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Title: Proceedings of the National Convention 22 May 2004
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar" 23 May 2004
Date of publication: 2004-05-23
Description: Shopping facilities for the delegates; Delegate groups of National Convention discuss compilation of group-wise proposals.
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-23
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 12.71 KB
Local URL: HTML icon Proc2004-05-22.htm
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Title: Proceedings of the National Convention 21 May 2004
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar" 22 May 2004
Date of publication: 2004-05-22
Description: NC delegates entertained with films... Plenary Session of National Convention goes on...Clarifications on detailed basic principles for administration of justice sector, legislative powers, financial commission, taxation and funds allotment made at National Convention - According to detailed basic principles, seven regions, seven states and Union territories will emerge in the Union of Myanmar: Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe - Administration of justice sector.
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-22
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 68.68 KB
Local URL: HTML icon Proc2004-05-21.htm
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Title: Religious Persecution: Ethnocide Against Chin Christians in Burma
Source/publisher: Chin Human Rights Organization
Date of publication: 2004-02-00
Description: "This report was prepared with the aim of bringing to light the decades-long systematic denial and violation of religious rights of Chin Christians who inhabit Burma's western territory of Chin State or Chinland by the country's ruling military junta known as the State Peace and Development Council. The report is a compilation of more than eight years of field documentation by Chin Human Rights Organization, and is the first comprehensive report by CHRO on the situation of Chin Christians who have been suffering persecutions under Burma's ruling military regime due to their religious and ethnic identity. More than 90 percent of Chin people are Christians. This report reveals that Burma's ruling military regime is systematically persecuting Chin Christians as part of a program to Burmanize the Chin. Despite Burma's complex ethnic composition, the Chin people are a relatively homogenous society. A predominantly Christian State, the Chin today strongly identify themselves with Christianity. And as a prominent Chin scholar puts it "Christianity is the pillar of today's Chin society." As this report reveals, Burma's ruling State Peace and Development Council is committing an act of ethnocide against Chin Christians by trying to destroy the Chin religious and cultural identity..."
Creator/author: Salai Za Uk Ling & Salai Bawi Lian Mang
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 461.99 KB
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Title: Proceedings of the National Convention 20 May 2004
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar" 21 May 2004
Date of publication: 2004-05-21
Description: National Convention Plenary Session continues... Uplift of morality and education as well as health and fitness of the entire people are especially required in building a modern and developed nation - Clarifications on detailed basic principles for social and management sectors made at National Convention: Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee members Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein and Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin - The social sector; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Member Supreme Court Justice U Tin Aye - Management Sector... NCCC Chairman Lt-Gen Thein Sein asks after delegates undergoing medical treatment... Principles and detailed basic principles laid down in plenary meetings of National Convention clarified.
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 77.75 KB
Local URL: HTML icon Proc2004-05-20.htm
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Title: Myanmar - The Rohingya Minority: Fundamental Rights Denied
Source/publisher: Amnesty International (ASA 16/005/2004)
Date of publication: 2004-05-19
Description: "The Muslim ethnic minority, generally known as the Rohingyas, who live in northern Rakhine State, western Myanmar, continue to suffer from several forms of restrictions and human rights violations. The Rohingyas? freedom of movement is severely restricted and the vast majority of them have effectively been denied Myanmar citizenship. They are also subjected to various forms of extortion and arbitrary taxation; land confiscation; forced eviction and house destruction; and financial restrictions on marriage. Rohingyas continue to be used as forced labourers on roads and at military camps, although the amount of forced labour in northern Rakhine State has decreased over the last decade. These practices, in addition to violating other basic human rights of the Rohingyas, are discriminatory towards the Rohingya population as they do not appear to be imposed in the same manner and at the same level on other ethnic nationalities in Rakhine State, or in the country as a whole. These restrictions and abuses, and the general discrimination against them, also amount to violations of the right to an adequate standard of living for many Rohingyas. As a consequence tens of thousands have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh and other countries. This report is based on almost 50 testimonies taken from Rohingyas which were made available to Amnesty International during the last year. These interviews were conducted in private and in confidence in accordance with the organization?s general terms of reference for primary research. Information from other reliable and credible sources is also used to corroborate these testimonies. In order to protect the safety of those interviewed, all details which could identify individuals have been deleted, but information obtained from public sources is cited where appropriate. Myanmar is not state party to most international human rights treaties. Amnesty International has consistently urged the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC, Myanmar?s government) to accede to these treaties. However, the fact that the SPDC has not done so does not release it from its obligation to respect fundamental human rights which, being provided for under customary international law, are binding on all states..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-20
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English and French
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Title: Proceedings of the National Convention, 19 May 2004
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar" 20 May 2004
Date of publication: 2004-05-20
Description: National Convention delegates play golf, table tennis, billiards and other sports... Detailed basic principles for economic, agriculture, livestock breeding, energy, electricity, mining and forestry, industry, transport and communication sectors clarified at National Convention... Detailed basic principles for economic, agriculture, livestock breeding, energy, electricity, mining and forestry, industry, transport and communication sectors clarified at National Convention:- Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee member Supreme Court Justice U Tin Aye - The economic sector; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe - Agriculture and livestock breeding sector; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung - Energy, electricity, mining and forestry sector; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Secretary U Thaung Nyunt - Industry sector; Transport and communication sector.
