VL.png The World-Wide Web Virtual Library
[WWW VL database || WWW VL search] 		donations.gif asia-wwwvl.gif

Online Burma/Myanmar Library

Full-Text Search | Database Search | What's New | Alphabetical List of Subjects | Main Library | Reading Room | Burma Press Summary

Home > Main Library > Activism and Advocacy (groups from Burma, solidarity groups, campaigns, publications) > Online publications by Burma solidarity groups > ALTSEAN-Burma archive

Order links by: Reverse Date Title

ALTSEAN-Burma archive

Websites/Multiple Documents

Title: ALTSEAN-Burma website
Description/subject: Has the more recent ALTSEAN reports
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: html
Date of entry/update: 21 November 2003


Individual Documents

Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 44 -- AUGUST 2010
Date of publication: August 2010
Description/subject: KEY STORY; Election timeline; Threats and harassment; Additional restrictions; More censorship; Discontent grows; Protests; Pre-election military reshuffle... INSIDE BURMA: NLD boycott campaign; Junta stops aid visas; DKBA splits over BGF... HUMAN RIGHTS: Arrest and prison sentences; Religious freedom; Detention conditions; Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: Rohingya woes in Bangladesh... INTERNATIONAL: US endorses CoI on Burma; Int’l concerns over elections... ECONOMY: Thailand hedges on gas; US fines Barclays bank; China investment; SPDC suspends visa-on-arrival; SPDC threatens workers... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (145K)
Date of entry/update: 01 September 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 43 -- JULY 2010
Date of publication: July 2010
Description/subject: IN THIS ISSUE:- KEY STORY: 2 Unfair resource allocation; 2 Unfair registration process; 2 Censorship intensifies; 3 Coercion and bribes; 3 Acts of defiance continue... INSIDE BURMA: 3 Military offensive continues; 3 Junta and ceasefire groups; 4 NLD marks Martyrs’ Day; 4 More restrictions on Daw Suu; 4 Aid still needed in the delta; 4 Dengue spreads and kills... HUMAN RIGHTS: 5 Monks targeted; 5 Arrest and prison sentence; 5 Win Htein released... DISPLACEMENT: 5 Deported migrants in jeopardy... INTERNATIONAL: 5 SPDC in the hot seat at AMM; 6 US turns up the heat on SPDC; 6 SPDC nuclear program; 7 North Korean FM visits Burma; 7 Than Shwe goes to India... ECONOMY: 7 Economic mismanagement; 8 New deals for cronies; 8 SPDC shuts Thai border; 9 Thailand signs new gas deal... 9 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 10 REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (148K)
Date of entry/update: 02 August 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 42 -- JUNE 2010
Date of publication: June 2010
Description/subject: KEY STORY: More election restrictions; Forced recruitment of party members; Parties’ financial woes; Registration still delayed... INSIDE BURMA: Nuclear program revealed; Junta rattled by leaks; New arms procurement; Junta shelves BGF issue; Daw Suu’s 65th birthday; Daw Suu detention arbitrary; Floods hit Arakan State; Forced relocation continues; Drug production increases... HUMAN RIGHTS: “Worst of the worst”; Prison sentence; No unions in the Union; ILO says forced labor continues... DISPLACEMENT: Burma on US trafficking list; Rohingya in Bangladesh; Int’l concern over refugees; Thailand migrant crackdown... INTERNATIONAL: Visits to Naypyidaw; US concerned by NK ties; EU initiatives... ECONOMY: Petrol stations open; New deals with China... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (166K)
Date of entry/update: 04 July 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 41 -- MAY 2010
Date of publication: May 2010
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • 2010 elections; • Opposition to election; • NDF applies for registration; • International concern over elections... INSIDE BURMA: • NLD activities; • Cracks in the regime; • New anti-terrorism law; • Dam project fuels abuses; • SPDC recruits local militias; • Aid still needed in the delta; • Child soldiers; • Water shortages hit Burma... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Freedom of information; • Detention conditions; • Prison sentences;... DISPLACEMENT: • Rohingya flee to Bangladesh... INTERNATIONAL: • Campbell meets Daw Suu; • US renews Burma sanctions; • NK supplies technology... ECONOMY: • SPDC issues bank licenses... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (209K)
Date of entry/update: 02 June 2010


Title: SPDC ELECTION LAWS SET THE STAGE FOR SHAM ELECTIONS
Date of publication: 26 April 2010
Description/subject: "The following paper gives a concrete update since the last report ALTSEAN published on the electoral process in Burma [See ALTSEAN - Burma report on 2010 Elections : a recipe for continued conflict on: www.altsean.org/Reports/2010Electionsbis. php. ] It also explains how the regime is preparing itself for the day after the elections which are organized with only one aim: to ensure that the country will remain still hostage of the military for many more years to come.... Highlights: • The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) issues five repressive election laws that will ensure that the polls held in Burma later this year will be neither free nor fair. • Some of the repressive provisions include: – Giving the Election Commission the authority to deny or delay elections in ethnic nationality areas for “security reasons”. – Excluding those who convicted of a crime and serving a jail term from being a member of a political party. – Forbidding those associated with armed opposition groups - and potentially including those associated with ceasefire groups that reject the SPDC’s Border Guard Force (BGR) ultimatum - from taking part in the elections. • The SPDC continues to place severe restrictions on freedom and expression and assembly. • In response to the unfair and undemocratic election laws, the National League for Democracy (NLD) announces that it will boycott the SPDC’s elections. • In the meantime, the SPDC prepares to transfer its authority to junta-backed political parties and sell state assets to its loyal cronies. • On the border, ethnic tensions escalate as ceasefire groups refuse to accept the SPDC’s ultimatum that their militaries become BGFs. • In early 2010, SPDC military offensives in Eastern Burma displace more than 4,100 villagers. • UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma recommends the UN consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the SPDC. 4 / • Regardless of how the elections are conducted, the SPDC’s constitution will perpetuate military rule, because it stipulates that: – The military occupies 25% of the seats in Parliament and controls 3 key Ministries; – The military has effective veto power over constitutional amendments; – The National Defense and Security Council further entrenches the military; – Basic human rights are still threatened..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
Format/size: pdf (718K)
Date of entry/update: 01 May 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 40 -- APRIL 2010
Date of publication: April 2010
Description/subject: KEY STORY: Generals in suits and ties; Restrictions on media intensify; Ethnics oppose elections; Election laws condemned... INSIDE BURMA: Fifth BGF ultimatum rejected; NLD to continue its activities; Daw Suu health concerns; Explosive April; SPDC-Belarus cooperation; SPDC still restricts aid... HUMAN RIGHTS: Arrests; Press and religious freedoms... DISPLACEMENT: Rohingya in Bangladesh... INTERNATIONAL: ASEAN calls for free & fair polls; EU extends sanctions... ECONOMY: New deals... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (204K)
Date of entry/update: 01 May 2010


Title: THE SPDC’S CRIMES CONTINUE IN 2010: A UNSC COMMISSION OF INQUIRY IS NEEDED TO PROTECT BURMA’S PEOPLE
Date of publication: April 2010
Description/subject: • Since the publication of our briefer “International crimes in Burma: the urgent need for a Commission of Inquiry,” in October 2009 the SPDC has continued to commit crimes against its own people. • In March, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana said that the “gross and systematic” human rights abuses in Burma “were the result of state policy” and recommended that the UN consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry. • In the first three months of 2010, the SPDC continued to perpetrate crimes against humanity and war crimes with total impunity, highlighting the urgent need for a UN Security Council-mandated Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma. • In the three-month period, the following SPDC war crimes/crimes against humanity were documented: *At least nine victims of extrajudicial killings. * At least four instances of forced labor. * An additional 4,100 people were forcibly displaced in military attacks that targeted civilians. * At least 11 people subjected to arbitrary imprisonment. * The continued use of torture. * At least one case of rape and sexual violence. * Systematic and widespread persecution of Muslim Rohingya communities. * At least two children were recruited as child soldiers.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (126K)
Date of entry/update: 21 April 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 39 -- MARCH 2010
Date of publication: March 2010
Description/subject: KEY STORY: NLD boycotts elections; SPDC unfair election laws; Restrictions continue; Other election news in brief; Groups condemns SPDC laws; International reactions.... INSIDE BURMA: Ethnic tension escalates; Villagers flee forced recruitment; More Chinese trucks; SPDC still behind drug trade.... HUMAN RIGHTS: Ojea Quintana calls for CoI; UN HRC condemns SPDC; UK & US human rights reports; In and out of jail; Freedom of information.... DISPLACEMENT: Rohingya humanitarian crisis; Migrant workers in Thailand.... INTERNATIONAL: UNSC discusses SPDC laws.... ECONOMY: Strikes continue; Alcatel-Lucent helps SPDC.... OTHER BURMA NEWS.... REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (231K)
Date of entry/update: 21 April 2010


Title: EASTERN BURMA: 118,800 DISPLACED IN 18 MONTHS
Date of publication: 03 February 2010
Description/subject: * In the 18 months spanning July 2008-December 2009, SPDC military operations displaced at least 118,800 (43,800 refugees and 75,000 internally displaced persons) people in Eastern Burma alone. * Of this figure, at least 16,800 were victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes as defined under international law. * Much of the displacement was the result of the junta's program to secure military and political control over ethnic areas in the lead-up to the SPDC's planned elections this year. * Displacement is expected to increase as the regime intensifies pressure on ethnic groups resisting the elections that are predicated on a constitution designed to legitimize the military regime's political and economic subjugation of ethnic nationalities. * At the start of 2010, SPDC Army crimes against humanity and war crimes in Eastern Burma pushed 2,000 Karen into the jungles.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (119K)
Date of entry/update: 04 February 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 38 – FEBRUARY 2010
Date of publication: February 2010
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Displaced people threatened; • 2,100 driven into the jungle; • Thailand repatriates Karen; • Crackdown on Rohingya... INSIDE BURMA: • SPDC releases Tin Oo; • Daw Suu appeal rejected; • NLD activities; • 2010 election news; • BGF talks at an impasse; • 500,000 homeless in the delta... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Junta snubs Ojea Quintana; • Detention conditions; • Prison sentences; • Releases; • Torture and death... DISPLACEMENT: • Migrants threatened... INTERNATIONAL: • Calls for free and fair elections... ECONOMY: • More “privatizations”; • Strikes in Rangoon... OTHER BURMA NEWS.. REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (221K)
Date of entry/update: 07 March 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 37 - JANUARY 2010
Date of publication: January 2010
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Economic mismanagement... 2 SPDC way to privatization... 2 Corruption cripples Burma..... INSIDE BURMA: 3 Election promises... 3 Protests, boycotts, campaigns... 4 NLD marks Independence Day... 4 NLD re-organizes CEC... 5 SPDC toys with Daw Suu... 5 SPDC Army gets new radios... 5 Military reshuffles... 5 Death sentences for officials... 6 Opium cultivation increased... 6 SPDC presses on BGF..... HUMAN RIGHTS: 7 Reports blasts SPDC... 7 Arrests and prison sentences... 7 SPDC-ILO agreement extended..... DISPLACEMENT: 8 Two thousand Karen flee... 8 Rohingya plight worsens... 8 Thailand extends deadline..... INTERNATIONAL: 9 Int’l concerns over elections... 9 US: No progress in Burma... 9 SPDC acts on anti-India groups..... ECONOMY: 9 Civil servants pay hikes..... 10 OTHER BURMA NEWS..... 11 REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (173K)
Date of entry/update: 01 February 2010


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 36 - DECEMBER 2009
Date of publication: December 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 China presses SPDC; 2 China & SPDC sign key deals... INSIDE BURMA: 3 Ethnics prepare for conflict; 3 Opium cultivation increases; 3 SPDC snubs Daw Suu; 4 2010 elections news; 4 Officials charged with spying; 4 SPDC dooms Burma’s children... HUMAN RIGHTS: 5 Detention conditions; 5 In and out of prison; 5 Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: 5 Rohingya pushed back; 6 Burmese migrants strike... INTERNATIONAL: 6 MPs call for COI; 7 UNGA condemns SPDC; 7 Goodbye Gambari; 7 US sees no progress in Burma; 7 EU engages SPDC... ECONOMY: 8 Stiglitz offers advice to SPDC; 8 From Russia with love; 8 Power to China; 9 Credit Suisse sanctioned... 9 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 10 REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (189K)
Date of entry/update: 04 January 2010


Title: NEW US POLICY: AN ALIBI FOR REGIONAL COMPLACENCY
Date of publication: 05 November 2009
Description/subject: BURMA’S NEIGHBORS MISINTERPRETING US POLICY REVIEW... WHAT IS THE NEW US POLICY?... SPDC PLACATES NEIGHBORS... COMPLACENCY FUELS SPDC ABUSES: Political prisoners; Displacement; BGF ultimatum has fueled instability in border areas... SPDC THREATENS REGIONAL STABILITY: China; Bangladesh... OPPOSITION TO THE 2010 ELECTIONS GROWS... DAW SUU REACHES OUT TO THE SPDC... RECOMMENDATIONS..... • The new US policy on Burma, combining long-standing sanctions with high-level engagement, has been deliberately misread by Burma’s neighbors and used to justify greater tolerance of the regime’s escalating crimes against humanity and war crimes. The misrepresentation has: o Emboldened the SPDC’s sense that it can placate its neighbors through rhetoric instead of genuine reform; o Created a sense of complacency in the region that conditions in Burma are actually improving; and o Tacitly encouraged the SPDC to jail opposition leaders and persecute ethnic nationalities. • Essentially, the new US policy means: o “Pragmatic engagement”, aimed at achieving meaningful reforms, will supplement and not replace sanctions; o Discussions on easing sanctions will be possible only if significant advances on core human rights and democracy issues occur; and o The option remains of tightening sanctions on the regime and its supporters if the situation worsens. • Despite the hype over improvements in Burma, the facts reveal the opposite: o As of September, there was a record high of 2,211 political prisoners as a result of the SPDC’s intensified crackdown on political dissidents. The crackdown, coupled with the bogus trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, ensures that viable opposition candidates in the 2010 elections are locked up. o Escalating crimes against humanity and war crimes against ethnic communities have led to a sharp spike in displacement. • President Obama must use the ASEAN-US Summit in mid-November in Singapore to reinforce the key elements of the US policy on Burma. President Obama should utilize his Asia trip to draw in governments in the region, in particular China, onto the same page as the US and not the other way around. • In the wake of some governments’ rejection of human rights groups at the recent ASEAN Summit, President Obama must speak up forcefully in favor of human rights defenders and the vital role of an independent civil society. • US officials need to clearly articulate a set of benchmarks hinged on human rights and democracy to measure progress in Burma in the run-up to the 2010 elections. It is also critical to ensure: o The election law guarantees participation of all people, including political activists, as voters and candidates; o Changes to the constitutional article on amendments to remove an effective military veto and reflect common practice
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (106K)
Date of entry/update: 06 November 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 35 - NOVEMBER 2009
Date of publication: November 2009
Description/subject: IN THIS ISSUE:- KEY STORY: 1 US presses SPDC on reforms 2 Obama defies ASEAN 2 Clinton holds the line 2 Campbell & Marciel to Burma... INSIDE BURMA: 3 Daw Suu reaches out 4 SPDC reshuffles 4 SPDC extends BGF deadline 4 Drug exports increase 5 New aid initiatives 5 Landmine casualties increase 6 SPDC recruits child soldiers... HUMAN RIGHTS: 6 Arrests and prison sentences 6 Detention conditions 7 Forced labor complaints soar... DISPLACEMENT: 7 Rohingya pushed back... INTERNATIONAL: 7 UN Committee slams SPDC 8 Japan ties aid to reforms... ECONOMY: 8 Constitution’s economic impact 8 Corruption Perception Index 8 Pipeline construction begins 9 Gas sales and revenues grow... 9 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 11 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (165K)
Date of entry/update: 01 December 2009


Title: GUILTY AS PLANNED
Date of publication: 07 October 2009
Description/subject: The SPDC’s sentence that extended Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest for another 18 months further demonstrates the military regime's ambitions to silence Burma’s greatest hope for peace and national reconciliation. The sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a vicious part of the SPDC’s “roadmap” to ensure that the most viable pro-democracy candidates will be unable to run in the 2010 elections..... “Guilty as planned” covers the trial and sentencing of Daw Aung Suu Kyi, the recent SPDC crackdown on pro-democracy advocates, as well as the broad condemnation of the SPDC’s actions from the international community."• On 11 August 2009, following an 86-day sham trial, the military regime sentences Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to three years in prison with hard labor for allegedly violating the conditions of her house arrest. Shortly after the verdict’s announcement, SPDC Chairman Sr Gen Than Shwe commutes the sentence to 18 months to be served under house arrest. • On 2 October, the regime denies Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s appeal on her conviction, which effectively bars her from participating in the SPDC’s planned 2010 elections. • The sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is a vicious part of the SPDC’s “roadmap” to ensure that the most viable pro-democracy candidates will be unable to run in the elections. • UN Special Rapporteur on human right in Burma Tomás Ojea Quintana says that the continuation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest was a “blow” to the SPDC’s roadmap. • In September, the number of political prisoners reaches a record high 2,211. Over the past 12 months, Burma’s military regime has sentenced 351 dissidents to prison terms, including 86 NLD members, 50 members of the 88 Generation Students group, and 25 Buddhist monks. • With a few exceptions, the the international community broadly condemns the trial and conviction of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.".... 1 DAW SUU CONVICTED; 2 Baseless trial, scripted verdict; 3 SPDC divided under pressure; 4 Climate of fear; 4 Roadmap to prison... 5 INT’L REACTIONS: 5 ASEAN; 6 Thailand; 6 Indonesia; 6 Malaysia; 6 Philippines; 7 Singapore; 7 Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam; 7 China; 7 India; 8 UN; 8 US; 9 EU... 9 THE LADY SPEAKS: 9 Dialogue; 10 Constructive engagement; 11 Sanctions, investment, tourism; 11 Humanitarian aid; 11 Role of the military... 12 TRIAL TIMELINE... 17 INT’L REACTIONS... 22 LEGISLATORS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (281K)
Date of entry/update: 07 October 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 34 - OCTOBER 2009
Date of publication: October 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: ASEAN backs off on Burma; ASEAN: No civil rights for civil society; Human Rights Commission inaugurated... INSIDE BURMA: Daw Suu’s appeal rejected; Sanctions talks; Ethnic groups oppose 2010 elections; Ceasefire groups resist BGF ultimatum; Pro-junta groups incorporated into BGFs; ASEAN, US, and EU pledge new aid; Rats reach Kachin and Arakan States; Burmese heroin still a threat to the region... HUMAN RIGHTS: Human rights situation “alarming”; Arrests; Prison sentences; Custodial death; Freedom of information; Religious freedom; Forced labor... DISPLACEMENT: Number of IDPs rising; Rohingya used as pawns; Burmese migrants in Thailand... INTERNATIONAL: Burma-Bangladesh crisis; Switzerland, East Timor call for arms embargo... ECONOMY: Burmese timber exports to China; Mobile phones in Naypyidaw; SPDC gem sales; Trade with Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sudan... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (200K)
Date of entry/update: 06 November 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 33 - SEPTEMBER 2009
Date of publication: September 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Mass release of prisoners 2 Arrests and imprisonment 3 Crackdown on monks... INSIDE BURMA: 4 Daw Suu reaches out to SPDC 5 New parties galore 5 Kokang offensive ends 5 Conflict between SPDC and Wa 6 BGF talks go nowhere 6 SPDC Army desertions 7 Bombs 7 Food insecurity continues... HUMAN RIGHTS: 7 Detention conditions... DISPLACEMENT: 7 Refugees remain in China... INTERNATIONAL: 8 US unveils new Burma policy 8 SPDC moans about sanctions 8 UNSG: Free ALL dissidents 9 Thailand crackdown... ECONOMY: 9 Gas deals increase instability 10 Daewoo/CNPC/GAIL deal 10 New 5,000 kyat note 10 Jetstar propping up SPDC?... 10 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 12 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (184K)
Date of entry/update: 02 October 2009


