the Burmese embassy closest to you HERE.
(For those in Melbourne, Australia, they'll be an Panty action at the State Library at 12:30 on Oct. 26. More info HERE).
More information about the Panty Power Campaign HERE.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Walking a Thin Line
***The 13 ONLINE PETITIONS FOR BURMA HERE.***
__________________________
There were about 150 activists there tonight. But I didn't know how many spies were present. It was supposed to be a vigil to mark the one month anniversary of the largest protests in Burma in almost 20 years and the 12 years that Aung San Suu Kyi has been held under house arrest. Today was Aung San Suu Kyi Day. It was a sea of red, which represented the saffron robes of the monks who led the protests. I saw a couple of All Burma Students' Democratic Front/NLD fighting peacock headbands as well. One participant was wise enough to cover his face with a red bandanna.
I instinctively was on my guard. Not so much for my own protection, but that of my coworker's.
As there were camera crews snapping away, as well as a lot of personal cameras clicking, I tried to stay low.
I thought it was a shame that an opportunity to show solidarity and further network with fellow activists was overshadowed by my security concerns.
A couple of associates were talking openly about our work after the vigil, and one was especially vocal and injudicious about dropping names. Although they were more senior than me in experience (not by that much, though, in my opinion), I didn't think they were being very prudent.
I asked my co-worker after we left, "Do you think there were spies tonight?" "Naja mi" was his response. Which translates into. Probably, or Most definitely.
He's used to it. I am not.
While I develop my networks and get deeper into this work, I am steadily realizing to what extent I have to be cautious. By no means am I a big fish, but then again, better safe than sorry.
Trying to get my photos posted, but the USB port is electrocuting me. Sorry.
__________________________
There were about 150 activists there tonight. But I didn't know how many spies were present. It was supposed to be a vigil to mark the one month anniversary of the largest protests in Burma in almost 20 years and the 12 years that Aung San Suu Kyi has been held under house arrest. Today was Aung San Suu Kyi Day. It was a sea of red, which represented the saffron robes of the monks who led the protests. I saw a couple of All Burma Students' Democratic Front/NLD fighting peacock headbands as well. One participant was wise enough to cover his face with a red bandanna.
I instinctively was on my guard. Not so much for my own protection, but that of my coworker's.
As there were camera crews snapping away, as well as a lot of personal cameras clicking, I tried to stay low.
I thought it was a shame that an opportunity to show solidarity and further network with fellow activists was overshadowed by my security concerns.
A couple of associates were talking openly about our work after the vigil, and one was especially vocal and injudicious about dropping names. Although they were more senior than me in experience (not by that much, though, in my opinion), I didn't think they were being very prudent.
I asked my co-worker after we left, "Do you think there were spies tonight?" "Naja mi" was his response. Which translates into. Probably, or Most definitely.
He's used to it. I am not.
While I develop my networks and get deeper into this work, I am steadily realizing to what extent I have to be cautious. By no means am I a big fish, but then again, better safe than sorry.
Trying to get my photos posted, but the USB port is electrocuting me. Sorry.
Support Free Speech in Burma!
***The 13 ONLINE PETITIONS FOR BURMA HERE.***
__________________________
Reporters Without Borders (website HERE)has a PETITION calling for the immediate release of Win Tin, one of Aung San Suu Kyi's mentors. You can sign the petition HERE.
According to Reporters Without Borders' 2007 Worldwide Press Freedom Index, Burma is rated 164. China is 163. You can view the index HERE. The Irrawaddy has posted an article on the dangers of reporting in Burma HERE.
Win Tin, one of the political mentors of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, continues to serve his 20-year prison sentence. He is regularly offered freedom in exchange for a signed promise to give up all political activity. But "Saya" (Teacher), as his friends call him, has always refused to cut such a deal and break his ties with the National League for Democracy, which was cheated out of its landslide victory at the 1990 general elections.