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-20
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 93.8 KB
Local URL: HTML icon Proc2004-05-19.htm
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Title: Proceedings of the National Convention, 18 May 2004
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar" 19 May 2004
Date of publication: 2004-05-19
Description: Shopping arrangements for the delegates... Entertainment for delegates... National Convention Convening Work Committee clarifies matters concerning the detailed basic principles for the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary that are to be included in drafting the State Constitution... Clarifications concerning detailed basic principles for Executive, Legislative and Judiciary to be included in drafting State Constitution made:- Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman Chief Justice U Aung Toe; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Vice-Chairman Attorney-General U Aye Maung; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee Secretary U Thaung Nyunt; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee member Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein; Clarifications of National Convention Convening Work Committee member Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin.
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-19
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 91.74 KB
Local URL: HTML icon Proc2004-05-18.htm
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Title: Regulations of the National Convention (updates)
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar"
Date of publication: 2004-05-17
Description: "The following is translation of clarification on procedures for convening the National Convention made by Secretary of the National Convention Convening Commission Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan:..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-18
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 20.03 KB
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Title: Proceedings of the National Convention, 17 May 2004
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar" 18 May 2004
Date of publication: 2004-05-18
Description: National Convention reconvenes in Nyaunghnapin Camp in Hmawby Township; Delegates are to co-ordinate, discuss and forward suggestions without bias as regards person, ism, region or race - National Convention Convening Commission Chairman Lt-Gen Thein Sein delivers opening address at the National Convention; Meetings to elect vacant members of panels of chairmen of delegate groups to the National Convention held; Regulations are prescribed in the interest of the national races and the delegates; National Convention Convening Work Committee Chairman U Aung Toe's clarifications.
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-18
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : html
Size: 44.68 KB
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Title: National Convention will be successfully reconvened with the current delegates attending
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar"
Date of publication: 2004-05-15
Description: The SPDC response to the NLD's statement of 14 May 2004 that it will not attend the National Convention... "...Though the NLD does not attend the National Convention, it will resume with delegates including delegates of political parties, delegates of representatives-elects, delegates of national races and delegates of mass and class organizations. The government will successfully continue reconvening the National Convention, the first step of the seven-point Road Map of the State, as it has announced previously."
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-15
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 7.74 KB
Local URL: HTML icon NLM-2004-05-15.htm
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Title: The standpoint of the Cease-fire Groups in relation to the National Convention
Source/publisher: KIO, NMSP, SSNA, SSA,, PSLO, KNLP
Date of publication: 2004-05-11
Description: "Being convinced that political issues must be solved through political and not military processes, the ethnic nationality groups reached ?cease fire” agreements with the current rulers in order that a true and genuine Union of Burma can be established through a change to a democratic system which will bring about unity, equal status and the right to self government that will be for the good of all the ethnic groups. As occasion and opportunities arise, we have declared this to be our standpoint to the current rulers and all the people of the nation ... we declare our position and stand with regard to the convening of this National Convention as hereunder:- 1. We need the right to revise the 6th objective of the convention which is not in accordance with the democratic system and not in keeping with the people?s wishes. 2. We need the right to revise the principles that do not conform to democratic principles in the stated 104 basic principles of the convention. 3. For the benefit of the Union, participants should have the right to seek advice and consult any person or association on any relevant issue during the period of the convention. 4. Delegates must have the right to freely consult their respective associations and seek their views during the period of the convention. 5. Elected representatives of the people in the 1990 elections must be permitted to attend the convention. 6. Delegates from ‘Cease-fire groups? must be genuine. Cease-fire agreements with other groups should be entered into as soon as possible so that their delegates may attend the convention. 7. Law 5/96 dated the 7th June 1996 was intended to protect the 1993- 1996 National Convention. It is no longer relevant and should be abolished... Signed by: 1) Head of delegation to NC, Kachin Independence Organization (KIO); 2) Head of delegation to NC, New Mon State Party (NMSP); 3) Head of delegation to NC, Shan State National Army (SSNA); 4). Shan State Army (SSA); 5). Palaung State Liberation Organization (PSLO); 6). Kayan New Land Party (KNLP).