Title: BURMESE UPRISING REDUX
Date of publication: 07 August 2009
Description/subject: August 8 marks the anniversary of the 1988 nationwide popular uprising against Burma’s military regime. The 1988 uprising represents the Burmese people’s ongoing struggle against the regime’s protracted economic mismanagement and political oppression... Twenty-one years later, the military regime’s misrule has turned Burma into: - One the world’s Least Developed Countries; - The world’s third most economically repressed country, and the second most corrupt; - The world’s third largest source of refugees and asylum seekers; - The worst internal displacement situation in Southeast Asia, and the fourth worst in Asia; - The country with the highest number of child soldiers; and - The top producer of opium and amphetamines in Southeast Asia and the second largest opium producer in the world... The SPDC’s promise of democratic reform, embodied in its “seven-step roadmap to democracy”, has translated into greater oppression of the regime’s opponents, with the number of political prisoners reaching a record high of 2,160... The expected outcome of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial could trigger a new wave of protests across the country, as she commands great trust and respect among the all of Burma’s people... The regime’s backlash against ethnic ceasefire groups’ refusal to surrender control of their armies and participate in the bogus 2010 elections has the potential to plunge Burma into renewed conflict.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (68K)
Date of entry/update: 07 August 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 32 - AUGUST 2009
Date of publication: August 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Guilty as planned; • Baseless trial, scripted verdict; • International reactions... INSIDE BURMA: • Onslaught in Shan State; • SPDC attacks spill into China; • SPDC targets women; • BGF inflames border areas; • Transitional package; • Pro-democracy campaigns; • Monks harassed; • SPDC dams future... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Arrests and imprisonment; • Prison transfers... DISPLACEMENT: • More Karen refugees; • Malaysia mistreats migrants; • Rohingya die in Thai detention... INTERNATIONAL: • China rebukes the SPDC... ECONOMY: • Trade hits record high; • Burma’s gas balloons; • Korean deals... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (175K)
Date of entry/update: 02 September 2009


Title: ACTION NEEDED: BURMESE JUNTA THREATENS COMPREHENSIVE REGIONAL SECURITY
Date of publication: 18 July 2009
Description/subject: "Disturbing recent developments concerning evidence of the Burmese military regime’s close cooperation with the North Korean regime, including acquisition of long-range ballistic missile technology, must serve as an urgent wake-up call to members of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). It is time for the ARF, which brings together ASEAN member states and regional dialogue partners, to move beyond unconditional diplomacy and reduce the Burmese military regime’s capability to threaten the comprehensive security of the region. Action must include restrictions and greater regulation of transactions and entities implicated in weapons deals with the regime and its proxies. It is particularly crucial that those implicated, such as Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and China, take effective steps to stem the flow of funds and technology needed for such deals. These sanctions are less likely to hurt ordinary Burmese who do not use the formal banking system because of prohibitive commissions and rules on retail customers..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (68K)
Date of entry/update: 20 July 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 31 - JULY 2009
Date of publication: July 2009
Description/subject: • The SPDC’s trial of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi continues. Facing intense international pressure and fearing a new wave of anti-junta street protests, the regime postpones the verdict to 11 August... • SPDC uses UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-Moon’s visit to Burma as a public relations ploy. SPDC Chairman denies Ban’s request to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi... • ASEAN FM meeting in Phuket issues statement calling on the SPDC to release all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Meanwhile, the regime jails 87-year old NLD elected MP Kyaw Khaing... • Newly established ASEAN human rights body fails to provide protection and enforcement mechanisms... • US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expresses concern over possible nuclear ties between the North Korean and Burmese regimes at the ARF. • US President Barack Obama extends economic sanctions on the SPDC... • Two-hundred more Karen refugees flee to Thailand, seeking protection from DKBA abuses... • Kachin Independence Organization delegates fail to reach agreement with SPDC on transforming KIA into border guard force. In response, the regime sends reinforcements and more armaments to its military forces in Kachin State... • Rohingya flee SPDC harassment and oppression in Arakan State, only to face violence and expulsion from Bangladesh... • For the first time, Malaysian authorities confirm that government officials were involved in the exploitation of Burmese migrants at its border... • SPDC obstructs aid to the survivors of Chin famine, Kachin landslides, and cyclone Nargis.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (172K)
Date of entry/update: 03 August 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 30 - JUNE 2009
Date of publication: June 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Daw Aung San Suu Kyi trial • International condemnation • Solidarity with Daw Suu • Daw Suu’s birthday... INSIDE BURMA: • Karen State offensive • Ceasefire groups tensions • Child soldiers • SPDC soldiers rape women • Monks harassed • North Korean connection • Aid hard to give • Education out of reach • Diarrhea, cholera, dengue • Heroin use in Kachin State • World Drug Report... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Arrests and prison sentences • Detention conditions • Freedom of information • ILO hammers SPDC • Indexes on Burma • Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: • Karen State exodus • No home for Rohingya • Malaysia pays for abuse • Free to work, not to travel... INTERNATIONAL: • Asian leaders push SPDC • Gambari’s trip to Burma • SPDC strains relations... ECONOMY: • Trade hits record high... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS...
Language: English, Burmese, Shan, Karen
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (197K)
Date of entry/update: 08 July 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 29 - MAY 2009
Date of publication: May 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: Daw Suu’s show trial; Timeline; Solidarity with Daw Suu; International outrage; ASEAN turns up the heat; ASEM & ASEAN-EU meetings; UNSG and UNSC; ASEAN MPs slam SPDC... INSIDE BURMA: A rock and a hard place; Escalating violence; Nargis one year on; War on children... HUMAN RIGHTS: ICC campaign; Freedom of information; Detention conditions; Forced labor... DISPLACEMENT: Chasing the tail; BDR push back; Death in Malaysian camps... INTERNATIONAL: US and EU sanctions... ECONOMY: Empty baskets; Full of gas; Corporate social responsibility... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (200K)
Date of entry/update: 07 June 2009


Title: THE 14th ASEAN SUMMIT: LITTLE CHANGE DESPITE CHARTER
Date of publication: 10 April 2009
Description/subject: "ASEAN leaders’ promotion of the newly enacted ASEAN Charter as an instrument of change rang hollow at the 14th ASEAN summit because of the organization’s failure to effectively deal with the problems created by the Burmese military regime. The failure was glaring. In the weeks before the ASEAN summit, ASEAN Sec-Gen Surin Pitsuwan delivered promising statements and speeches that indicated significant change for the organization. Surin’s speeches were peppered with the terms “people-centered” and “people-caring” to describe the “reinvented” ASEAN – an ASEAN with a new guiding charter. Surin said that the Charter made “all issues relevant”, and “all issues were on the table” and “nothing could be hidden”. Of all the provisions in the charter, the most widely heralded was the call for the establishment of the ASEAN Human Rights Body (AHRB). The ASEAN Secretariat’s public relations hype over the summit would have been much easier had it not been for the Rohingya boat people. The plight of the Rohingya fleeing Burma because of religious persecution represented the first test of the ASEAN Charter’s promise to make human rights and the rule of law common currency throughout the region. The test fell flat. Surin was undermined by the Terms of Reference for the ASEAN Human Rights Body and by the inability of ASEAN to unite to confront and resolve the Rohingya problem. .ASEAN leaders have not caught up with the rights and entitlements implemented in the Charter. ASEAN’s failure to address the Rohingya issue and other pressing regional problems caused by the SPDC seriously undermines authority and effectiveness of the ASEAN Charter, and ASEAN itself. ASEAN leaders must realize that the current situation threatens the credibility and the integrity of the organization..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (148K)
Date of entry/update: 11 April 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 28 - APRIL 2009
Date of publication: April 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: NLD sets elections conditions..... INSIDE BURMA: 2010 elections... Ceasefire talks amid attacks... 88 Generation Students... Thingyan ban... Diarrhea outbreak... Global Fund returns?... SPDC upsets donors... UN report on child soldiers..... HUMAN RIGHTS: Arrests... Prison sentences... Rohingya persecuted... Worst place for bloggers..... DISPLACEMENT: Bali Process fizzles... US report slams Malaysia... Migrant workers in Thailand Chin abandoned in India... Oil exploitation & displacement..... INTERNATIONAL: Calls for Daw Suu’s releases... US sanctions to stay...EU extends sanctions... Frictions with Bangladesh..... ECONOMY: Investment... Economic reality check..... OTHER BURMA NEWS..... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: PDF (138K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 27 - MARCH 2009
Date of publication: March 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: * HRC condemns SPDC... * Ojea Quintana report... * Daw Suu's detention... * Political prisoners... * Arrests... * Prison sentences..... INSIDE BURMA: * 2010 elections..... HUMAN RIGHTS: * Rohingya and Muslims... * SPDC "internet enemy"... * Detention conditions... * Forced labor...... DISPLACEMENT: * ASEAN and Rohingya... * Migrant crackdown... * More IDPs... * Extra-judicial killing..... INTERNATIONAL: * ASEAN after the Summit... * EU/US..... ECONOMY: * Gems sale... * Sharing the spoils... * Deals with China... * Divestment... * Going, going, gone..... OTHER BURMA NEWS..... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: html
Date of entry/update: 02 April 2009


Title: BURMA IS STILL ASEAN’S SHAME
Date of publication: 17 February 2009
Description/subject: The Burmese military regime has not improved its behavior since the ASEAN Charter came into force on December 15, 2008. By intensifying repression in the past two months, the regime has directly attacked the integrity and credibility of ASEAN and its Charter. ASEAN is undermining itself by refusing to act against such serious violations.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (84K)
Date of entry/update: 19 February 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 26 -February 2009
Date of publication: February 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: SPDC sabotages Summit... Rohingya to be deported... Human rights "paper tiger"... Dialogue with civil society..... INSIDE BURMA: SPDC aid obstruction... New democracy campaigns... 2010 election boycott... SPDC reshuffle... Opium poppy cultivation up... UWSA-SPDC relations... Youth denied..... HUMAN RIGHTS: Ojea Quintana's visit... Arrests... New prison sentences... Prison sentence reductions... Mass release of prisoners Forced labor getting worse..... DISPLACEMENT: Burmese migrant workers..... INTERNATIONAL: Gambari returns to Burma... US to review Burma policy... Chinese flee Burma..... ECONOMY: Layoffs in Burma...• “Booming” kyat... International trade... Questionable tourism..... OTHER BURMA NEWS..... REPORTS.....
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: html
Date of entry/update: 02 April 2009


Title: ROHINGYA, ASYLUM SEEKERS & MIGRANTS FROM BURMA: A HUMAN SECURITY PRIORITY FOR ASEAN
Date of publication: 30 January 2009
Description/subject: Since October 2006, about 10,000 Rohingya have boarded boats in Bangladesh and Burma and headed for Thailand and Malaysia. The thousands of Rohingya boat people are only the tip of the iceberg. Millions of Burmese have fled the country in the past decade, with two million in Thailand alone... ASEAN must be proactive in pressuring Burma’s military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to cease perpetuating the severe persecution and economic mismanagement that has been forcing millions of people to flee to neighboring countries.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (124K)
Date of entry/update: 03 February 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 25 -January 2009
Date of publication: January 2009
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Rohingya boat people..... INSIDE BURMA: • Ethnic groups boycott elections/ • SPDC for Obama? • SPDC Army in disarray; • Trucks from China; • Child mortality; • HIV/AIDS patients; • Five million need food; • Nargis survivors struggling; • Drug smuggling/trafficking..... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Custodial deaths; • Detention conditions; • Arrests; • Prison sentences; • Forced labor..... INTERNATIONAL: • UNGA resolution; • Abhisit’s “flexible engagement”..... ECONOMY: • Sanctions update; • The squeeze is on..... OTHER BURMA NEWS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (125K)
Date of entry/update: 03 February 2009


Title: ISSUES & CONCERNS VOLUME 5: BURMA DEFILES THE ASEAN CHARTER
Date of publication: 10 December 2008
Description/subject: In the year following ASEAN’s member states signing the Charter on 20 November 2007, Burma’s military regime has openly trampled on the values and rights enumerated in the document. The regime has used the “grace” period for the formal enactment of the Charter as a politically expedient way of engaging in further rights violations and oppression. The briefer summarizes the military regime’s actions in the year since it signed the Charter...... CONTENTS: 2 SPDC DEFILES ASEAN CHARTER... 3 ASEAN says, SPDC does... 4 Burma in numbers... 4 ASEAN still lacks political will on Burma..... INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: 7 ASEAN from revulsion to rescue... 9 UN frustration, more sanctions, and more condemnation... 10 Cyclone Nargis..... DEMOCRACY: 11 SPDC imposes constitution..... HUMAN RIGHTS: 13 Crackdown on dissidents... 14 Detention conditions... 14 Forced labor practices – no end in sight... 15 Freedom of information..... MILITARY: 17 SPDC offensive intensifies in Eastern Burma... 17 Arms flow into Burma..... DISPLACEMENT: 18 Migrant workers from Burma in the region..... AID: 19 Restrictions on humanitarian aid... 19 Cyclone Nargis... 20 Disaster mismanagement..... WOMEN & CHILDREN: 22 Women – violence continues with impunity... 22 Children – the most vulnerable..... HEALTH: 24 Curable diseases turn deadly... 24 Food security – hungrier than ever... 25 SPDC – Still Asia’s chief supplier of amphetamines, world’s #2 source of heroin...... ECONOMY: 27 Trade and investment goes forward... 27 Sanctions... 28 Reconstruction... 28 Dams... 30 The year of shame in review.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (304K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.altsean.org/Reports/Volume5.php
Date of entry/update: 23 December 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 24 – DECEMBER 2008
Date of publication: December 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Ban says ‘no’... INSIDE BURMA: • Daw Suu watch... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Prison sentences; • Prison transfers; • Detention conditions... DISPLACEMENT: • Migrant workers hit; • Deaths, detention, deportation; • Exodus from Arakan State... ECONOMY: • Rice trade and shortages; • Financial crisis; • New deals, more shame... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS......• The SPDC continues to sentence activists to lengthy prison terms and to transfer political prisoners to Burma’s most remote prisons. Approximately 276 activists have been sentenced so far in this year, some with multiple jail terms. • Ban says ‘no’ to calls to return to Burma. • Ethnic nationalities continue to flee to neighboring countries to escape persecution and crippling poverty. • As a consequence of the global financial crisis, migrant workers are fired and deported to Burma. • Farmers report failing harvests. Despite this, the regime continues to increase rice exports. • The SPDC says that Burma’s economy will not be affected by the global financial crisis and that the agricultural sector can employ “millions” more. • SPDC refuses to let Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meet her lawyer.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (107K)
Date of entry/update: 03 February 2009


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 23 - November 2008
Date of publication: November 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 SPDC jails 186 dissidents... INSIDE BURMA: 4 Landmines casualties rising... HUMAN RIGHTS: 4 More arrests; 4 Detention conditions; 5 Forced labor increases; 5 CEDAW conclusions... DISPLACEMENT: 6 Exodus from Arakan State... INTERNATIONAL: 6 UNGA condemns SPDC; 6 SPDC-Bangladesh face-off... ECONOMY: 7 Sanctions; 7 Business with China... 8 ANNEX - 1... 10 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 11 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (198K)
Date of entry/update: 12 December 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 22 - October 2008
Date of publication: October 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Cyclone Nargis cleanup... INSIDE BURMA: • Daw Suu: deained 13 years... • SPDC Army killings... • Offensive in Karen State... • Bombs... • At the monasteries... • Chin food crisis... • Melamine still on sale..... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Arrests... • Prison sentences... • Releases... • Detention conditions... • Freedom of information... • Ojea Quintana’s report..... DISPLACEMENT: • 66,000 new IDPs in 2008..... INTERNATIONAL: • Ban dissatisfed with SPDC..... ECONOMY: • Energy deals... • India deals... • Bangladesh trip... • Rice trade and prices... • Sanctions and boycotts... • Gem Sale..... OTHER BURMA NEWS..... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (166K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-22.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 November 2008


Title: SAFFRON REVOLUTION A YEAR LATER: IT’S NOT OVER
Date of publication: 22 September 2008
Description/subject: "On 26 September, one year will have passed since Burma’s military regime began its bloody crackdown on the Saffron Revolution. The spirit of the monk-led Saffron Revolution that moved hundreds of thousands of people to hold protests throughout Burma and inspired hundreds of solidarity events around the globe lives on. This briefer details what has happened in Burma since: repression has intensified, the SPDC has exacerbated another humanitarian crisis, persisted with its gross economic mismanagement and refused to deliver the actual reforms it has been promising for years. Despite this, monks and ordinary people have persevered in their defiance of the SPDC."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (264K), Word (204K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.altsean.org/Docs/DOC%20Format/Thematic%20Briefers/Saffron%20Revolution%20A%20Year%20Late...
Date of entry/update: 26 September 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 21 - September 2008
Date of publication: September 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Saffron Revolution one year on..... INSIDE BURMA: 3 Daw Suu appeals detention... 3 Anti-junta protests... 4 SPDC Army... 4 Explosive September... 5 Cyclone recovery... 5 SPDC fails to control drugs..... HUMAN RIGHTS: 5 Arrests intensify... 6 Prison sentences... 6 Mass release of prisoners... 7 Detention conditions... 7 Freedom of information..... DISPLACEMENT: 8 Rohingya..... INTERNATIONAL: 8 SPDC credentials challenged... 8 Gambari briefs UN bodies... 9 “Group of Friends” meeting... 9 ASEAN and UN on elections..... 9 OTHER BURMA NEWS..... 11 REPORTS. ________________
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (266K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-21.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 November 2008


Title: Campaign Kit for 8-8-88 20th anniversary: (1) BURMA 20 YEARS ON: HUNGRY AS EVER FOR DEMOCRACY
Date of publication: 02 August 2008
Description/subject: "Twenty years after brutally suppressing the inspiring 8888 uprising, Burma’s military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has run the country’s infrastructure into the ground and squandered its natural resources. Instead of investing in the development of Burma, the regime has focused national resources almost entirely on the military, doubling the size of the army and undertaking a spending spree on weapons. Even while the regime pursued its fake “roadmap to democracy”, it oversaw sharp increases in drug production, displacement, disease, and other threats to human security in Burma and Asia... In September 2007, the people of Burma took to the streets to call for the end of brutal repression, economic exploitation, and the impoverishment of a country gifted with natural wealth and talented peoples. The regime’s sham constitutional referendum, meant to consolidate its hold on power, cannot camouflage the steep decline in economic and social conditions... Burma’s neighbors, and the international community, must work with genuine commitment to support concrete solutions that involve all key stakeholders. Governments of Asia and the world must no longer allow their goodwill to be manipulated by the regime. Burma’s descent into greater instability must no longer be tolerated, for the sake of its people and the people of this region..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (114K)
Date of entry/update: 08 August 2008