He was convicted of "subversion" and "anti-government propaganda." In 1996, he was held for five months in a dog-kennel at Rangoon's Insein prison. He has since had two heart attack and lost most of his teeth. Now 75, he has been shuttling back, and forth between his cell and the spartan prisoners' wing of Rangoon hospital for the past few years.
These days, Burma's military rulers treat him with a little more respect and he now has his own cell. But he is still not allowed to write anything.
He was arrested in July 4, 1989 for simply expressing his right of expression, which is guaranteed under Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Please help set him free HERE. (http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=2059)
__________________________
Reporters Without Borders (website HERE)has a PETITION calling for the immediate release of Win Tin, one of Aung San Suu Kyi's mentors. You can sign the petition HERE.
According to Reporters Without Borders' 2007 Worldwide Press Freedom Index, Burma is rated 164. China is 163. You can view the index HERE. The Irrawaddy has posted an article on the dangers of reporting in Burma HERE.
Win Tin, one of the political mentors of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, continues to serve his 20-year prison sentence. He is regularly offered freedom in exchange for a signed promise to give up all political activity. But "Saya" (Teacher), as his friends call him, has always refused to cut such a deal and break his ties with the National League for Democracy, which was cheated out of its landslide victory at the 1990 general elections. He was convicted of "subversion" and "anti-government propaganda." In 1996, he was held for five months in a dog-kennel at Rangoon's Insein prison. He has since had two heart attack and lost most of his teeth. Now 75, he has been shuttling back, and forth between his cell and the spartan prisoners' wing of Rangoon hospital for the past few years.
These days, Burma's military rulers treat him with a little more respect and he now has his own cell. But he is still not allowed to write anything.
He was arrested in July 4, 1989 for simply expressing his right of expression, which is guaranteed under Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Please help set him free HERE. (http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=2059)
"I come from a 'black' area"
***The 12 ONLINE PETITIONS FOR BURMA HERE.***
__________________________
In a country split by civil war, there are three areas. The "white" areas are those held by the SPDC. "Grey" denotes areas held in contention. And "black" is for insurgent controlled territory.
Today, I met Htu Plway*. He is a stateless person, a person without citizenship. His parents fled Burma in the early 80's. While he was born in Karen State, he doesn't have any identification papers, which makes it all the more dangerous for him to do the kind of work that he does. He is especially at risk whenever he crosses the border going either way.
One of the first things he said to me was "I come from a black area." Coming from a "black" area makes it all the more difficult for one to freely travel, let alone crossing the border.
He told me later in the day that without identification papers and a country to call his own, he's not sure about his future. When I asked him what country he would like to call home. He said "Any".
He was in Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State, at the height of the protests in late September. He took part for 3 days before the officials there closed the monastery and sent the monks home.
There was no violence, but had he been arrested, he would have been in a precarious situation. Without any papers, he could've languished in jail for a long time. He knows how lucky he is.
I was surprised to see that for someone who works in a constant state of physical insecurity, how well-informed he was about the varying responses to Burma from the international community.
Through our conversation, I could also sense his frustration and disappointment of not only the weakness of the UN's response, but also the failure of the different opposition groups in uniting together and their recent inaction in the recent protests. He told me that when he approached one of the ceasefire groups, they told him, "If you get into trouble, don't come to us for help."
(Many of the ceasefire groups choose a tentative peace over bloodshed, as they know they are no match for the Burma Army's artillery. Some benefit from trade concessions granted under the ceasefires, and would rather stick to the status quo than restart their civil war. The truth is that ceasefires help the junta future entrench themselves in insurgent held areas. It never ceases to amaze me that the junta will only respond to the power of the gun. While it is willing to negotiate with armed insurgents, it fails to seek dialogue with the democratically-elected government.)
I didn't want to probe too much, as I just met him. But I'm sure I'll have a lot to learn from his experiences. Perhaps a bit is lost in translation, as my Thai is not that good. But one thing is for sure, that I am constantly humbled by working with and for these human rights and environmental activists. It just amazes me that they keep fighting even though they are fighting against almost impossible odds. Hope keeps them afloat.
