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