Title: Campaign Kit for 8-8-88 20th anniversary: (2) “WE WON'T FORGET, WE WON'T GIVE UP!"
Date of publication: 02 August 2008
Description/subject: AUGUST 8, 1988: Young people in Burma launched massive nationwide rallies, calling for an end to military rule and the establishment of a democratic government... Military response : 3,000 people killed, mostly students and monks. Thousands jailed... The “8888 generation” has bravely continued work - from prison, in exile, and “inside”. Since 1988, the movement has grown & diversified. Groups work together across sectors to” * improve situation of communities, * foster reconciliation, and * develop capacity & common frameworks for Burma’s future..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (689K)
Date of entry/update: 08 August 2008


Title: Campaign Kit for 8-8-88 20th anniversary: (3) AUGUST 8, 2008: WHAT CAN THE WORLD DO?
Date of publication: 02 August 2008
Description/subject: "Twenty years after the 8888 national uprising, the international community must realize that unconditional engagement, discreet diplomacy, and ASEAN’s so-called constructive engagement has failed. While sanctions are a useful source of pressure and an effective signal to the regime that it will not be rewarded for brutality, these strategies have been undermined by governments that refuse to be pro-active. Such apathy and lack of political will has enabled the regime to perpetuate conditions that harm the people of Burma and intensify threats to regional security. The international community must stand united and deny the regime the means – weapons, money, and diplomatic protection - to continue oppressing and killing civilians, and causing increasing threats to human security. A strong, united position will ensure that the regime has no choice but to engage in genuine political and economic reforms. Such reforms must begin with: 1. The unconditional release all political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. 2. The cessation of repression and hostilities against ethnic groups. 3. The commencement of tripartite dialogue..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (58K)
Date of entry/update: 08 August 2008


Title: Campaign Kit for 8-8-88 20th anniversary:: (4) UPDATE: BURMA’S POLITICAL PRISONERS
Date of publication: 02 August 2008
Description/subject: • 267 - Number of arbitrary arrests in 2008... • 107 - NLD members arrested... • 127 - Individuals arrested for opposing the constitutional referendum... • 17 - Activists arrested for delivering aid to cyclone Nargis survivors... • 12 - Journalist, writers, and artists arrested... • 11 - Monks arrested... • 2 - Political prisoners who died in custody... • 55 - Dissidents sentenced to jail since the “Saffron Revolution”... • 1,900 - Current number of political prisoners in Burma... • 65.2% - Increase in political prisoners over the past year..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (115K)
Date of entry/update: 08 August 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 20 - August 2008
Date of publication: August 2008
Description/subject: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 20 – AUGUST 2008... KEY STORY: • August crackdown... • Activists arrested... • Prison sentences... • Monks targeted..... INSIDE BURMA: • 8-8-8 Demonstrations... • Daw Aung San Suu Kyi... • Cyclone Nargis aid... • Cyclone camps close... • SPDC aid windfall... • Floods... • More trucks from China..... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Ojea Quintana goes to Burma... • Rape of ethnic women..... DISPLACEMENT: • Trafficking report..... INTERNATIONAL: • Gambari’s latest visit... • Bush meets activists..... ECONOMY: • Price increases... • Natural gas... • Food shortages..... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (253K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-20.pdf
Date of entry/update: 07 September 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 19 - JULY 2008
Date of publication: July 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Cyclone Nargis... INSIDE BURMA: 4 Martyrs’ Day; 4 At the monasteries; 4 Bombs; 5 Food shortages... HUMAN RIGHTS: 5 Arrests and sentencing; 5 Detention conditions; 6 Forced labor continues... DISPLACEMENT: 6 New Rohingya camps; 6 Karen offensive; 6 Safety in Thailand?... INTERNATIONAL: 7 ASEAN “disappointed”; 7 SPDC ratifies charter; 7 US sanctions; 7 Gambari to visit Burma... ECONOMY: 8 Foreign investment falls; 8 SPDC fundraisers... 8 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 10 REPORTS..... • ASEAN/UN/SPDC Nargis assessment complete: 138,366 dead or missing (61% female); 89% of survivors have less than a week’s food; 800,000 homes damaged; GDP growth projected to lose 2.7%; US$1 billion needed for recovery. • SPDC steals US$10 million in humanitarian aid funds. • Cyclone survivors face eviction and disease. • Seventy percent of farmland in the Irrawaddy delta misses the planting season because of cyclone damage and shortages. • SPDC arrests eight NLD members, nine monks and sentences ten students to jail terms. • Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh relocated, four die. Five-hundred Karen villagers flee to Thailand. Thailand deports 35 others. • ASEAN expresses disappointment over the extension of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house arrest and calls for the release of all political prisoners in Burma. • SPDC ratifies ASEAN Charter but objects to human rights monitoring body. • UN Special Advisor on Burma Ibrahim Gambari briefs Security Council members and announces he will return to Burma in August. • Foreign investment in Burma falls 77% over the past year.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (235K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-19.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 August 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 18 - JUNE 2008
Date of publication: June 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Survivors held ransom; 2 Relief workers arrested; 3 ASEAN assesses needs; 3 Conditions for survivors... INSIDE BURMA: 5 Daw Suu’s birthday; 5 Offensive in Karen State; 6 SPDC reshuffles; 6 Opium cultivation... HUMAN RIGHTS: 7 Ojea: No improvement; 7 HRC condemns SPDC; 7 UNSC Resolution 1820; 8 Forced labor widespread; 8 Arrests and releases; 8 Detention conditions; 9 Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: 9 Nargis survivors in Thailand... ECONOMY: 10 Business as usual. 10 Hunger spreads... 10 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 12 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (312K)
Date of entry/update: 08 July 2008


Title: UPDATE: SPDC TURNS CYCLONE SURVIVORS INTO HOSTAGES
Date of publication: June 2008
Description/subject: • Update... • ASEAN assesses needs... • Human Rights Council condemns SPDC... • Conditions for survivors.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (82K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.altsean.org/Docs/PDF%20Format/Thematic%20Briefers/SPDC%20turns%20cyclone%20survivors%20i...
Date of entry/update: 01 August 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 17 - MAY 2008
Date of publication: 31 May 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Cyclone Nargis hits 2 SPDC downplays death toll 3 Situation "normal" 3 SPDC blocks, steals, sells aid 5 Monks shelter, SPDC evicts 5 Aid trickles in 6 Help us help you 7 ASEAN to the rescue 7 Ban breaks through 8 Food security 8 Children at risk... INSIDE BURMA: 8 Referendum in the rubble 9 Democracy forces reject results 10 Orchestrating a farce 11 Arrests of "No" supporters 11 Daw Suu's detention extended 12 NLD arrests... HUMAN RIGHTS: 12 Custodial deaths 13 Forced labor... DISPLACEMENT: 13 Refugees struggle to survive... ECONOMY: 14 Business as usual... 14 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 15 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (360K)
Date of entry/update: 02 June 2008


Title: THE SPDC CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM: A DEAD END FOR DEMOCRACY IN BURMA
Date of publication: 02 May 2008
Description/subject: On 10 May 2008, the people of Burma will vote in an SPDC-manipulated referendum on a draft constitution that is designed to entrench military rule. The likely consequences of a forced "Yes" vote or a majority "No" vote will have serious regional repercussions. A forced "yes" vote will likely intensify unrest in Burma among a population increasingly dissatisfied with the entrenchment of a regime notorious for its abuses and economic mismanagement. A majority "no" vote despite the regime's threats, intimidation, and fraudulent practices would result in a deeper political crisis, since the regime has repeatedly made it clear that it intends to remain in power if the constitution is rejected.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (139K)
Date of entry/update: 03 May 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 16 - APRIL 2008
Date of publication: April 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Referendum; 2 "No" vote campaign; 3 SPDC campaign; 4 Rigging the vote; 5 Atmosphere of oppression; 6 International reactions... INSIDE BURMA: 6 Arms flowing into Burma... HUMAN RIGHTS: 7 Prison sentences; 7 Detention conditions... DISPLACEMENT: 7 Fifty-four die in Thailand; 8 Rohingya flee; 8 Riot in Bangladesh; 8 Riot in Malaysia... INTERNATIONAL: 8 UNSC presidential statement; 9 Pinheiro's remarks; 9 EU sanctions; 9 Thai PM backs SPDC... ECONOMY: 9 India deal; 10 Rice exports and shortages; 10 Gas pipeline leaking... 10 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 12 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (288K)
Date of entry/update: 03 May 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 15 – March 2008
Date of publication: March 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 SPDC constitutional referendum 2 “No” vote gains momentum 3 Monks outside Burma say “No” 4 International reactions... INSIDE BURMA: 4 Resistance days 4 Monks continue boycott 5 Humanitarian aid restrictions... HUMAN RIGHTS: 5 More arrests 5 Death and suffering in prisons 6 Pinheiro and HRC slam SPDC 7 ILO: Forced labor still a problem 7 Human rights record: US report 7 Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: 8 More boat people 8 Malaysia arrests 8 Displacement along Thai border... INTERNATIONAL: 9 SPDC spurns Gambari - again 9 Thai PM and SPDC cozy up... ECONOMY: 10 Economic failure continues 10 Gems auction 11 Restrictions hit farmers 11 Thailand deals with junta... 11 OTHER BURMA NEWS... 12 REPORTS. _____________________________________
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (329K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.altsean.org/Docs/PDF%20Format/Burma%20Bulletin/March%202008%20Burma%20Bulletin.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 April 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 14 – FEBRUARY 2008
Date of publication: February 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Referendum, elections; • SPDC’s plan rejected; • Int’l community critical... INSIDE BURMA: • NLD harassment; • Pro-democracy activities; • Anti-junta protests; • Olympics boycott; • Exiles’ draft constitution; • KNU leader assassinated; • Bombs... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Monks still targeted; • Detention conditions; • Freedom of information; • Rohingya targeted; • ILO MoU extended... INTERNATIONAL: • Gambari’s latest gambit; • Thailand’s approach... ECONOMY: • New banking sanction; • Rice to Bangladesh; • Russian gold... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (274K)
Alternate URLs: http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-14.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 March 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 13 – JANUARY 2008
Date of publication: January 2008
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Daw Suu slams SPDC; • Persecution of NLD; • NLD activities; • Spain honors Daw Suu... INSIDE BURMA: • Child mortality worse than in Sudan; • Further restrictions on aid; • Anti-junta protests continue; • Monks go global; • Explosive month; • SPDC to step up Karen Offensive; • Chinese trucks delivered... HUMAN RIGHTS: • More arrests; • Detention conditions; • Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: • Arakan State exodus... INTERNATIONAL: • SPDC stalls Gambari’s return; • SPDC in international spotlight... ECONOMY: • Food shortages; • Almost the most corrupt; • Gem show... OTHER BURMA NEWS... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (245K)
Alternate URLs: http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-13.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 March 2008


Title: BURMA AT 60: TIME FOR CHANGE!
Date of publication: December 2007
Description/subject: "The briefer is released ahead of Burma’s 60th anniversary of independence on 4 January 2008. 2008 also marks 20 years since the 8888 uprising. The brief socio-economic overview of Burma’s past 60 years presents the grim realization that the past two years have witnessed a sharp decline in Burma on all fronts. Despite public relations efforts aimed at staving off both external and internal pressure, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has perpetrated such serious mismanagement, repression and corruption that the consequences are not only threatening Burma’s stability but that of its immediate region as well."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (160K)
Date of entry/update: 01 March 2008


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 12 – DECEMBER 2007
Date of publication: December 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • SPDC ends year with new repression... INSIDE BURMA: • SPDC’s roadmap; • NLD frustrated; • Daw Suu’s honors; • Pro-democracy activities; • Monks strike back; • Military offensive intensifies; • Tension in Kachin State; • SPDC: Dissent from within; • Bird flu... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Releases... DISPLACEMENT: • Boat people; • Monks flee; • Refugee shot in camp... INTERNATIONAL: • UN initiatives on Burma; • US: More sanctions... ECONOMY: • Nothing to harvest; • Inflation rises... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (216K)
Alternate URLs: http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-12.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 March 2008


Title: BURMA: TIME FOR ASEAN TO BITE THE BULLET
Date of publication: 18 November 2007
Description/subject: • ASEAN and its dialogue partners must adopt a common position to ensure that the Burmese military regime delivers genuine reforms within a clearlystated timeframe to strengthen and complement UN efforts. • The common position must guarantee an inclusive process that allows key stakeholders such as the National League for Democracy (NLD) and ethnic nationality leadership to work freely as genuine partners with the military regime. • ASEAN and its dialogue partners must publicly support the solutions proposed by the democracy movement that focus on a transitional powersharing formula, and encourage the Burmese junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), to be part of the solution. • The Burmese regime’s oppressive roadmap should be abandoned in its current state - it has intensified the problems besieging Burma, which in turn threaten regional human and economic security. • The roadmap has been a disaster for Burma. Since its introduction in 2003: o Military offensives against civilians in Eastern Burma have intensified and increased crackdowns on ethnic groups have threatened resurgence of warfare in other areas. o Economic mismanagement and rampant corruption have worsened, driving a possible 50% of the population below the poverty line. o Decaying morale, diversion of resources to the army and oppressive interference has gravely damaged public institutions and the rule of law.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (122K)
Date of entry/update: 29 December 2007


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 11 – NOVEMBER 2007
Date of publication: November 2007
Description/subject: IN THIS ISSUE:- KEY STORY: 1 SPDC rejects dialogue; 2 Daw Suu speaks; 3 SPDC muscles ethnic groups... INSIDE BURMA: 3 Protests continue; 4 Monks still targeted; 5 SPDC reshuffles and defections; 6 Child soldiers; 6 Bird flu... HUMAN RIGHTS: 6 UNGA condemns SPDC; 7 Pinheiro’s visit; 8 Arrests; 8 Releases; 9 Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: 9 New arrivals in Thailand; 9 Crackdown in Thailand; 10 More cross into Bangladesh... INTERNATIONAL: 11 UNSC briefing; 11 EU envoy appointed; 11 India: no more arms? 11 ASEAN Charter; 11 China: Envoy briefed; 12 Japan-SPDC relations... ECONOMY: 12 Sanctions; 12 Tay Za; 13 Gem sale; 13 Energy crisis continues; 13 Rice harvest down... 13 CHRONOLOGY... 16 REPORTS. ______________________
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (384K)
Alternate URLs: http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-11.pdf
Date of entry/update: 29 December 2007


Title: ASEAN SHOULD STOP “PASSING THE BUCK” ON BURMA
Date of publication: 25 October 2007
Description/subject: • Instead of using China as an excuse for inaction, ASEAN members must exercise their substantial influence on Burma’s military leaders to secure the delivery of genuine political and economic reforms. • ASEAN’s collective leverage on Burma’s junta, known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) stems from the SPDC’s reliance on: • Petrol and diesel supplies from Malaysia and Singapore to keep business running and military vehicles on the road. • Trade with ASEAN which accounts for 51.3% of its total foreign exchange revenue. Gas sales to Thailand, alone, accounts for 43%. • Thailand and Singapore as their biggest sources of new Foreign Direct Investment, constituting 98.61% in the past 2 years. • Singapore’s financial services that the SPDC and their cronies utilize to store and move their ill-gotten wealth away from Burma. • In addition, Indonesia can take the lead for ASEAN in the UN Security Council, the body most feared and respected by the SPDC. Indonesia is set to chair the UNSC in November 2007. • An ASEAN freeze - or even a slowdown on economic, material, and diplomatic support - will shepherd the regime to political dialogue and the achievement of genuine reforms. Actions should include a temporary freeze on all Burmese-held bank accounts and assets in Singapore as part of a money-laundering review. • Such actions will be an incentive for other ASEAN partners, such as China, to actively cooperate with efforts to achieve a durable solution on Burma. “Passing the buck” to China undermines ASEAN’s credibility and standing. • Despite sitting on immense natural resources, Burma’s military regime is in a vulnerable position. Oil and gas revenue from many long-term projects will not be forthcoming until their completion and actual delivery. Meanwhile, the regime faces financial shortages due to its own mismanagement and irresponsible spending priorities. • The ASEAN status quo (unconditional economic engagement, statements without action) directly benefits the regime, and reduces any incentive for it to implement urgently-needed reforms. It emboldens the regime to further perpetrate economic mismanagement, crackdowns, and offensives that will affect regional stability. • All ASEAN members, as well as India and China, are negatively affected by Burma’s economic instability, drug production, high numbers of refugees, and the transmittal of diseases across borders – all of which stem from the junta’s misrule and mismanagement.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (128K)
Date of entry/update: 28 October 2007


Title: SAFFRON REVOLUTION: UPDATE
Date of publication: 15 October 2007
Description/subject: In the "Saffron Revolution," tens of thousands of Buddhist monks led massive anti-junta demonstrations. It was the largest show of peaceful protests against the military regime since 1988. Between 19 August and 2 October, 227 rallies defied military rule in 66 cities across all of Burma's States and Divisions. The SPDC arrested up to 6,000 people, including at least 1,400 monks, since the beginning of the crackdown on 26 September. This briefer contains the latest accounts of resistance and documentation of human rights abuses perpetrated during crackdowns.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (80K)
Date of entry/update: 28 October 2007


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 10 - OCTOBER 2007
Date of publication: October 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: "Situation of fear"... INSIDE BURMA: * Peaceful resistance continues * SPDC propaganda rallies *Daw Suu:12 years of detention *Talks with Daw Suu *Roadmap to nowhere *Arms shopping in Moscow *Drug production up... HUMAN RIGHTS: *Detention conditions *Freedom of information... DISPLACEMENT: *Safety outside Burma? *Displacement in Eastern Burma... INTERNATIONAL: *Global response to brutality *UNSC action on Burma *UNHRC resolution *Gambari on tour * New sanctions... ECONOMY: * Hunger increases * Flights cut * Deals postponed * Money transfers affected... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (245K)
Alternate URLs: http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-10.pdf
Date of entry/update: 02 November 2007


Title: FACE OFF IN BURMA: MONKS vs SPDC
Date of publication: 25 September 2007
Description/subject: "Between 18 and 24 September, tens of thousands of Buddhist monks led massive anti-junta demonstrations across most of Burma’s States and Divisions. In the largest show of peaceful protests against the military regime since 1988, thousands of Burmese civilians joined the rallies. The military junta faces a “lose-lose” situation. If they crack down harshly against the monks, they will inflame an already angry population into a sustained uprising. If the army remains passive, it will embolden the population to take a stronger stand for their rights. The mounting protest revived calls for the UN Security Council to increase pressure on the military regime. The current vulnerability of the SPDC will ensure that any positive international intervention is more likely to have an impact. China, India, Bangladesh, as well as ASEAN countries, should be gravely concerned by the regional repercussion of instability inside Burma and work together to pressure the regime for genuine reforms."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (304K)
Date of entry/update: 28 October 2007


Title: FUEL PRICE HIKES INFLAME BURMESE PEOPLE
Date of publication: 14 September 2007
Description/subject: "On August 15, the SPDC increased fuel prices by up to 500% overnight, affecting the cost of essential commodities and transport. Burmese people from all walks of life participated in nationwide protests, showing their anger and courage in the face of the intolerable burden of the SPDC’s long-term economic mismanagement. The SPDC reacted by attacking and arresting over 150 peaceful demonstrators and key activists. The SPDC’s inflexibility is likely to prolong the economic crisis, worsening domestic instability and having negative implications in neighboring countries. The international community condemned the arrests of activists and protesters calling for their immediate release, and for the junta to engage in genuine dialogue. But more pressure is needed to resolve the root causes of Burma’s protracted political and economic crisis. We call on India, China and ASEAN to revive and step up their advocacy to ensure that the crisis is eased through dialogue, and to push further for a sustainable solution that involves all key stakeholders in Burma. We call on the UN Security Council to pass a resolution calling upon the SPDC to actively cooperate with the UN in delivering on promises for genuine political and economic reform."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (134K)
Date of entry/update: 28 October 2007