* I changed his name to protect his identity
__________________________
In a country split by civil war, there are three areas. The "white" areas are those held by the SPDC. "Grey" denotes areas held in contention. And "black" is for insurgent controlled territory.
Today, I met Htu Plway*. He is a stateless person, a person without citizenship. His parents fled Burma in the early 80's. While he was born in Karen State, he doesn't have any identification papers, which makes it all the more dangerous for him to do the kind of work that he does. He is especially at risk whenever he crosses the border going either way.
One of the first things he said to me was "I come from a black area." Coming from a "black" area makes it all the more difficult for one to freely travel, let alone crossing the border.
He told me later in the day that without identification papers and a country to call his own, he's not sure about his future. When I asked him what country he would like to call home. He said "Any".
He was in Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State, at the height of the protests in late September. He took part for 3 days before the officials there closed the monastery and sent the monks home.
There was no violence, but had he been arrested, he would have been in a precarious situation. Without any papers, he could've languished in jail for a long time. He knows how lucky he is.
I was surprised to see that for someone who works in a constant state of physical insecurity, how well-informed he was about the varying responses to Burma from the international community.
Through our conversation, I could also sense his frustration and disappointment of not only the weakness of the UN's response, but also the failure of the different opposition groups in uniting together and their recent inaction in the recent protests. He told me that when he approached one of the ceasefire groups, they told him, "If you get into trouble, don't come to us for help."
(Many of the ceasefire groups choose a tentative peace over bloodshed, as they know they are no match for the Burma Army's artillery. Some benefit from trade concessions granted under the ceasefires, and would rather stick to the status quo than restart their civil war. The truth is that ceasefires help the junta future entrench themselves in insurgent held areas. It never ceases to amaze me that the junta will only respond to the power of the gun. While it is willing to negotiate with armed insurgents, it fails to seek dialogue with the democratically-elected government.)
I didn't want to probe too much, as I just met him. But I'm sure I'll have a lot to learn from his experiences. Perhaps a bit is lost in translation, as my Thai is not that good. But one thing is for sure, that I am constantly humbled by working with and for these human rights and environmental activists. It just amazes me that they keep fighting even though they are fighting against almost impossible odds. Hope keeps them afloat.
* I changed his name to protect his identity
Oct. 24, AUNG SAN SUU KYI DAY
***The 12 ONLINE PETITIONS FOR BURMA HERE.***
__________________________
from Burma Campaign UK, website HERE
______________________
Could you send me any photos that you take of the day.
This is so that we can distribute your photos to press outlets worldwide to draw attention to the Burma. All submitted photos will be displayed HERE.
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/burmacampaignUK
Please make sure that on the day you take a photo of 12 people dressed in white wearing Aung San Suu Kyi masks. Download the mask HERE. (http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/ASSKmask.pdf) with their hands tied together. All cities around the world will be doing this.
You can send me photos to burmacampaignuk@gmail.com
If you have any photos you'd like to add to our collection from the October 6th global day of action (viewable at the above web address) please also email them to this address.
If you have any videos you'd like to submit to our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/burmacampaignuk) please also send the link to this address.
Thanks, Lets hope tomorrow goes well!
__________________________
from Burma Campaign UK, website HERE
______________________
Just a quick note to remind you that tomorrow is Aung San Suu Kyi day. Tomorrow she will have been under arrest for 12 years.
Could you send me any photos that you take of the day.
This is so that we can distribute your photos to press outlets worldwide to draw attention to the Burma. All submitted photos will be displayed HERE.
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/burmacampaignUK
Please make sure that on the day you take a photo of 12 people dressed in white wearing Aung San Suu Kyi masks. Download the mask HERE. (http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/ASSKmask.pdf) with their hands tied together. All cities around the world will be doing this.
You can send me photos to burmacampaignuk@gmail.com
If you have any photos you'd like to add to our collection from the October 6th global day of action (viewable at the above web address) please also email them to this address.
If you have any videos you'd like to submit to our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/burmacampaignuk) please also send the link to this address.
Thanks, Lets hope tomorrow goes well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)