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 9 - SEPTEMBER 2007
Date of publication: September 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: * Saffron revolution; * Bloggers vs junta; * The crackdown; * Death toll... INSIDE BURMA: * Emergency aid supply blocked; * SPDC Army weak; * Ethnic groups support protests... DISPLACEMENT: * Refugees expected in Thailand; * Migrant workers in Thailand; * Rohingya relocation continues... INTERNATIONAL: * 11 UNSC ready to act: * China's shift; * ASEAN expresses revulsion; * More sanctions... ECONOMY: * Prices; * Food shortages; * Dam project suspended; * Sell-off of resources continues... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (198K)
Alternate URLs: http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-09.pdf
Date of entry/update: 28 October 2007


Title: 8888 SPIRIT STILL STRONG AS JUNTA WEAKENS
Date of publication: August 2007
Description/subject: "Even 19 years after Burma’s national uprising, the spirit and goals of the 8888 movement remain relevant and alive through the peaceful resistance of diverse people. 88 generation students, the NLD, ethnic opposition groups, political prisoners and other pro-democracy activists continue to carry out campaigns and initiatives, defying threats, attacks, and arrests.The latest wave of resistance centres on the the junta’s economic mismanagement that is affecting their lives at a very fundamental level. The worsening economic conditions that is causing widespread human suffering in Burma have inspired citizens to protest in public, despite arrests and harassment... We support the common aspiration of the diverse ethnic groups for peace, justice and development and renew our determination to see the achievement of political reforms in Burma in the near future. We call upon the international community, in particular, the governments of ASEAN, India, China and East Asia, to actively support political and economic reforms in Burma..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (113K)
Date of entry/update: 13 September 2007


Title: BURMA BULLETIN ISSUE 8 – AUGUST 2007
Date of publication: August 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Fuel price hike • Protests and crackdowns • International reactions... INSIDE BURMA: • MPs roadmap • National Convention • 8888 anniversary • NLD • Daw Aung San Suu Kyi honor • SPDC Army • Ethnic groups under pressure • Floods • SPDC hinders assistance • Bird flu • Killer fever... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Custodial deaths... DISPLACEMENT: • Border health threat • Malaysia crackdown • IDPs under attack... ECONOMY: • More gas... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (192K)
Alternate URLs: http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-08.pdf
Date of entry/update: 13 September 2007


Title: NATIONAL CONVENTION: ROADMAP TO INSTABILITY
Date of publication: 17 July 2007
Description/subject: "• The National Convention is part of the problem and not the solution to Burma’s troubles. The results will intensify the root causes of the ethnicbased conflicts perpetuated by Burma’s successive military regimes. • The National Convention, which is tasked with producing detailed principles for a new constitution, remains a fundamentally flawed and inherently illegitimate process aimed at formalizing and prolonging military rule in Burma. • Ethnic groups and the National League for Democracy have consistently proposed steps to salvage the National Convention and transform it into a venue for dialogue; however these recommendations have been rejected. • Originally devised by the military regime as a tactic to avoid convening Parliament after it lost the 1990 elections, the National Convention was mothballed in March 1996, and then revived in 2004 as part of the “7-point roadmap to democracy”. The roadmap was a response to heightened regional and international pressure following the Depayin Massacre..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (138K), Word (177K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.altsean.org/Docs/DOC%20Format/Thematic%20Briefers/National%20Convention%20-%20Roadmap%20...
Date of entry/update: 17 July 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 7 - July 2007
Date of publication: July 2007
Description/subject: IN THIS ISSUE - NATIONAL CONVENTION: 1 New session, old story; 2 Ethnic groups unhappy... INSIDE BURMA: 3 NLD ignored; 4 KIO under pressure; 4 SSNPLO ends ceasefire; 5 ICRC under attack; 5 Bird flu more widespread; 5 Dengue fever... HUMAN RIGHTS: 6 Arrests and imprisonments; 6 Releases... DISPLACEMENT: 7 Migrant workers in Thailand; 7 Refugees turned away... INTERNATIONAL: 7 ASEAN Charter; 8 Gambari’s travels; 8 US: sanctions extended; 8 Bangladesh and the SPDC; 9 India and the arms embargo... ECONOMY: 9 SPDC corruption; 9 Food shortages; 10 Gem sale... 10 CHRONOLOGY... 12 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (150K), Word (186K via ALTSEAN page)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-07.pdf
http://www.altsean.org/Reports/Burma%20Bulletin/BBJuly07.php
Date of entry/update: 02 August 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 6 - June 2007
Date of publication: June 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: Health Crisis; Bird flu... INSIDE BURMA: Daw Suu’s Birthday; NLD and 88 Gen persecution; Resignations: NLD vs USDA; National Convention; Militarization in Karen State; Militarization of public service... HUMAN RIGHTS: ICRC, ILO and UN speak out; Arrests and releases; Drug cultivation reports; Karen State clashes; Attacks in Karenni State; Mon cultural groups banned... DISPLACEMENT: Thailand: Refugees unwelcome; Malaysia crackdowns... INTERNATIONAL: India-SPDC relations; Changes at ASEAN; EU resolution condemns SPDC; UN... ECONOMY: Shwe gas goes to China... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (158K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-06.pdf
Date of entry/update: 02 July 2007


Title: SHE MUST BE FREE
Date of publication: 23 May 2007
Description/subject: "On 27 May, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s latest term of house arrest comes up for review. On that day, Daw Suu will have spent approximately 11 years and 7 months under house arrest since she was initially detained on July 20, 1989. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has never been charged with a crime.1 Burma’s military regime continues to detain Daw Aung San Suu Kyi out of fear. Fear of her ability to mobilize Burma’s people to peacefully work for democratic reform. And fear of her as the symbol for the irresistible will of Burma’s people who yearn for a free and democratic society. In one of her notable speeches, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said, “It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.” Despite the junta’s efforts to silence Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters, peaceful acts of resistance continue to grow. Most recently: “Open Heart”, Tuesday prayer campaign, “White Sunday” and “White Expression”... The Lady Speaks; Quick Biography; What they say; Awards/honors..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (204K)
Date of entry/update: 28 October 2007


Title: Burma - Women's Voices for Hope
Date of publication: May 2007
Description/subject: “Burma Women’s Voices for Hope” is the sixth edition of the Women’s Voices series. This book is a collection of stories and poems about the diverse experiences of women refugees, exiles and women activists from inside Burma. The contributors, many of who are first time writers, have shared their experiences of conflict and human rights abuses under the Burma military regime. At the same time they speak with determination and hope of the type of future they envisage for Burma – a future of democracy, freedom and human rights for all. Stories Include: • “To Save Our People” & “In The Dam’s Path” – stories by 2 Yintalai women, sharing their concerns about the future of the remaining 1,000 Yintalai people of Burma and their struggle to stop the Salween dam project that threatens to wash their communities away. • “With My Own Two Eyes”- tells the story of a Karen woman activist’s journeys inside Karen State to help raise human rights and environmental awareness among her people. • “Speaking Out Can Make A Difference” and “Not the Lord of the Rings” - focus on the effects of sexual violence by the military regime, through the eyes of women responsible for documenting cases of sexual violence. • “Why?” - is one of several stories exploring different situations of women migrant workers in Thailand. “This new, sixth collection of, “Women’s Voices” are the voices of women shouting out to the world for an audience. We must open our ears to these voices who courageously dare to speak out. We must open our hearts to the vision that these women tenaciously work for. We must act to support them, as they refuse to give up in the face of danger.” - Excerpt from Foreword by Ms Nursyahbani Katjasungkana - Indonesian parliamentarian and a well known feminist lawyer and activist.
Language: English, Burmese
Source/publisher: Thanaka Team, ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (1MB - English; 2.66MB - Burmese)
Alternate URLs: http://www.altsean.org/Docs/PDF%20Format/Womens%20Voices/Womens%20Voices%20For%20Hope%20-%20Burmese...
Date of entry/update: 29 October 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 5 - May 2007
Date of publication: May 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi... INSIDE BURMA: Soe Win’s adieu; NGO closures; Offensive in Karen State; Polio outbreak; Ethnic affairs... HUMAN RIGHTS: New wave of arrests; Detention conditions Freedom of information;... DISPLACEMENT: Migrant workers in Thailand; Protests against new law.. INTERNATIONAL: Russia: the nuclear deal; India: more arms; South Korea: Daewoo upset; North Korea: one more ship; US: sanctions extended; UN: Gambari returns... ECONOMY: Trade hits record high... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (314K, 228K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-05.pdf
Date of entry/update: 01 June 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 4 - April 2007
Date of publication: April 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: 1 Humanitarian aid restricted... INSIDE BURMA: 2 Economic crisis fuels protests; 3 Political activism; 4 SPDC Army in disarray; 4 SPDC Army offensives; 5 Bird flu lingers; 5 Opium in Shan State... HUMAN RIGHTS: 5 Imprisonments; 6 Misrule of law... DISPLACEMENT: 6 Rohingya departures continue; 6 Arrests in Malaysia; 7 Migrant workers in Thailand... INTERNATIONAL: 7 EU renews sanctions 7 Renewal of N Korea relations; 7 India military deals... ECONOMY: 7 Salween dams; 8 Gas pipeline; 8 More Gas... 8 CHRONOLOGY... 10 REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (214K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-04.pdf
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: Burma Issues & Concerns Vol. 4: The Security Dimensions - April 2007
Date of publication: April 2007
Description/subject: "Issues and Concerns Vol. 4 analyzes the internal situation in Burma and presents compelling reasons as to why Burma should be considered a threat to ASEAN’s comprehensive regional security and why this threat is of such a serious nature to warrant action by the UN Security Council. Topics covered in the book include: • The World’s Longest-Running War: Whose Problem Is It? • Why ASEAN/Why the UNSC • Drug Production in Burma and the Trafficking of Drugs from Burma in Asia • The Social Impact of Burma’s Drug Production and Trafficking in Asia • Burma as a Vector for the Spread of Serious Diseases in Asia o HIV/AIDS o Malaria o TB o Filariasis o Avian Influenza • Refugees o Internally Displaced Persons (“IDPs”) o Thailand o Bangladesh o Malaysia o India • Civilians, Women and Children o Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts o Children and Armed Conflict o Women, Peace and Security"
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (1.835MB)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 3 - March 2007
Date of publication: March 2007
Description/subject: " Inside: SPDC Army's weakness; Arrests merry go round; Karen offensive; Bird Flu; Refugees' plight; ASEAN charter; Chronology of events; List of Reports"...KEY STORY: SPDC Army’s weakness... INSIDE BURMA: Harassment of activists; New arrests, releases; National Convention; Junta calls on the doctor; Attacks on the Karen continue; Ceasefire talks; Bird flu again... HUMAN RIGHTS: Situation worsening; More arrests; Custodial death; Birthday behind bars; Teenage rape victims jailed; More forced labor... DISPLACEMENT: Malaysia crackdowns; Bangladesh bulldozes camps; Rohingya boat people... INTERNATIONAL: AIPMC: stronger stand; ASEAN: no sanctions; ASEAN: no EU trade agreement; Thai-Burma border tension... ECONOMY: China gets the gas? More gas... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (206K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-03.pdf
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: The KNU 7th Brigade defection: SPDC’s propaganda over substance - February 2007
Date of publication: 23 February 2007
Description/subject: "Instead of pursuing genuine reconciliation with the recognized leaders of ethnic groups, the State Peace and Development Council continues to engineer splits and factions in opposition groups. In its latest move, on 11 February, the SPDC announced in its own media a “peace” deal with the newly formed splinter group Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KNU/KNLAPC) headed up by disaffected former Karen National Union (KNU) Commander Htain Maung. The deal has provided Htain Maung and his small band of followers with supplies and televisions, but no promise of peace or the end of the military violence which forced 27,000 people to leave their homes in 2006 in Eastern Burma. Karen grassroots and civil society organizations have responded to the attempt to cause division by rallying around the KNU, confirming their place as the legitimate leaders of the community."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (98K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 2 - February 2007
Date of publication: February 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • India’s quid pro quo... INSIDE BURMA: • Poor SPDC Army • SPDC Master Plan • Freedom of Assembly • Crackdown on opposition • New Karen splinter group... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Karen offensive • Prison conditions • Freedom of information • Child soldiers... DISPLACEMENT: • Migrant worker arrests • Trafficking... INTERNATIONAL: • Indonesia cooperation... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (160K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-02.pdf
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 1 - January 2007
Date of publication: January 2007
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • China and Russia veto... INSIDE BURMA: • Student leaders • NLD activities • SPDC attacks Daw Suu • Than Shwe health • SPDC Corruption • Bombs • KNU and the “ceasefire” • KIO and drugs • Infectious diseases threat... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Prisoner releases, detentions... DISPLACEMENT: • Rohingya Exodus • Migrant workers in Thailand... INTERNATIONAL: • ASEAN Summit • ASEAN Charter • India military ties... ECONOMY: • Rice Harvest • Energy Deals... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSESAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (132k, 198K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-01.pdf
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: Forced labor in Burma: time for action - November 2006
Date of publication: 10 November 2006
Description/subject: "The forced labor situation in Burma has not improved in the six years since the ILO first addressed the issue in November 2000. While the regime has responded to ILO pressure with positive measures, any gains have been lost as soon as pressure is eased. Most recently, the SPDC failed to comply with the ILO recommendations on forced labor issues made in June 2006. The SPDC’s recent release of activists Su Su Nway and Aye Myint in June have not been followed with any genuine moves by the SPDC to end forced labor. Forced labor involving portering, sentry/patrol duty, military and SPDC infrastructure projects, and commercial agriculture activities are still prevalent throughout Burma."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (46.3K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: Burma Bulletin - Issue 0 - November 2006
Date of publication: November 2006
Description/subject: KEY STORY: • Gambari Returns to Burma... INSIDE BURMA: • Daw Suu meets with Gambari, receives medical checkup • NLD activities continue • Student leaders jailed • New administrative system • Corruption among SPDC • Karen State offensive continues... HUMAN RIGHTS: • Prison visits: ICRC out • ILO Considers ICJ option... DISPLACEMENT: • Burmese work permits under new Thai leadership... INTERNATIONAL: • Bush Tells ASEAN Leaders to Pressure Burma • US to Pursue UNSC Resolution • Thai PM Visits Burma... ECONOMY: • Thailand to reduce energy dependence on Burma • Burma not meeting its own energy needs • SPDC unpaid debts • Sale of Gold Mine... CHRONOLOGY... REPORTS.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (215K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs4/ALTSEAN-Bulletin-00.pdf
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: China gambles on Burma at its own peril - October 2006
Date of publication: 05 October 2006
Description/subject: "The briefer examines the negative impact on China’s society that is the result of China’s cozy economic and political ties with the SPDC. The serious implications of China’s economic and political ties with the SPDC include: 1. Considerable harm to China because of illegal drugs entering China from Burma and because China’s HIV/AIDS epidemic can be traced to injecting drug users in cities bordering Burma. 2. Increased tension between the SPDC and Burma’s ethnic groups who have previously depended on direct trade with China. This will destabilize China’s border regions with Burma. Instability in Burma will further frustrate efforts by China to address its serious drug problems, HIV/AIDS epidemic and other problems related to migration, human trafficking, social ills and organized crime. 3. Assuming China’s blind support, the SPDC has intensified its crackdown on dissent by re-arresting student leaders and former political prisoners, and implying that harsher persecutions are on the way."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (290K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: Rohingya and Muslims in Arakan State: slow-burning genocide - August 2006
Date of publication: August 2006
Description/subject: "Almost 14 years have passed since the UN General Assembly recognized the suffering the Rohingya experienced at the hands of Burma’s military regime. Yet, Rohingya and Muslims from Burma continue to be subjected to a widespread and systematic campaign of persecution and discrimination at home and the denial of basic protection and fundamental rights in neighboring countries. Often overlooked in global media coverage, the plight of more than 1 million Rohingya and Muslims from Burma should be more closely watched by the international community, to prevent what increasingly appears to be another genocide in the making"
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (102K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: THE SPIRIT OF 8888 LIVES ON - August 2006
Date of publication: August 2006
Description/subject: "The courageous actions of ordinary people and political leaders alike to stand up for the principles of human rights and democracy in the past 3 years prove that the spirit of 8888 is alive and well in Burma. That these actions are being done despite threats of death, detention or persecution, show that the peoples of Burma refuse to give up on their vision of a free and democratic Burma.Altsean-Burma salutes the courage of the peoples of Burma, both in and outside the country, in their struggle. We support the common aspiration of the diverse ethnic groups for peace, justice and development and renew our determination to see the achievement of political reforms in Burma in the near future. We call upon the international community, in particular, the governments of ASEAN, India, China and East Asia, to actively support political and economic reforms in Burma. We urge them to support initiatives to bring Burma before the UN Security Council as a means to hasten reforms. 8888 - Don't Forget, Don't Give Up!"
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (274K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: ATS Briefer, July 2006
Date of publication: July 2006
Description/subject: " The briefer examines the global and regional impact of amphetamine production and use. With the increased use of amphetamines, there are almost twice as many users of amphetamines in the world than of opiates. The bulk of amphetamine production and trafficking in the world occurs in Southeast Asia. Burma is a primary source of amphetamines to the world market. Amphetamine production and trafficking has given the SPDC an alternative source of revenue that has allowed the SPDC to reduce opium and heroin production in response to international pressure. Regional governments need to seriously assess the health, social, and human security threats linked to increased amphetamine production and use. Injected and tablet forms of amphetamines are directly linked to the spread of HIV/AIDS from Burma to India and China. Every country neighboring Burma is negatively impacted by amphetamine use."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (275K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: BURMA BRIEFING: ISSUES AND CONCERNS VOL. 3 - July 2006
Date of publication: July 2006
Description/subject: "Issues and Concerns Vol. 3 contains a selection of articles covering developments in Burma and in the ASEAN community. Topics covered in the book include: • ASEAN’s increased frustrations in dealing with Burma’s junta. • The regime’s decision to move the capital to Naypyidaw. • Shake-ups and reshuffles in the SPDC. • Possible UNSC action on Burma. • Bomb blasts and instability within Burma • The SPDC’s continued mismanagement of Burma’s economy • India and China’s continued competition over Burma’s gas and oil reserves • Increased military aid from Russia • SPDC rejects NLD offer for dialogue • SPDC intensifies crackdown on NLD • Update on conditions of political prisoners and new arrests • Update on Ethnic relations and SPDC attacks on armed ethnic groups and SPDC Army offensive in Karen State • Update on SPDC interference in the delivery of humanitarian aid • SPDC ability to respond to bird flu • Update of forced labor"
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (928K)
Date of entry/update: 02 May 2007


Title: NATIONAL CONVENTION: THE SPDC DELUSION OF DEMOCRATIC REFORM
Date of publication: 01 February 2006
Description/subject: The briefer examines the December 2005 – January 2006 convening of the ongoing SPDC National Convention (NC). The constitution drafting process continues to be illegitimate, unrepresentative, and an exercise in futility. Despite the junta’s repeated claims that the National Convention is nearing an end, the SPDC tells foreign diplomats that the latest session of the NC will not complete new constitution. The slow pace of democratic reform draws criticism from the international community. While the USDA was active in organizing “forced” rallies in support of the NC process, the NMSP and KNPP pull their delegates from the NC as tensions mount between SPDC and other ceasefire groups. Convention delegates who attend the NC proceedings meet in a climate of fear and intimidation.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (226K)
Date of entry/update: 29 October 2007


Title: BURMA’S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE ASEAN CHAIR – RETREAT OR DEFEAT?
Date of publication: 13 September 2005
Description/subject: On 26 July 2005, the SPDC withdrew its claim to the ASEAN chair, causing a massive loss of face for Snr Gen Than Shwe and his cronies. The move has been followed by intense speculation – that Than Shwe has been ousted, and that the military leadership will become further isolated from the concerns of the international community. With the military regime in a weakened state, now is the time for ASEAN and the international community to push the junta towards genuine and comprehensive reforms for democratization in Burma. Also in the lead up to the decision, over 200 prisoners were released, apparently in an attempt to appease international opinion. Crackdowns on political dissent continue, and the situation remains tense between the SPDC Army and ethnic groups as the SPDC reinforces its military presence in several territories, and opposition groups resist committing to the junta’s “road map”. Pressure on the junta leadership has been exacerbated by the humanitarian crisis and failing economy. The delivery of humanitarian aid is severely frustrated by junta restrictions, while widespread food shortages continue.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (108K)
Date of entry/update: 29 October 2007


Title: PRESSURE WORKS: BURMA BACKS OFF FROM ASEAN CHAIR
Date of publication: 06 August 2005
Description/subject: "Unprecedented pressure from ASEAN has forced the Burmese regime to back off from claiming the coveted chair for 2006. Although billed as “Burma’s own decision”, the move – affecting the regime’s credibility and prestige – was a defeat for regime head Senior-General Than Shwe. Burma’s decision to relinquish its turn at the ASEAN chairmanship shows that persistent pressure works, and it works most effectively when applied from within ASEAN. Although being forced to relinquish the chairmanship was undoubtedly a success for ASEAN and the Burma democracy movement, it was only one of many steps towards the country achieving a genuine democracy. Moving beyond the chairmanship, ASEAN should now insist the junta set a clear timetable in fulfilling its long-standing pledge to ASEAN and the international community to commence a genuine and inclusive process towards democratization in Burma. In this process, ASEAN should engage with China and India – both countries which have significant influence and business ties with the regime – to convince them that a free, democratic and prosperous Burma presents a better business case and strategic partner than the bankrupt, pariah state it is now...Page 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 3 MOVING ON: BEYOND THE CHAIRMANSHIP Asean’s Continuing Leverage Page 4 THAN SHWE BACKS DOWN The Official Announcement Asean’s New Reality: Pressure Works! Asean, US, EU elated Burma, China, Rangoon diplomats upset ARF hits out at Burma News Blackout in Rangoon Page 6 THE ROAD TO VIENTIANE Asean Parliamentarians Lead the Charge Asean Ministers Follow Suit Page 8 THE CHAIR WAS IMPORTANT TO THAN SHWE He wanted it – bad Why did he need it? SPDC Rank and File Demoralized Evaporating Ethnic Trust Economy in the Doldrums No Face, No Money Page 13 WHAT THEY SAID: STATEMENTS ON BURMA’S ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP NCGUB Asean Press International Press Asean Leaders Asean Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus Other International Leaders & Commentators
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (164K)
Date of entry/update: 01 January 2006


Title: WAITING TO EXPLODE?
Date of publication: 01 June 2005
Description/subject: Three bombs detonated in central Rangoon on 7 May 2005. The SPDC has been accused of having had foreknowledge of the bombings, but only organizing protection of military buildings. The bombings have been commonly assumed to be an “inside job” to justify increased military actions against dissident groups, or as an expression of tensions between Vice-Sr Gen Maung Aye and “young guns” aligned with Sr Gen Than Shwe. The reshuffle of half of the country’s regional commanders and the recall of many Burmese ambassadors, reported two weeks after the bombings, heighten speculation about the internal integrity of the regime post-Khin Nyunt ouster.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (86K)
Date of entry/update: 01 January 2006


Title: CALL FOR FATF TO MAINTAIN BURMA’S NCCT STATUS
Date of publication: 31 May 2005
Description/subject: In 2001, Burma was designated Non-Cooperative Country or Territory (NCCT) by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), indicating major deficiencies in a country’s anti-money laundering regime, and cautioning financial institutions to pay special attention to their business relations and transactions. In November 2004, the FATF removed extra measures against the regime as a result of ‘improvements’ in the SPDC’s money laundering standards. This action overlooked flaws in the SPDC’s anti-money laundering mechanisms, as well as failings in newly enacted laws. Despite the regime’s recent showcase closing of two banks, the SPDC has not taken significant action against money laundering. Closing the banks was merely an attempt to convince the international community that the SPDC is “tough on money laundering” in the lead up to the next meeting of the FATF in June... The SPDC’s approach to money laundering remains sub-par and a threat to regional economies and global efforts to combat money laundering. "The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) must renew Burma’s placement on the Non- Cooperative Country or Territory (NCCT) list. Despite the regime’s recent showcase closing of two banks, the SPDC has not taken significant action against money laundering..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (98K)
Date of entry/update: 01 January 2006


Title: "Show Some Self-respect!" - An Interview with Debbie Stothard
Date of publication: 26 April 2005
Description/subject: Burma activist group leader speaks out on Asean dilemma... "As the 2006 date for Burma’s assumption of the Asean chairmanship draws ever closer, the organization’s policy towards Rangoon comes under increasingly close scrutiny from the Alternative Asean Network on Burma. Formed in 1996, ALTSEAN is a network of Southeast Asia activists, NGOs, academics and politicians who are working for democracy and respect for human rights in Burma. The Irrawaddy recently talked to Altsean’s co-ordinator, Debbie Stothard, about her movement’s approach to the thorny question of Burma’s suitability for chairing Asean..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" Vol. 13, No. 4
Format/size: html
Date of entry/update: 27 April 2006


Title: "Blurred Vision" -- Report Card, January - March 2004
Date of publication: March 2005
Description/subject: Inside: Ethnics Draft Alternative Roadmap , NLD’s 4 Minimal Demands, Resource Diplomacy Bails Out Regime, A New Narcotic Drink Called ASEAN... CONTENTS 3 BLURRED VISION... 4 DEMOCRACY & DIALOGUE: * National Convention to Restart; * Myanmar Road to Democracy”: The Way Backward; * Making & Believing Promises; * Reactions to the Roadmap: 4 Minimal Demands, Tripartite Dialogue First, Alt. Roadmap; * International Community: Looking For a Timeframe; * Repression Continues: Criticizing Roadmap gets 17 Years Jail; * Razali Leads Choir of Optimists... 17 MILITARY THREAT: * Going Nowhere; * Command & Control; * Procurement & Recruitment: Upgrading the Airforce, Ethnic Recruitment, Forced Portering; * International Military Ties; * Breaching the Ceasefires: Karenni, Karen, Shan, Mon; * Security Tightened; * Army in Short Supply? 25 DRUGS: * Counter Narcotics: Thailand; Orders Friendly Ties, China Getting Fed-Up, India to Intensify Cooperation; * US Report: Small Concession; * Opium Production: Rising Or Falling? Crop Substitution Fails, Villagers Forced To Pay; * Junta & Police Clash At SPDC Poppy Plantation; * “Asean”: The New Narcotic Drink; * New Trade Route? * Wa Ecstasy? Wa Refineries Move, ATS Factories At Panghsang, Wa Take Ruby Hill; * Seizures; 35 ECONOMY: * Natural Resources: Regime’s Redemption * A Golden Land: Diamond And Gold Mining At Set Ga Done * Change To Euro Confirmed * India: New Official Trade Point * No Go Area: Bangladesh Shipping Route Suspended * BIMSTEC Free Trade Area * Domestic Economy: More Contradictions: Rice Export Ban, Raw Goods Liberalization, Three Banks Reopen * Foreign Trade: Buy Less, Export More, No More Prawns, China- Burma Trade US$1 Billion in 2003, East-West Corridor * Quick Money Makers: A Guide For Dictators: Japan Tax, Foreign Investment For Tourism, Concessions In Exclusive Economic Zone, Sell Some Gems * Mekong Power Grid: Questionable Policies * ICFTU Updates Shame List 47 AID * Japan Resumes Aid * EU To Offer Border Assistance * US Supports Aids Projects * FAO * UN Rice To Ex-Poppy Farmers 50 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS * United Nations: No One Happy * India: Looking East? * China * Bangladesh * ASEAN: Easily Intimidated? * ASEM * Bangkok Process * European Union: A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action * United States * Australia 59 THAI-BURMA RELATIONS * Enduring Faith…. * Understanding Is The Key * Bangkok Process: Yes, No, No…..Yes * Economics * Tavoy Port * Thaksin Defensive Over McConnell Accusations... * Human Rights Watch, Another Damning Report * Bo Mya Thanks Thais 65 ETHNIC RELATIONS * KNU Ceasefire: No Formal Agreement * New Hopes For KNPP Ceasefire * KIO: Failed Coup * Shan State Army-South: Committed To Peace * Salone/Moken Forced On Land For Tourism * Arakan National Council: A Source of Concern For Rohingyas * Chin National Front: Ready For Ceasefire Talks * Ethnic Council Formed 73 HUMAN RIGHTS * Political Prisoners: New Arrests, Political Prisoner Dies One Month Before Completing Sentence, Deteriorating Health Condition Of Political Prisoners, 15 Years Jail For Sports * Total In Burma: French Activist Denies Wrongdoing * Freedom Of Movement * Forced Labor: Junta Agrees To An Independent Mediator, Junta Will Review Death Sentences Of “ILO 3”, Forced Labor, Extortion, Confiscation Continues * Burma: High Risk Of Genocide * Burmese In Bangladesh Prison Despite End Of Sentence * Freedom Of Information: More Press Freedom In China Than In Burma * The US On Burma: Worsening Human Rights Record * Pinheiro: Caution & Despair * Min Ko Naing: 15 Years in Jail 82 WOMEN & CHILDREN * Junta Continues To Rape Women Despite Ceasefire Talks * Lack Of Attention To Women’s Rights Fuels HIV/AIDS Epidemic * Burmese Women’s Reproductive Health At The Thai-Burma Border * NLD Women Demand Releases * Forced Recruitment For Junta Org * Child Soldiers, Girl Soldiers * Child Prisoners: Judges Ignorant Of The Country’s Laws 87 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM * Junta Tightens Its Grip On Buddhist Clergy: Monks Arrested, Disrobed And Imprisoned, Jailed for Refusing SPDC Donations * Buddhist-Muslim Clashes In Arakan State * Christians Persecuted In Chin State * Activist Monk Passes Away * Inter-Faith Prayer Amidst Repression At Thai-Burma Border 91 DISPLACEMENT * IDPs: 3,500 Displaced In Karenni & Karen States, Asian Highway Forces Relocation In Sagaing Divn * Refugees: Japan, Bangladesh, Malaysia * UNHCR Plans Repatriation While Displacement Continues * Thailand: UNHCR Suspends Refugee Status Determination For Burmese, No More Persons Of Concern (POC) Status For Refugees, Hunger Strike In Bangkok Prison * Migrant Workers: Thousands Flee Ahead of Thai Crackdown, Repression of Labor Activists * Human Smuggling 98 HEALTH * Bird Flu Stories * HIV/AIDS Joint Proposal 100 ENVIRONMENT * Chinese Dams On The Nu/Salween River * Thai-Burma Projects For The Salween River * Mangrove Reforestation * A Tiger Reserve For The SPDC * Wildlife Trade Thriving 103 CHRONOLOGY: JAN ~ MAR 2004 119 MEDIA ABBREVIATIONS
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (453K)
Date of entry/update: 01 January 2006


Title: INTERIM REPORT CARD: JULY 2004 – FEBRUARY 2005
Date of publication: March 2005
Description/subject: A Summary of Political and Human Rights Developments in Burma Prepared for the 61st Session on the UN Commission on Human Rights, March 2005... CONTENTS: 2 DEMOCRACY BLUES 3 MILITARY PURGES: INHERENT INSTABILITY The Fate of Gen Khin Nyunt The New MI Corruption Continues Unabated Continuing Instability Mass Prisoner Releases 9 THE NATIONAL CONVENTION Illegitimate, Unrepresentative, Militaristic Tightening Control of Ceasefire Grps Entrenching Military Rule Order 5/96: 20 Years’ Jail for Criticism Democratic Forces Reject Roadmap Not Representative of Burma’s People Divide and Rule Tactics USDA: The SPDC’s New Party 17 DEMOCRACY, SPDC-STYLE: NO POLITICAL PARTICIPATION Continued Arrests & Detentions NLD Calls for Dialogue Rejected CRPP Head Threatened by Junta NLD Petition Campaign 22 ETHNIC RELATIONS Shan Leaders Arrested Battles Ahead 26 DISREGARD FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ILO – No Intention to Change Bangkok Process: Thailand holding on UN Envoys 28 OVERVIEW: HUMAN RIGHTS 29 ABUSES OF ECONOMIC RIGHTS 30 EXTORTION & LAND CONFISCATION 32 FORCED LABOR 34 TORTURE 35 ARBITRARY DETENTION Detained Beyond the their Sentences Prisoner Deaths Life-Threatening Health Conditions 39 SUMMARY EXECUTIONS & EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS 41 FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION 43 RULE OF LAW Junta Cracks Down On Romance Miscarriages of Justice Complainants Sent To Jail, Killed 46 RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE 46 FORCED RELOCATION & DISPLACEMENT 48 VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN 49 HUMAN TRAFFICKING 50 RIGHTS OF THE CHILD 51 IGNORING TSUNAMI-AFFECTED BURMESE 52 LANDMINES
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (266K)
Date of entry/update: 01 January 2006


Title: BURMA BRIEFING - BURMA’S NATIONAL CONVENTION: ILLEGITIMATE, UNREPRESENTATIVE & OPPRESSIVE
Date of publication: 16 February 2005
Description/subject: On 17 February 2005, Burma’s ongoing National Convention was scheduled to reconvene. The briefer examines the National Convention including information on structure, process, reasons why it is illegitimate, democratic alternatives, and international responses... FEBRUARY 2005 UPDATE:- NO CHANGES IN SIGHT: Tightening Control of Ceasefire Groups; National Convention Process Unchanged; Crackdown On Shan Leaders Ahead Of National Convention; Discontent Brewing Amongst Ceasefire Groups; CRPP Rejects National Convention... CONCLUSION... RECOMMENDATIONS... BACKGROUND INFORMATION:- AN EXCUSE NOT TO CONVENE PARLIAMENT... ENTRENCHING MILITARY RULE: The Military Junta Does Not Want Democracy; Six “Objectives”; Chapter Headings; 104 “Principles”... FIRST STEP IN A ROADMAP TO DEMOCRACY? The 7-Point Roadmap; Fundamentally Flawed; Continuation of a Previous Failure; No End in Sight; Who Will Draft the Constitution?; 1990 Election Results Must Be Upheld; Democratic Forces Reject the Roadmap... NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF BURMA’S PEOPLE: Worse Than the 1993 Convention; Thugs and Drug Lords at the NC... THE REGIME’S DESPERATION: NC Structure; SLORC Order 5/96: Freedom of Expression Criminalized; 1,076 Handpicked Political Prisoners; Bizarre Regulations; Strict Script Supervision; Media Gagged, Blindfolded, Deaf; Divide-and-Rule: Joint Proposal Refused... ALTERNATIVES TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION: Ceasefire Groups Also Want Democratic Process; Ethnic Groups Draft an Alternative Roadmap; Eight New Basic Principles from Democracy Movement... INTERNATIONAL RESPONSES: Exclusion of the International Community; ASEAN: The Failure Of Unconditional Engagement; UN Consensus; Western Condemnation.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (159K)
Date of entry/update: 26 February 2005


Title: TSUNAMI IMPACT ON BURMA - Update 28 January 2005
Date of publication: 28 January 2005
Description/subject: Note: This briefing note is an update of a previous Altsean-Burma paper entitled “Tsunami Impact on Burma – Update as of 4 January 2005”. It covers tsunami-related developments affecting the Burmese population inside Burma and in Thailand from 4 to 28 January 2005...In December of 2004, an undersea earthquake near Indonesia triggered a tsunami that caused widespread destruction in Indonesia, Thailand, India and, most likely, Burma. Because of Burma’s secretive military regime, it has been had to assess the full extent of the tsunami’s damage to Burma. The briefer examines the probable damage caused by the tsunami to Burma, the SPDC’s reporting and response to the event, as well as the impact of the tsunami on migrant workers from Burma working in Thailand and the Thai government’s treatment of the migrant workers. Note: This briefing note is an update of a previous Altsean-Burma paper entitled “Tsunami Impact on Burma – Update as of 4 January 2005”. It covers tsunami-related developments affecting the Burmese population inside Burma and in Thailand from 4 to 28 January 2005.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (101K)
Date of entry/update: 26 February 2005


Title: TSUNAMI IMPACT ON BURMA – Update as of 4 January 2005
Date of publication: 04 January 2005
Description/subject: "The tsunami has highlighted the reality that Burma is a failed state that has been slow to recognise the seriousness of the situation. The military authorities have denied the severity of the effects of the tsunami and associated earthquakes. Besides being slow to act to support its own citizens, the regime has also hindered aid agencies and concerned people from providing direct assistance. The impacts on Burmese have not just been felt in the country, but also amongst thousands of migrant workers and asylum-seekers in Thailand. However, the Burmese authorities has not moved to provide support to their citizens overseas, neither has it been committed to helping account for foreigners who may have been present in coastal areas affected by the tsunami..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (90K)
Date of entry/update: 26 February 2005


Title: A Failing Grade - Burma's drug eradication efforts
Date of publication: November 2004
Description/subject: "...Since the assumption of power of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) in September 1988, Burma has experienced a dramatic rise in the production and export of illegal narcotics. Since 1996, opium and heroin production doubled. In the years since there has been a steady decline in opium production and the export of heroin. Far from being the result of government and international efforts, this has been largely the cause of a production and market shift, from opiates to amphetamine type stimulants (ATS). The drug trade in Burma is conducted predominantly by Chinese criminal organizations, protected at every step by ethnic militia armies with links to transnational criminal networks. They are routinely and systematically assisted by members of the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) in a network that has no official approval, but which is so widespread and deep as to be systemic and multi-layered, from the troops on the ground to the generals in Rangoon....The SPDC has failed to resolutely interdict the narcotics trade in Burma. Efforts so far to accord with its stated aims and international obligations have been insufficient to increase the current level of United Nations funding, or for the United States Government to certify the regime as cooperating fully on stopping the drug trade. Narcotics eradication efforts cannot be depoliticized or sequestered from the SPDC's wider aims, which includes the pacification of ethnic people. The humanitarian crisis facing opium farming communities in the Shan State must be urgently addressed by the international community. This should entail greater lobbying of the SPDC to slow down their eradication drive and take a more gradual, sustainable approach to eradication. The regime must demonstrate that their war on drugs is one conducted with greater respect for human rights, providing sustainable alternative incomes and more positive development for the communities. Other communities affected by drug eradication projects, such as Shan displaced by UWSA and UNODC sponsored forced relocations should also be recognized and assisted..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: Altsean-Burma
Format/size: html, pdf (7.18MB - 250 pages)
Date of entry/update: 14 December 2004


Title: BURMA BRIEFING: ISSUES & CONCERNS VOLUME 1
Date of publication: November 2004
Description/subject: Issues and Concerns Vol. 1 contains a selection of articles covering background information on a wide range of Burma-related issues. Topics covered in the book include: • Basic Facts on Burma • A Brief History • Reshuffling the SPDC Deck • The National League for Democracy (NLD) • Who’s Who • Burma’s Economy: Soldiers Are Not Economists • Ethnic Diversity: No Barrier to Unity • Federalism & The Union of Burma • The 8888 General Strike • The 1990 General Elections in Burma • The Depayin Massacre • Roadmap To Democracy: Buying Time Burma’s National Convention: Illegitimate, Unrepresentative & Oppressive • Undermining Regional Security • Burma & The International Community • Advancing Regional Interests • Burma: ASEAN’s Shame • The Un Secretary-General & His Special Envoy • Civil Society’s Response to the Crisis In Burma • International Initiatives: Strength Elicits Results • Economic Sanctions: A Consequence of the Regime’s Inflexibility Who Needs the Rule of Law? • Repression of Pro-Democracy Activists • Abuses Against Ethnic Nationalities • Press Freedom Denied • Human Trafficking • Military Rule Is Bad for Your Health • Violence Against Women • Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (1.694MB)
Date of entry/update: 29 October 2007


Title: BURMA BRIEFING: ISSUES AND CONCERNS VOL. 2 - Nov 2004
Date of publication: November 2004
Description/subject: UPDATE: THE KHIN NYUNT OUSTER: It’s Not Over, Yet; Another Generation of Political Prisoners?... MILITARY RESTRUCTURING... BORDER ISSUES: Border Trade; Confiscations, Arrests; Thailand... ECONOMY AND BUSINESS: Closures; Kyat; Trade & Investment... DRUGS... ETHNIC NATIONALITIES: National Convention... THE NLD & DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI... NCGUB... INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS: ASEAN Turns Up the Heat? Thailand: Soe Win ‘A Nice Guy’; Malaysia: Why Weren’t We Told? Philippines: More of ‘The Usual’ Indonesia: Surprise Visit; China: Quietly Concerned; India: Friendly Overtures; EU: Asians Should Help; US: More Pressure, Please; UN... WHO’S IN, WHO’S OUT... WHO’S WHO: SPDC LEADERS’ BIOGRAPHIES... PRISONER RELEASES: EASING THE PRESSURE VALVE? Who Was Released? Some Still Waiting; What About Aung San Suu Kyi; No Signs of Change; A Response to Pressure; Not the First Time; Daw Aung San Suu Kyi: Burma’s Most Famous Political Prisoner... WHY THE RELEASES? International Pressure; Internal Pressure; What Next?; Conclusion... LOTS OF NOISE, LITTLE CHANGE: HUMAN RIGHTS POST KHIN NYUNT... LEGISLATORS ACTING ON BURMA: Inter-Parliamentary Union; 3,285 Parliamentarians Sign Solidarity Declaration; European Parliament Calls for Increased Pressure on Burma; Parliamentarians Support the CRPP; US Congress: United on Burma; Other Recent Parliamentarian Initiatives; ASEAN: Parliamentary Caucuses Emerge: Malaysia; Thailand... RECENT CIVIL SOCIETY INITIATIVES ON BURMA: Nobel Laureates; Regional Activists; Labor Groups... RESPONSES FROM INTERNATIONAL BODIES: UNGA’s Annual Resolutions; ILO: Pressure Triggers Response; FATF: Money Laundering Concerns... LEGAL PROOF OF A DICTATORSHIP: Emergency Provisions Act (1950); State Protection Law (1975); Television & Video Law (1996); 21 Unlawful Associations Act (1908); Interpretation of Expressions Law (1973); Printers & Publishers Registration Law (1962); The Official Secrets Act (1923); Habitual Offenders Act (1961); The Burma Wireless Telegraphy Act (1933); The “National Convention” Law 5/96 (1996); 22 Uses & Abuses of the Law; But Sometimes the Law isn’t so Important… Further Deficiencies; Guilty Until Proven Innocent; Inaccessible Laws; Legal Bid to Free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Fails; More Sackings... THE LAST WORD - QUOTES FROM AUNG SAN SUU KYI on: Burma & ASEAN; ASEAN’s Constructive Engagement; Refugees; Democracy; 25 Human Rights & Asian Values; The UN Special Envoy Razali Ismail; The 1990 Election; Power-Sharing? On the NLD’s “Inflexibility”; Some Resources from Altsean-Burma.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (491K)
Date of entry/update: 26 February 2005


Title: DECLARATION OF THE REGIONAL STRATEGY MEETING ON BURMA
Date of publication: 08 June 2004
Description/subject: "We, the participants of the Regional Strategy Meeting on Burma, from 40 organisations in 10 countries, met for 2 days in June in Thailand, AFFIRM THAT: * The democratisation of Burma is integral to freedom and democracy in the entire region. * Tripartite dialogue premised on observance of human rights and democratic principles is essential to genuine National Reconciliation. * Free and fair elections are a cornerstone to any democratic state, therefore the outcome of the 1990 multi-party elections organised by the military regime must be acknowledged. * Asean is a key actor in determining the future of Burma, and therefore the future of this region. * Asean and the international community need to focus more effort and resources to advocate effectively for genuine reforms in Burma. * Sanctions, particularly economic sanctions, are vital non-military options to support the democracy movement in Burma. Hence, the continuation and expansion of such sanctions are needed. RECOGNISE THAT:..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: Regional Strategy Meeting on Burma
Format/size: html (19K)
Date of entry/update: 08 June 2004


Title: ON THE ROAD TO DEPAYIN:
Date of publication: 04 June 2004
Description/subject: "The following excerpts have been translated from footage of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's tour of Mandalay Division, Kachin, State, Shan State and Sagaing Division in the weeks leading up to the murderous attack on her entourage on May 30, 2003. She made these impromptu speeches at rallies that attracted thousands of people who traveled great distances to see her despite harassment and severe warnings by the authorities. Several isolated protests organized by the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) acting under the direction of Burma's military leaders. These went relatively unheeded until the USDA stepped up their campaign of threats and intimidation, which culminated in the Depayin attack which resulted in scores killed, and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD Deputy Chair U Tin Oo detained..."
Language: English
Source/publisher: Altsean-Burma
Format/size: html
Date of entry/update: 08 June 2004


Title: BRIEFING NOTE: IT IS TIME TO ACT ON BURMA,
Date of publication: 01 June 2004
Description/subject: SHOULD THE SPDC BE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH LIES? Patience & Flexibility... WHY ACT NOW?-- SPDC's Broken Promises; Lack of Democratic Progress; Continuing Human Rights Abuses; Releases from international pressure; Security Concerns, Military Threat... PRESSURE WORKS:-- Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; U Lwin, NLD Spokesman; Asian Activists; Malaysian Parliamentarians; Sen. John McCain & HE Madeline Albright; Sanctions Take Time; Engagement is not working... WHAT THE REGIME IS BEING URGED TO DO... WHAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CAN DO... A BAN ON FINANCIAL REMITTANCES – THE PRACTICAL OPTION... A LIFELINE FOR THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT... A NON-VIOLENT BARGAINING CHIP... TAKING AIM AT SPDC'S ECONOMIC LIFELINES... CREATING DOMESTIC PRESSURE FOR CHANGE:-- Undermining Moderates?... INSTIGATING REGIONAL ACTION... SPDC – FEIGNING REFORM & ROLLING OUT THE CHARM... DAMPENING EFFORTS: Relabeling; Enabling Remittances; Business Diplomacy... SANCTIONS & SEX WORK:-- Burma's biggest pimp; Increasing since 1988; Jumping the Gun; Low Factory Wages; Insufficient evidence; Numbers of job losses disputed; Job losses from capital flight; Reforms needed... PEOPLE OF BURMA SUPPORT SANCTIONS... PREDICTIONS: Brief Chronology of �Predictions' by the Thai Government... RECENT ARMS& DEFENSE EQUIPMENT ACQUISITIONS... ROGUE REGIMES – Pyongyang & the SPDC... GOING NUCLEAR!... REGIONAL THREAT... THE WORST SANCTION: The Ongoing Banking Crisis; Investor-Unfriendly Climate... APPENDIXES: Burma: An Albatross for Both Asean & Europe, By Kavi Chongkittavorn. The Nation, Jun 14 04... Non Interference In Burma Is Not An Option, By Mitch McConnell and Dianne Feinstein. The Asian Wall Street Journal, Jun 14 04... Declaration of the Regional Strategy Meeting on Burma, Jun 8 04.... Press Statement by the Pro-Democracy Myanmar MPs' Caucus of The Malaysian Parliament, Jun 8 04... Envoy: Assembly a "Mass House Arrestâ€�. The Nation, Jun 2 04... Now is the time for action on Burma, By Tashika Elbegdorj. The Nation, May 10 04... �Window Dressing,' Baltimore Sun, May 12 04... Don't Help Burma's Generals, by Zaw Oo, Far Eastern Economic Review, May 6 04... Imposition of Special Measures against Burma, Myanmar Mayflower Bank, and Asia Wealth Bank, Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System, May 3 04... A Need to Act on Burma, by John McCain & Madeleine Albright, Washington Post, Apr 27 04... No Excuse for Inaction on Burma, Fred Hiatt, Washington Post, Apr 5 04... Press Release: FATF Strengthens Global Anti- Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Campaign, Feb 27 04... Foreword to Ready, Aim, Sanction: Non-Military Options to Support Burma's Democratization, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nov 03... Press Release: FATF decides to impose counter-measures on Myanmar, Nov 3 03.
Language: English
Source/publisher: ALTSEAN-Burma
Format/size: pdf (207K) 39 pages
Date of entry/update: 06 July 2004


Title: SPECIAL REPORT: ON THE ROAD TO DEMOCRACY?
Date of publication: 29 February 2004
Description/subject: A Summary of Political & Human Rights Developments in Burma September 1 2003 - February 29, 2004... Prepared for the 60th Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, March 2004... CONTENTS: 2 ON THE ROAD TO DEMOCRACY? 4 Context of the Roadmap; 5 Nation-Wide Crackdown; 5 No Justice - No Accountability; 6 Rise of the Hardliners; 6 Forced Military Training; 8 Dissecting the Roadmap; 9 'Moderate' vs 'Hardline'? 10 Democratisation or Delay Tactic? 13 Broken Promises; 15 Lessons from the National Convention 1990-1996; 16 SPDC Actions Thus Far to Implement the Roadmap; 17 Bangkok Process - Dialogue with One Side; 17 USDA PIan to Destroy Democratic Movement; 19 Ethnic & Pro-Democracy Groups Reject Roadmap; 20 NLD: Dialogue or Detente; 21 Ethnic Nationalities Seminar's Common Position; 22 Ceasefire Groups: Conditional Support, Misrepresentation; 23 Pushed to the Ceasefire Table at Gunpoint; 26 Rethinking the Roadmap; 26 A Starting Point, Not a Fait Accompli; 28 OVERVIEW: HUMAN RIGHTS: 29 Arbitrary Detention; 31 Miscarriage Of Justice; 32 Update on Depayin Victims; 32 Arbitrary Detentions May 31 -Aug 31, 2003; 34 Torture; 36 Exlrajudicial Killings & Summary Executions; 37 Freedom of Expression; 37 Religious Intolerance; 38 Update on Ethnic Nationality Relations; 39 Forced Labor; 41 Forced Relocation & Displacemt; 42 Landmines; 44 Violence Against Women; 45 Child Soldiers; 47 Abuse of Economic Rights.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Altsean-Burma
Format/size: pdf (371K), html (341K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/roadmap-SR.htm
http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/OnThe%20Road2DemocracyA4.pdf
Date of entry/update: 24 March 2004


Title: Under Pressure: Report Card July-September 2003
Date of publication: January 2004
Description/subject: UNDER PRESSURE: DEMOCRACY AND DIALOGUE:- * No Justice For Black Friday Victims * Depayin Victims Missing / Detained * U Tin Oo & Other NLD Leaders * Daw Aung San Suu Kyi * ICRC Visits * More Eyewitness Accounts * Ethnic Groups Warned Not To Speak Out About Black Friday * The Big Picture - Nationwide Crackdown & �Clean Up' * Ongoing Arrests, Sentencing, And Harassment Of Opposition Members * NLD MPs Flee To Thailand * Authorities Shoot Hunger Strike Prisoners * Activist Dies After Depayin Attack * Releases * SPDC Propaganda Offensive * Bomb Blasts - SPDC Points Finger At Opposition Groups * Anti-SPDC Leaflets * Asean Interventions-Little Attempted, Little Gained * Thai �Road Map' * Indonesian Envoy * Razali's Visit - No High Hopes * Regime Roadmap-Another �Road To Nowhere' * The Perfect Stalling Tactic * National Convention Background * What's Missing From �Road Map' * What The Convention Does Offer * Play By Our Rules Or Stay Out * Who's On Board * SPDC Rallies And Prayers To Support Road Map And Ward Off Sanctions * Reactions To The Roadmap * Ethnic & Political Groups' Rejection * Ceasefire Groups' Conditional Support * International Community: Wait & See� MILITARY THREAT:- * SPDC Reshuffle Rise Of The Hardliners * General Khin Nyunt-Promoted Or Demoted? * Forced Conscription * New Bases, Battalions & Tanks * Military Border Buildup * ABSDF Forced Out Of KIO Territory * Tatmadaw Goes International * China - Military Visit * Thailand - More Naval Cooperation * India - Quid Pro Quo * Bangladesh - Shopping For Arms & Intelligence * Bombs * Attack On SPDC Warship * Students Clash With Police * MI Sergeant Arrested For Corruption� 33 DRUGS:- * Thaksin Gets Tough * Wa * Goodbye Opium, Hello Amphetamines * Newer, Stronger Yaba Pill * Burma Destroys Poppy Crops * France Funds Drug Monitoring Project * Militia Leader Top Drug Producer * US Burma �Failed Demonstrably' * Regional Meetings * Regional Threat ECONOMY:- * Sanctions Begin To Bite * Eating Lobster In Rangoon * More Cash, Less Credit * Fecs On The Way Out? * Changing To Euros * Effects On Border Trade * Job Losses * Wobbly Kyat * Bank Crisis Continues To Bite * Root Cause * Arakan State - Govt Control & Private Monopolies * New Agriculture Policies Amid Shortages * New Agricultural Census * IT Workshop * Regional Economic Integration * GMS, Regnl Routes = $$ For Junta * Foreign Trade & Investement * Regional Imports Up, Exports Down * Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam * Pressure & Divestment * More Companies Jump Ship * Premier's Long Goodbye * ITF Calls For Boycott * BAT - Fishy Business * Unocal Trial Moves Forward * SPDC Launches New Airline * Tourism - Still Bringing In $$ For The Junta * Britain Tells Travel Companies To Pull Out� AID:- * China funds power projects * Australia funds ICRC in Burma * Backdoor funding via ADB & GMS * ERI's Needs Assessment On Aid * UN FAO� INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:- * Actions Speak Louder Than Words * Junk Salesman * United Nations * United States Applies Sanctions * Sanctions "Badâ€� * Sanctions "Goodâ€� * Effects of Sanctions * Canada * Asean – What Would You Like To Hear? * No Parliament, MPs Not Welcome * Malaysia – Hard & Soft * Indonesia – Patience Thins * Philippines Maintains Position * Singapore: No Comment * Vietnam Silent * Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) * India, China, Bangladesh – Courting the SPDC * India 's New Best Friend * China – Maung Aye Sent to Grovel * Bangladesh - Buying Friends * Japan Takes A Stand * South Korea At Odds * Pakistan Warming * Australia's Mixed Message * European Union – Big Bark, No Bite� THAI-BURMA RELATIONS:- * Thai Roadmap * Thaksin's Response To Black Friday * Thai – US Relations * Sanctions * Economic Links * Crackdown On Refugees * Migrant Workers * Thai-Based Dissidents * Arrested For Murder And Released * Military Relations� ETHNIC RELATIONS:- * Junta Tells Ceasefire Groups To Keep Quiet * Ethnics Welcome US Sanctions * Arakanese Tell ASEM: More Pressure Needed * Wa Want Political Recognition * ALD Leader Dies * KNLA: 66 Battles In 64 Days * Naga Rebel Base Destroyed * Ceasefire Groups Invited To China HUMAN RIGHTS:- * ICRC Visits Shan State * Human Trafficking – Failure To Comply * KHRG Report Exposes Military Violations * Political Prisoners * Violence Against IDPs In Eastern Shan State * Forced Labor * Forced Fire Safety Training * Extortion * Freedom Of Information * Freedom Of Movement * Human Rights Training For Youth In Bangladesh� WOMEN AND CHILDREN:- * More Women Leaders * Sanctions = Sex Slavery? * SPDC Pays Parents For Child Soldiers� RELIGIOUS FREEDOM:- * Forced Religious Conversion * USDA's Anti-Muslim Pamphlets * Anti-Muslim Riot In Mandalay * Authorities Ban Muslim Prayers * Mosque Demolished - PM Loses Face * Forced Mantra Chanting * Revered Monk Dies Suddenly * Buddhist Monks Warned To Stay Away From Politics� DISPLACEMENT:- * INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPs) * REFUGEES * Thailand Tightens Up * India: Thousands Of Chin Refugees Expelled * Bangladesh Repatriation Continues * Malaysia Gets Hostile * Japan Reprieve * MIGRANT WORKERS * Thai Authorities Fail To Protect Workers In Mae Sot * Japan: SPDC Denies Passports To Burmese� LANDMINES� EDUCATION:- * SPDC Claims * Reality For Mandalay Students� HEALTH:- * Still Waiting For Water * "Condomâ€� Word Used For First Time� ENVIRONMENT:- * Tigers Face Extinction� CHRONOLOGY: 1 JUL ~ 30 SEP 2003� APPENDIX I: RECOMMENDATIONS: "SHAN REFUGEES: DISPELLING THE MYTHS"... APPENDIX II: INTERVIEWS ON FORCED MILITARY CONSCRIPTION
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: pdf (657K) 120 pages
Date of entry/update: 20 March 2004


Title: Ready, Aim, Sanction!
Date of publication: 20 November 2003
Description/subject: 1 FOREWORD BY ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU; INTRODUCTION:- 3 FLAWED IMPLEMENTATION; 3 MOVING AHEAD; 4 RESISTANCE; 4 BROKEN PROMISES; 5 NO DELAY; 6 SMART SANCTIONS... PART 2: THE STORY SO FAR:- 7 CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS; 9 ROADMAPS LEADING NOWHERE: * Thai �road map' _ Much Ado About Nothing; * The SPDC Roadmap_ the Perfect Stalling Tactic; * National Convention background; * What's missing from the �road map'; * What the convention does offer; * NLD & ethnic nationality participation not required; 12 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS; 14 BROADER INDIRECT IMPACT OF SANCTIONS; 17 LIMITATIONS OF SANCTIONS: * �Carroty Sticks'; 18 SANCTIONS & THE ECONOMY... PART 3: CURRENT SANCTIONS:- 21 CANADA'S SANCTIONS ON BURMA; 22 EUROPEAN UNION SANCTIONS ON BURMA; 23 JAPAN'S POLICY ON BURMA; 24 UNITED STATES SANCTIONS ON BURMA; 25 SANCTIONS & ACTIONS: AN ASSESSMENT; 25 IMPORT BAN: * Direct Impacts; * Room For Improvement; 26 BAN ON REMITTANCES TO BURMA: * Direct Impacts; * Room For Improvement; 28 FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS: * Direct Impacts; * Room For Improvement; 30 ARMS EMBARGO / NON-PROVISION OF ARTICLES/SERVICES THAT COULD BE USED FOR REPRESSION * Direct Impacts: * Room For Improvement; 33 ASSETS FREEZE: * Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement; 34 TRAVEL/VISA BAN: * Direct Impacts; * Room For Improvement; 35 BAN ON DIRECT FOREIGN ASSISTANCE: * Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement; * Japan Suspends Aid to Burma; * Drug Eradication Assistance; * Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement; 37 SUSPENSION OF MDB & IFI ASSISTANCE: * Direct Impacts & Room For Improvement; 38 TRADE PREFERENCE SUSPENSIONS: * Direct Impacts; * Room For Improvement; 40 DIPLOMATIC DOWNGRADES; 40 INTERNATIONAL LABOR ORGANIZATION (ILO): * A Model For Sanctions; 43 UNITED NATIONS: * SPDC Thumbing Their Nose At The UN; * UN Interventions; * Extreme Violations; * Broad Based Support; 46 WHAT ABOUT THE UNSC? 47 UN SECRETARY GENERAL'S SPECIAL ENVOY TO BURMA: * Turning of the Tide; * A New Strategy; * UN Special Envoy's Mandate; 49 THE UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR'S OBLIGATION: * A Different Tune; 50 UNDERMINING ITSELF; PART 4: RECOMMENDED ACTIONS & SANCTIONS:- 51 �RECIPE FOR RECONCILIATION'; 51 PRINCIPLED ENGAGEMENT: * Nominations for the Burma Diplomatic Squad; * Components of the Recipe; * Reconstruction of Burma; 54 NO MORE TOYS FOR THE BAD BOYS; 54 WIDEN BAN ON REMITTANCES TO BURMA; 55 IMPORT BAN ON GOODS FROM BURMA: * 10% of Exports Profits Directly Fund the Regime; 58 BAN ON CONFLICT RESOURCES: * SPDC Involvement; * Examples of SPDC �unofficial' involvement in logging; * Local Communities – Logging often hurts more than it helps; * Gems; * Environmental Destruction; * Employment; * Forced Labor; * Ethnic Nationalities – Between A Rock & A Hard Place; * Drugs, HIV/AIDS & Money Laundering; * Resource Diplomacy; * Who's Operating? * Some of the Big Boys... 70 BAN ON NATURAL GAS IMPORTS FROM BURMA; 71 RESTRICTION ON FUEL SALES TO BURMA; 72 BAN ON OIL & GAS FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI): * Oil & Gas; * New Pipeline Proposal; * Yadana Partners Strike Again; * Greater Mekong Subregion Project; 74 FULL INVESTMENT BAN: * Major FDI Players; * FDI 2001-2002; * Trade Fairs; * FDI Exposure to Money Laundering; * What About the Workers? 79 SPECIAL FOCUS: TENTACLES 'S HOLD ON THE FORMAL ECONOMY: * The BIG Tentacles – A Snapshot! * Ministry of Defense; * DDP: Directorate of Defense Procurement; * DDI: Directorate of Defense Industries; * MEC: Myanmar Economic Corporation; * UMEH (UMEHL): Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings; * MOGE/MPE/MPPE; * Ministry of Industry I; * Ministry of Industry II; * Myanmar Agricultural Produce Trading (MAPT); * Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE); * Myanmar Export-Import Services (MEIS); * Ministry of Post and Telegraphs (MPT); * Ministry of Hotels & Tourism; * Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise (MEPE); * Directorate of Ordnance; * State-Owned/Controlled Banks; 86 A CLOSER LOOK: UNION OF MYANMAR ECONOMIC HOLDINGS LTD (UMEH/UMEHL/UMEHI): * Gems; * Jade; * UMEH Business Ventures; * Keeping It In The Family: Industrial Estates; * It Gets Worse; * Six Degrees Of Separation; * Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA); * Na Sa Ka: Making Human Rights Violations Profitable... 95 WIDEN THE ASSETS FREEZE; 95 IMPLEMENT FINANCIAL ACTION TASK FORCE (FATF) RECOMMENDATIONS; 98 WITHHOLD ASSISTANCE FROM IFI/MDBS: * Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS); * East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC); * Power Trade Operating Agreement (PTOA); * Technical Assistance; * Withhold GMS Funding For Projects In Burma... 102 SUSPEND JAPAN'S OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA) TO BURMA: * Options; 105 PRESSURE ON JAPAN; 105 BOYCOTT AND DIVESTMENT CAMPAIGNS; 108 DELAY TOURISM: * Benefiting Whom? 109 ASEAN TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY: * The Reality; * Credibility on the Line; 111 INCREASE PRESSURE ON THE REGIME'S KEY PARTNERS; 112 SPORTS EMBARGO; 113 OFFICIAL RECOGNITION FOR THE CRPP; 113 INCREASE CAPACITY OF THE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT; 114 PUT SPDC ON PROBATION; 114 TAKE BURMA TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC): * Rampant Military Growth; * Known weapons procurement during 2001-July 2003; * Civilian Military Porters; * Child Soldiers; * Drugs; * Civil War; * Displacement of People; * Systematic human rights abuses; * Failure to recognize democratic elections; * Regional Implications... PART 5: MYTHS & REALITIES:- 132 MYTH 1: Sanctions on Burma have not worked.; 133 MYTH 2: The effectiveness of sanctions is too limited to beconstructive; 134 MYTH 3: The SPDC is not influenced by international pressure; 135 MYTH 4: Sanctions can be used as a scapegoat by the SPDC for internal policy failures; 136 MYTH 5: Sanctions will alienate the �moderates' in the regime; 137 MYTH 6: Sanctions take away incentives for the regime to make progress; 138 MYTH 7: Constructive engagement would be successful in bringing reforms in Burma; 139 MYTH 8: Sanctions and principled engagement cannot work as complementary approaches; 141 MYTH 9: Western nations' economic stake in Burma is not large enough for sanctions to be effective; 142 MYTH 10: Sanctions will not impact the regime but will mostly hurt civilians: * Formal and Informal Economy; * Reality Check; * Jobs Lost? 146 MYTH 11: Sanctions are starving the population: * Very Low Nutrition and Life Expectancy Rates; * More Displacement in Ethnic and Central Areas; * Logging and Increased Poverty; * Military Forces and Arms Procurement Have Increased; * More Oppression; * Four-Cuts Program; * Mawchi Township: Impoverished by the SPDC; 151 MYTH 12: Investment and trade has brought better working conditions; 153 MYTH 13: Sanctions destroyed Burma's investment climate: * Mandalay Brewery: A Cautionary Tale; 156 MYTH 14: Sanctions created Burma's current financial crisis; * Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs); 158 MYTH 15: Burmese people do not want sanctions; 159 MYTH 16: International pressure & sanctions will isolate the regime, push it closer to China; PART 6: IRREVERSIBLE STEPS FORWARD:- 162 LESSONS FROM AFGHANISTAN: * A Few Steps Behind; * Engagement & Reward – A Dangerous Game; * Transformation; 164 SANCTIONS FOR CHANGE: * Clear Recipe; * Period of Leverage & Enforcement Actions; * Timing & Strength; * Committee oversight; * Communication; * Moderates?; * Lose-Lose Situation; * Premature Action; 172 EU'S NEW STRATEGY APRIL 2003 – WHY IT DIDN'T MEASURE UP; 174 LESSONS FROM HAITI, NIGERIA, AND SOUTH AFRICA: * Haiti; * Nigeria; * South Africa; 179 RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: * A Non-Zero Sum View of the Conflict; * Sticks as Well as Carrots; * Asymmetry of Motivation Favoring the State Employing Coercive Diplomacy; * Opponent's Fear of Unacceptable Punishment for Noncompliance; * No Significant Misperceptions or Miscalculations; * Democracy Movement's Support For Sanctions; * Support on the Thailand-Burma Border; * What Armed Resistance & Ethnic Nationality Groups Think; * NCGUB; 184 CHECKLIST FOR THE UNITED NATIONS; 184 CHECKLIST FOR THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL; 184 CHECKLIST FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION & OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES; 185 CHECKLIST FOR ASEAN; 185 CHECKLIST FOR CHINA; 185 CHECKLIST FOR JAPAN; 186 CHECKLIST FOR INDIA; 186 CHECKLIST FOR AUSTRALIA; 186 CHECKLIST FOR CANADA; 187 CHECKLIST FOR THE UNITED STATES; 187 CONCLUSION; 188 INDEX.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: pdf (1.2MB) 212 pages
Date of entry/update: 21 November 2003


Title: ARRESTED: Report Card: 1 April ~ 30 June 2003 1
Date of publication: November 2003
Description/subject: 3 BLACK FRIDAY: A SLAP IN THE FACE OF ASEAN: Asean – Paying the Price of Constructive Engagement; Plans for the Future - Another �Road to Nowhere'; SPDC Reshuffle – Rise of the Hardliners; The Big Picture – Nationwide Crackdown & Military Buildup; Attack was Premeditated; Chronology - the Attack & its Aftermath; SPDC Cover-up & Damage Control; Partial List: Dead, Arrested, Detained, Releases; International Response; Rogues Gallery for Black Friday... 36 DEMOCRACY AND DIALOGUE: Razali Locked Out; NLD Trip to Chin State – SPDC Turns Up the Heat; Tissue of Lies; 38 MILITARY THREAT: Building Capacity; Good Friends & Neighbors; Forced Conscription On Rise; Bomb Blasts; Navy Extortion... 41 DRUGS: WA; US Report: SPDC Link to Drugs; EU & Japan: More Money for Drug Aid, Boycott; Regional Threat... 46 ECONOMY: Funny Numbers; Bank Crisis Continues; SPDC Ends Rice Procurement Policy; Petroleum & Hydro – Yet Another Plan; Foreign Trade; Foreign Investment Figures on Decline; Pressure and Divestment; Tourism: Mixed News... 54 AID: Japan: Aid Suspended; Australian Ambivalence; ICRC Pushes for Greater Access; Britain, Sweden, and Norway to Support AIDS Program; UK Wildlife Aid; Aid for UN Drug Reduction Program; UN Development Gap Plan... 56 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Unhappy With Empty Promises; Asean; China – Friendship First; India: Engagement for Security; Bangladesh: Warming Up; Japan Delicately Pushing; US Complains Dialogue Has �Ground to a Halt'; EU: Dashed Hopes; UN: Human Rights Resolution... 62 THAI-BURMA RELATIONS: Economic Links; Border: Murder, Porn, Intrusion; Crackdown Against Thai-Based Dissidents. Refugees... 67 ETHNIC RELATIONS: KNU Protests International Support for Junta; ICG Report: Ethnics Need More Political Influence; KNU Attacks SPDC to Incite Talks; Ethnics: Black Friday Will Bring �Catastrophe'... 68 HUMAN RIGHTS: Forced Labor; Political Prisoners; New Arrests; Student Fracas in Mon State; Right to Food; Freedom of Information... 72 WOMEN AND CHILDREN: Rape; Trafficked Woman Granted Asylum in Australia... 73 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: 6 Muslims Arrested, Madrassa Destroyed; Burmese Muslim Supplying Weapons to Al-Qaeda? Muslim Leader Calls on Neighboring Countries to Help... 74 DISPLACEMENT: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); Refugees; Bangladesh: Rohingya Repatriation Continues; Migrant Workers; Trafficking... 80 EDUCATION: South Korea to Cooperate in Maritime Training; ABSFU Releases Education Report; 80 HEALTH: Repression & Disease... 81 ENVIRONMENT: New Construction in Pagan; Logging; 82 CHRONOLOGY: 1 APR ~ 30 JUN 2003 96 APPENDIX I: RECOMMENDATIONS & EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: "NO SAFE PLACEâ€� 99 APPENDIX II: AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S TRAVELS BEYOND RANGOON.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: pdf (1.76MB)
Date of entry/update: 21 November 2003


Title: CHARM OFFENSIVE: Report Card March 2003
Date of publication: November 2003
Description/subject: 3 DEMOCRACY & DIALOGUE: Inviting the US, Keeping the UN Out; SPDC Lashes Out at Opposition; Harassment of Daw Suu; CRPP, SPDC Refuses to; Recognize Ethnic Parties,,, 7 MILITARY THREAT: Reshuffle; Ne Win Family Appeal Rejected; Explosion on Gas Pipeline; 18 Villagers Killed in Crossfire; Bombs; Army vs NaSaKa; New Equipment & Infrastructure; Upgrading NaSaKa... 12 DRUGS: Thaksin's War on Drugs; UWSA Deny Putting Contract on Thaksin; Wa Continue Production; SSA Joins War on Drugs; Less Opium, More Meth; US Fails to Certify Burma; US Not Invited to Opium Survey; India & China; Aid for Crop Substitution... 16 ECONOMY: Price Hikes; Pay Rise for Civil Servants; Forced Sale of Crops; Oil & Gas; Bank Crisis; Foreign Trade & Investmen; Tourism, Pressure and Divestment... 30 AID: United Nations, Japan, Israel; Helen Keller Intl/ TotalFinaElf; FIFA... 32 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: US-Running Out of Patience; Vietnam – Strengthening Close Friendship; Russia, Malaysia China - Exchanging Goodwill Visits; UK - Growing Criticism; Asean, Asean – EU Meeting; Bangladesh –Trading Ties; Japan Defends Policy; India, Australia... 38 THAI-BURMA RELATIONS: High Level Visits to Burma; Princess Smoothening Relations; Thaksin, the Great Mediator? Border... 43 ETHNIC RELATIONS: 5 Armies Establish Joint Command; Defections, Divide and Rule; Ceasefire Groups Strengthen Ties; Arakan State – Rangoon Tightens its Grip; Shan, Karen, Mon... 48 HUMAN RIGHTS: Amnesty Intl Inside for 1st Time; SPDC Threatens Villagers before ICRC Missions, Villagers Trained to Lie to Intl Monitors; Political Prisoners, New Arrests; Pinheiro's 5th Mission, "the Bug"; US Country Report on HR; Forced Labour, Extortion; Land Confiscation, Shoot Order; Freedom of Press & Expression... 55 WOMEN & CHILDREN: Rape, Child Soldiers... 57 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: Blacklist; WCC Chair Meets Khin Nyunt; Discrimination Against Muslims; Discrimination Against Christians; Forced Conversion... 59 DISPLACEMENT: IDPs; Refugees & Asylum-seekers; Migrants... 64 LANDMINES... 65 HEALTH... 66 ENVIRONMENT... 67 CHRONOLOGY: 1 JANUARY ~ 31 MARCH 2003... 72 APPENDIX I: Current Composition of the CRPP... 73 APPENDIX 2: SWAN Recommendation to UNHRC... 74 APPENDIX 3: Diplomatic Visits/
Language: English
Format/size: pdf (1.2MB)
Date of entry/update: 21 November 2003


Title: BRIEFING: BLACK FRIDAY & THE CRACKDOWN ON THE NLD (update)
Date of publication: 24 June 2003
Description/subject: â€¢ Sr-Gen Than Shwe is responsible for the murderous ambush on NLD leaders Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin U, and their entourage and the ensuing crackdown on the democratic movement in Burma. Than Shwe perpetrated such criminal behavior because he was confident that Asean, India and China would help his regime weather criticism, and continue to supply him with weapons. • Black Friday May 30 and the ensuing crackdown has been the most ruthless and bloodiest attack on the democracy movement in Burma since the 1988 massacre. 's nationwide high alert a week before the attack, and a high-level meeting on the eve of Black Friday (see section below). • 500-1,000 of USDA members, police, men dressed as monks, armed soldiers, and prisoners ambushed hundreds of unarmed NLD supporters, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and the NLD team with lethal weapons: guns, sharpened bamboo stakes, catapults, and steel and iron pipes. • Hundreds have been arrested, killed, and are missing. Reportedly, 65 bodies were secretly cremated in the Northwest Military Command compound. Scores of people, including NLD Deputy Chairman U Tin U, are missing. • Universities are closed, NLD offices are padlocked and the SPDC is trying to terrorize the population to suffocate the widespread support for democracy by the people of Burma. ||| This briefing is divided into the following sections: Pg 2 Premeditated – summary of developments indicating that the Black Friday ambush and subsequent crackdown was planned. Pg 3 A List of Travels out of Rangoon made by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the past year. Pg 3 The Lead-Up – key events prior to May 6, 2003. Pg 4 The Kachin Tour & Related Events (May 6-30,2003) Pg 9 Map of locations visited by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Pg 9 Anatomy of the Attack – details from eyewitnesses. Pg 11 The Aftermath: The Investigation – U.S. Embassy officials visit the scene, Damage Control Pg 12 Casualties, Missing, Arrested, Detained, Released, ICRC, Ensuing Crackdown Pg 17 Razali Visit Pg 18 The Initial International Outcry – response from governments, organizations, and key individuals. Pg 27 3 Weeks after Black Friday – A Time to Stand and Be Counted – AMM & ARF, sanctions Pg 33 Global Day of Action June 19 & Beyond Pg 34 A Time for Serious Action - No More Business As Usual, Upcoming Events, ASEAN, Sanctions, Boycotts, United Nations, UN Security Council, International Labor Organization, Methods to Increase Pressure on the SPDC.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: pdf (410K), Word (428K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/BlkFriupdatejun24.doc
Date of entry/update: 02 July 2003


Title: Abused Bargaining Chips (Women's Report Card on Burma, July 2001-January 2003).
Date of publication: March 2003
Description/subject: WOMEN AND POLITICS: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; Women�s Participation; Women in Opposition; Recommendations... RAPE: No More Shame & Silence; SPDC Response; Smokescreen; International Outcry; Endemic; Not Safe Anywhere; Recommendations... VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: UN Rapporteur on VAW; Violence for Silence; Women Outside of Burma; Domestic Violence; Recommendations... TRAFFICKING: SPDC Angle; Recommendations... 19 Forced Labor; HIV/AIDS: Prevalence; High Mobility; Sex Work; Education & Cultural Restrictions; SPDC Manipulation; Recommendations... HEALTH: Access to Health Care; The Result; Birth Spacing & Contraception; Maternal Health in Thailand; Funding; Migrants & Displaced Persons; Recommendations... DISPLACEMENT Unwelcome; Justice; Recommendations... EDUCATION: Recommendations... NON-BURMAN ETHNIC NATIONALITIES: Recommendations... APPENDICES: Licence To Rape; UDHR Article; Abbreviations; Women and Solidarity Group Contacts; Urgent Action Contact Information... Resources from Altsean.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: pdf (549K)
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Balancing Act (Report Card, Burma, 1 October-31 December 2002)
Date of publication: March 2003
Description/subject: DEMOCRACY & DIALOGUE: Razali�s Waning Influence;; Daw Suu�s Trips; CRPP; Political Prisoners; New Arrests; Watchdog; Letter Bombs To Embassies; Ethnic Parties... MILITARY THREAT: New Equipment and Infrastructure; Military Training and forced conscription; Reshuffle; Ne Win�s Death; Coup Plot Trial � Round 2... DRUGS: Uwsa Threat; Wa Versus Shan; Neighbours Get Their Share; Us Drug Certification: A Close Call; Aid For Crop Substitution... ECONOMY: Crisis & Rampant Inflation; Rice Shortage & Ban On; Commodities; Fuel Crisis; Border Trade With Thailand; Trade; Pressure & Divestment; Investment; Petroleum & Hydro Infrastructure Projects; Air Links; Tourism... AID: United Nations, Australia, Britain, China, Japan... INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Asean, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Japan, Israel, Ukraine, Serb Republic, Australia, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, United Nations, International Labour Organisation, International Committee of The Red Cross... THAI-BURMA RELATIONS: Border Reopens; Drugs; Goodbye Task-Force 399; Critical General Removed; �Peace Dividend�; Crackdown And Arrests... ETHNIC RELATIONS: Rohingya� Highly Vulnerable!; Shan � Highly Vulnerable!; Karenni; Karen; Mon... HUMAN RIGHTS: Pinheiro, UNGA & UNCHR; ILO Mission; Extortion; Land Confiscation; Child Soldiers; Human Trafficking; Freedom of Press & Expression... WOMEN & CHILDREN: Multilingual Poster; Children... RELIGIOUS FREEDOM... DISPLACEMENT: IDPs; Refugees; Repatriation & Deportation; Migrants... LANDMINES... EDUCATION... HEALTH... ENVIRONMENT... CHRONOLOGY: 1 SEPT ~ 31 DECEMBER 2002... APPENDIX I: THE NEW CHAIN OF COMMAND... APPENDIX II: ICFTU DATABASE OF FOREIGN COMPANIES WITH BUSINESS LINKS TO BURMA... APPENDIX III: RECOMMENDATIONS: �MY GUN WAS AS TALL AS ME�... APPENDIX IV: DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI'S ITINERARIES... ALTSEAN PUBLICATIONS ON THE INTERNET... ALTSEAN LIST OF RESOURCES...
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: pdf (1MB)
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Photos of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on tour
Date of publication: 2003
Description/subject: Photos of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on tour -- in Arakan, in Chin State, in Magwe and in Mandalay. More on the ALTSEAN website (click on Alternate URL)
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN)
Format/size: html (5K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.altsean.org/Photogalleries/RoadtoDepayin.htm
http://www.google.co.th/images?hl=en&q=Photos+of+Daw+Aung+San+Suu+Kyi+on+tour%E1%81%8A/altsean&um=1...
Date of entry/update: 04 July 2010


Title: Smokescreen (Report Card, Burma, 1 July-30 Sept 2002)
Date of publication: December 2002
Description/subject: Contents: Smokescreen; Democracy & Dialogue: Stonewall; Razali; Tripartite; National Reconciliation; Political Freedoms; Political Activity Resurfacing; PR Exercise; New Arrests... Military Threat: Growing Military Power; Coup Plot Trial; Reshuffle; Backstabber; Na Sa Ka Border Security Forces... Thai-Burma Relations: Pushing The Limits; Making Friends; All About The Money; Playing Hardball; Crackdown & Arrests; �Business Diplomacy�; Drugs; Thaksin�s Profit; Wa Threat; Thai Solidarity... Drugs: Opium Survey 2002; Structural Problems; Focus On The Wa; Drug Decline?; The New Drug Front; Degrees Of Separatn(?) Drug Clinics... Ethnic Relations: Shan; Karen; Mon; Kachin; Rohingya & Rakhine; Wa; Chin; Amnesty Report... Religion... Economy: The Crisis & The Kyat; Econ. Devt. Outlook; Trade; Imports & Exports; Divestment; Investment; Malaysia �Big Winner; Tourism; Petroleum & Hydro... Aid: Transparency & Accountability; Japan; China; European Union; United Nations; ADB... International Relations: United States; Malaysia; India; European Union; Japan; China; Vietnam; Bangladesh; South Korea; Israel; Singapore; Bhutan; United Arab Emirates; Greece; International Actions; Asean... Human Rights: Lack Of Security; Pinheiro & UNGA; ILO; Forced Labor; Forced Portering; Freedom Of Expression & Info; Extortion; Forced Relocation; Trafficking; Political Prisoners; Health & Death In Custody; International Concern; Watchdog... Women: No More Shame & Silence; Smokescreen; International Outcry; Endemic; Not Safe Anywhere... Displacement: Refugees & Asylum Seekers; Migrants; IDPs; Repatriation & Deportation... Education... Health... Landmines: Victims... Enviroment; Cchronology: 1 July-30 Sep 2002... List Of Abbreviations... Appendis 1: Japanese Foreign Minister's Visit... Appendix 2: Recommendations fr �License To Rape�... Appendix 3: Recommendations fr Amnesty Security Report.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: html (808K) Conversion to html a bit scrambled -- Works better with Internet Explorer. than Netscape
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: A Peace of Pie? - Burma's Humanitarian Aid Debate
Date of publication: 13 October 2002
Description/subject: A PEACE OF THE PIE? AID & POLITICS: PEACEBUILDING & NATIONAL RECONCILIATION: National Reconciliation, Humanitarian Aid & �Neutrality�, From �Secret Talks� To Tripartite Dialogue; THE HUMANITARIAN 'CRISIS': Taking The Politics Out Of Aid, Leaked UN Memo; �BETTER GOVERNANCE IS THE ANSWER� - Transcript Of Interview With Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, August 2002; THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT; THE ETHNIC NATIONALITIES: The �No AID� Position; THE SPDC; WHOSE RESONSIBILITY?: Causes Of Humanitarian problems in Burma, Oppression Of Civil Society, SPDC Society, Armed Conflict, Human Rights Violations, Killings, Forced Labour, Rape, Food Security, Forced Relocation & Dislocation, Economic Mismanagement, The Way Forward; ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT AID: Building Civil Society And Pluralism, Gongos, Independence Of Ingos, Reducing Conflict, Assistance To The Most Needy, Strengthening State Capacity For Responsibility, Lack Of Expertise, Aid Cannot Wait, Witnessing Human Rights, Corruption, Complementary Work, Bums-On-Seats; �THE RIGHT WAY�: Transparency, Accountability, Monitoring, The Role Of Aid Agencies, Donors and The International Community; CHRONOLOGY; APPENDIX 1: NGOS & DONORS IN BURMA: International Ngos In Burma, Donors, Donor/Government Policies, Multilateral Organisations, Corporate; APPENDIX II: POLITICAL & NATIONAL RECONCILIATION by Dr. Chao-Tzang Yawnghwe; APPENDIX III: Myanmar: a silent humanitarian crisis in the making; APPENDIX IV: DCI � SPDC�s newest weapon; BIBLIOGRAPHY; RESOURCES FROM ALTSEAN-BURMA.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: html (928); Word (394K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/peaceofpie.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: New Page, Old Story (Report Card, Burma: 1 April - 30 June 2002)
Date of publication: September 2002
Description/subject: DEMOCRACY: The Talks, The "Big" Development, SPDC Word Games, Tripartite, Working for National Reconciliation, International Response, Sanctions, Razali, Political Prisoners, That's All Folks. MILITARY THREAT: The "Coup Plot" Trial, Power Struggle, Weapons, Restructuring. THAI-BURMA RELATIONS: Bordering on Disaster, Let the Games Begin, Thaksin Appeases, Drugs. DRUGS: Production, Eradication & Prevention, A New Way to Play the Same Card, UNCDP, Regional Problem, US Position Shift. ETHNIC RELATIONS: Shan, Kachin, Karen, Rakhine & Rohingya, Chin, Mon. RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION. HUMAN RIGHTS: Extortion, Forced Labour, Political Freedoms, Death Sentences, Arbitrary Arrests, Forced Relocation, Village Destruction, UNCHR, ILO, International Actions, Legalizing Abuse of Power. WOMEN: License to Rape, Trafficking. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Asean, EU, US, DCI Associates, China, India, Japan, Russia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, East Timor, Australia. ECONOMY: The Crisis, The Kyat, Gold Rush, 2001-2002 Fiscal Year, Jan-Feb 2002, Investment, Pressure & Divestment, Import/Export Bans, Watchdog, Expensive Lobbyist, Aid Update, International Crisis Group, The Money Move, Sanctions Remain but HIV/AIDS Planned. DISPLACEMENT: Repatriation & Deportation, Migrant Workers, Refugees, IDPs. EDUCATION. CHRONOLOGY: 1 April ~ 30 June 2002. APPENDIX i: AN INTERVIEW WITH DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI. APPENDIX II: Executive Summary: We are Not Free to Work for Ourselves.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: html (798K); Word (366K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/New_Page.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Rangoon Suspense (Report Card Burma: 1 Dec '01-31 March '02)
Date of publication: July 2002
Description/subject: Includes "coup plot" & chronology. DEMOCRACY: The Talks, Political Prisoners, Political Freedom. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: Theme: "Democracy", China v. India. INTERNATIONAL AID, UPDATE: Japan, South Korea. ECONOMIC SITUATION: Heading for Economic Collapse, The Kyat: Downhill all the way, International Trade, Pressure, Foreign Direct Investment. DRUGS: Production, UWSA, Eradication & Prevention, Regional Problem, UNDCP & Funds. THAI-BURMESE RELATIONS: Drugs, Fighting on the Border, Aiding Rebels, People from Burma in Thailand. MILITARY REGIME: The 'Coup Plot', USDA, Police, T he Weapons Keep Coming, Regional Security, The Nuclear Reactor. WOMEN & CHILDREN: Women award, violence, Children sex work, violence. HUMAN RIGHTS: Prof. Pinheiro's 2nd Trip to Burma, Forced Labour, Extortion, Freedom of Expression, Labour Rights. ETHNIC: Chavalit's Intervention, Karen, Shan, Karenni, Lahu, Mon. RELIGION. HEALTH: Prosthesis, HIV/AIDS, Thailand & the Health of People from Burma. EDUCATION: Monastic Education, Study Abroad, Closure. DISPLACEMENT: IDPs. REFUGEES - Thailand, Rohingya; MIGRANT WORKERS - THAILAND highl y vulnerable, registration. ENVIRONMENT: Ivory, Logging & Furniture Smuggling. CHRONOLOGY. APPENDIX 1: INTERVIEW WITH DR. CHAO TZANG YANGHWE. BIBLIOGRAPHY. ERRATA.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: HTML (987K) 60 pages; Word doc. (823K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/Rangoon_Suspense.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Burma's Secret Talks: Some Talk, Little Action
Date of publication: April 2002
Description/subject: Talks Checklist; Uneasy Dance - Confidence Building or Confidence Trick? Dashed Hopes; Razali Backstep; Concrete Signs; Sshhh! Mid-Term Developments That Signal Imminent Reforms - tripartitie talks, Release of political prisoners, political freedom; Ethnic Nationalities; The Wider Picture. Factors in the Dynamic - Military consolidation - March 2002 "coup plot", refashioning of khin nyunt, the army's party, Leverage - Forced Labor, Pinheiro, Drugs; CRPP; National Convention. What Do They Say? - NLD - ethnic politics; Ethnic Groups; SPDC - talk on ethnic groups; Pro-Democracy Allies; International Community - west, east. 39 Who's Who - Aung San Suu Kyi; Than Shwe; Khin Nyunt; Maung Aye; Razali; Kyaw WIn; Than Tun; U Lwin; Other Players. Chronology
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: html (705K) 60 pages; Word (638K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/Burma's_Secret_Talks_%20apr_02.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Burma: Tentative Steps
Date of publication: March 2002
Description/subject: Report Card Sept.�00 ~ Jan.�01. Bumper Issue �Talks� Special. Inside: 5 parter on the Rangoon Talks, Landmines, ILO, Drugs, Women & the Usual Topics; Chronology 1st Sept.�00 ~ 31st Jan.�01. Printed in Bangkok, March 2001 ISBN 974 88306 � 4. TENTATIVE STEPS TOWARDS DIALOGUE: � Expectations; � Outcomes; � The SPDC; � The NLD; � The Ethnic Nationalities; � �Concessions� to Asean; � Public Relations Rhetoric; � Role of Sanctions; � Where Do We Go From Here? WOMEN & HEALTH: � 2nd Myanmar Women�s Conf.; � Rohingya Women: Double Burden; � Women�s Reproductive Rights Infringed in Thailand; HIV/AIDS: � A Tragedy Unfolding; � Denial & Ignorance; � The Reality; � Geographical Mobility. � HIV Prevention; � Declining Health & Education Standards; DRUGS: � Drug Production; � Transmigration of the Wa Cont.; � UWSA & SSA (South); � SPDC & Drugs; � Drug Eradication Measures; ECONOMIC SITUATION: � SPDC Growth Fantasies; � Foreign Investment Collapse; � Prices of Basic Items Will Rise Again; � Japan; EDUCATION: � New Education Plan from SPDC; � Revolving Door of Closures; HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION: � The ILO Resolution; � Landmine Monitor Report 2000; � US Court Case against Unocal; RELATIONS WITH RELIGIOUS & ETHNIC GROUPS: � God�s Army Surrenders; RELATIONS WITH THE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT: � Traveling in Burma With the NLD; � The Revolving Door of Arrests; � Homeless in Rangoon; INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: � �Mediation� by Asean; � Mahathir Visits Burma; � EU-Asean Meeting; � The Off/On EU Troika; � Changes in Foreign Policy: Thailand & The United States; � U N Special Rapporteur Resigns; REFUGEES & MIGRANT WORKERS: � Repatriation of Karen; � Repatriation of Rohingya; � Burmese Refugees in Guam; � Migrant Labour in Thailand; CHRONOLOGY: September 1st 2000 - January 31st 2001. Appendix 1: Leadership Calls for NTl Reconciliation; Appendix 2: Intl Strategy Meeting on Burma statement; Appendix 3: Burma At The Crossroads; Appendix 4: The Coming Transition & The Ntl. Reconciliation Program; Appendix 5: ICFTU: Election of Burmese Official TO chair major U N C�tee; Appendix 6: Index of Economic Freedom for Burma 2001.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: html (632K), Word (572K) 80 pages
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/Tentative%20Steps-2.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Report Card Burma: Labour Pains
Date of publication: March 2002
Description/subject: Report Card Burma: 1 Sept- 30 Nov '01 Introduction; Dialogue & Democracy: What are concrete steps? 1. Tripartite Dialogue 2. Release of political prisoners 3. Political freedom; International Relations: The Military Red Carpet, Than Shwe in Malaysia; Humanitarian Assistance: Spdc Plea Continues, European Union (eu), Who, Australia, Japan, Baluchaung Dam; Economic Situation: Economic Delusions, A not so merry go-round, Currency & the Kyat, Rampant Inflation, International Trade, Foreign Direct Investment, Thailand & Border Trade; Drugs: United WA State Army (UWSA)- Not in my backyard, Spdc and Drugs, Drug Eradication sham, Money Laundering; Thai-Burma Relations: Drugs, Tensions; The Military: Effects of Militarisation, Reshuffles; Health: HIV/AIDS; Human Rights: Forced Labour, Extortion, IDPs, Landmines, Freedom of Expression, Pinhero's first report; Women: Thailand, Violence; Refugees & Migrants: Refugees, Migrant Worker Registration - Thailand, Repatriation from Thailand; Ethnic Relations; Religious Persecution; Chronology; Appendix 1: Military Structure; Appendix 2: RTM Statement, 15-16 November; Bibliography.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: HTML (790K) 64 pages; Word (432K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/Labour%20Pains%20Sep-Nov%202001.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Report Card Burma: Burma's Plea
Date of publication: October 2001
Description/subject: Report Card Burma: 1 May-31 Aug '01 In memory of Daw Kyi Kyi (18 May 1920-15 June 2001). Introduction; Democracy: Progress? Open & Tripartite, Response, Humanitarian assistance; International Relations: "Pat on the back", Keeping a distance, Japan; Drugs : SPDC involvement, Thailand, Anti-Drugs; Thai-Burma Relations : Drugs & Armed Conflict, Social Relations, Prime Minister's visit; The Military: Internal turmoil, New weapons, Ramifications; Economic Situation: Growth & GDP, Mismanagement, Private sector, Agriculture, Kyat & Inflation, Border Trade, Foreign trade & investment, Textiles, Quotas, Tourism, ILO & Safety, Appeal for aid; Health : HIV/AIDS, Thai-Burma Health Initiative, Humanitarian assistance; Human Rights : Forced labour, Human rights Training, Pipeline investment, Freedom of information; Education : Funding, NHEC Education seminar, It's political; Displacement: IDPs, Refugees & Migrants : Shan-Wa, Hunger strike, Thai Refugee camps, Registration, Repatriation, Xenophobia, Asylum & HIV; Ethnic & Religious Relations: Ethnic relations, Religion; Environment: : Salween dam, Logging, Refugees & Deforestation; Landmines : Victims, SPDC, Others use, Medical treatment; Chronology ; Appendix A: Mobility & HIV ; Appendix B: Prisoner Releases ; Bibliography.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: HTML (1.7MB) 80 pages; Word (944K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/Burma's%20Plea%20May-Aug%202001.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Report Card, Burma: Still Waiting
Date of publication: September 2001
Description/subject: Report Card, Burma: 1st Feb - 30 April '01 Democracy : Dialogue, Calls for Caution; Thai-Burma Relations : Armed Conflict, Border Trade, Blockade, Drugs, Espionage, Making Amends; Military Consolidation : Myanmar Armed Forces Day, Military Strength, Power Struggle; Economic Situation : SPDC Reports, Industries of Interest, Non-SPDC Reports, Inflation, Currency Exchange, Free Market & Private Enterprise, Border Trade, International Trade & Tourism, Thailand, Japan & Baluchaung; Drugs : Heroin, Methamphetamines, SPDC: a main player?, UWSA, Shan State; Health : Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Japan's Role; Human Rights : Forced labour, Taxation, Responses to the ILO Call for Sanctions, Procurement Policy, Land Confiscation, Torture, Freedom of Information, Political Prisoners, Human rights Training, UN Special expert on human rights situation in Myanmar; Women : Rape, Women from Burma in 2nd Countries, Health; Children : Health, Child Soldiers, Trafficking Ethnic & Religious Relations : Peace v. Armed Conflict, Kachin Coup, Religious Relations, Chinese; Forced Relocation & IDPs ; Refugees & Migrant Workers : Bangladesh, Guam, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Repatriated Refugees; Chronology ; Bibliography .
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: HTML (1.1MB) 66 pages; Word (531K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/STILLWAITING%20Feb-Apr01.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003


Title: Women's Report Card on Burma 2001
Date of publication: June 2001
Description/subject: WOMEN AND POLITICS: The Democracy Movement, "Dialogue", Women's Organisations, Inside Burma, Outside Burma; WOMEN, POVERTY & THE ECONOMY: Living in Poverty; SPDC and Poverty; WOMEN AND EDUCATION: Access to Basic Education, Education and Politics; "Relevant History", The Re-Opening of Universities; WOMEN AND HEALTH: Access to basic health standards and facilities, Demographics; HIV/AIDS: Women, Children & HIV, HIV/AIDS Prevention, Family Planning, Refugees & Migrant Workers; VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: Rape, Women outside Burma, Commercial Sex Workers (CSW); RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SPDC: BIBLIOGRAPHY; WHAT YOU CAN DO; CONTACTS: Women of Burma Groups, Groups Working with Women of Burma, Burma on the Internet; RESOURCES FROM ALTSEAN-BURMA.
Language: English
Source/publisher: Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma)
Format/size: HTML (286K) 36 pages; Word (158K)
Alternate URLs: http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/WRC2001.doc
Date of entry/update: 03 June 2003