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-14
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 30.19 KB
Local URL: HTML icon CFgroups-onNC.htm
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Title: NLD Statement on its decision not to attend the National Convention
Source/publisher: National League for Democracy
Date of publication: 2004-05-14
Description: "Aspiring towards the construction of a democratic union of Burma, the National League for Democracy wished to cooperate in the National Convention organized by the SPDC. Therefore the NLD intimated to the authorities the following minimal conditions that would enable the party to participate in the National Convention..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-14
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm doc
Size: 22.47 KB 31.5 KB
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Title: Burma?s National Convention: The Detailed Basic Principles
Date of publication: 2004-04-29
Description: "One aspect of the National Convention (NC) I have not seen widely discussed is the Detailed Basic Principles (DBPs). Step 3 of Gen. Khin Nyunt's "roadmap" is "Drafting of a new constitution in accordance with basic principles and detailed basic principles [emphasis added] laid down by the National Convention". Discussion critical of the "roadmap" has so far focussed largely on the "6 Objectives", especially the 6th one on continued military dominance of the political life of the country, the basic principles (the "104 principles") and procedure, but has generally neglected the DBPs..."
Creator/author: David Arnott
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-11
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 12.63 KB
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Title: CHR 2004 (60th Session): Extracts on Myanmar from the Summary Record of the 57th Meeting
Source/publisher: United Nations (E/CN.4/2004/SR.57)
Date of publication: 2004-04-21
Description: Extracts (original, in pdf and Word, which includes other business, in the Alternate URLs) In the original versions, scroll down for the record of the debate and resolution on Myanmar.
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-06
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 33.46 KB
Local URL: HTML icon Summary-Record.htm
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Title: Inter-Parliamentary Union, 174th session of the Governing Council, (Mexico City, April 2004): Myanmar
Source/publisher: Inter-Parliamentary Union
Date of publication: 2004-04-23
Description: "The Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union ... Reaffirms its conviction that the National Convention, in its present form, is designed to prolong and legitimise military rule against the will of the people as expressed in the 1990 elections, and thus stands in direct opposition to the principle enshrined the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that the "will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government"..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-04
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 25.71 KB
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Title: The Electronic Transactions Law - SPDC Law No. 5/2004 (English)
Source/publisher: State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) via The Burma Lawyers? Council
Date of publication: 2004-04-30
Date of entry/update: 2004-05-02
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm pdf
Size: 46.39 KB 91.32 KB
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Title: Myanmar: sanctions, engagement or another way forward?
Source/publisher: International Crisis Group (ICG)
Date of publication: 2004-04-26
Description: "...Since 1990, most Western governments have taken a self-consciously principled approach to Myanmar, applying coercive diplomacy and economic sanctions in an effort to force the military government to implement the results of the multiparty election held that year. The 30 May 2003 attack on Aung San Suu Kyi and her followers increased both political pressure and justification for strengthening this approach. However, the military government today is more entrenched and more recalcitrant than when it took power. The prodemocratic opposition -- although it maintains broad popular support -- has lost much of its momentum, and international actors have demonstrably failed to protect even Aung San Suu Kyi, not to speak of less prominent figures, from persecution. Meanwhile, the socio-economic conditions for a majority of the population have greatly deteriorated. In short, things are moving the wrong way. The much gentler 'engagement' policy embraced by most of Myanmar's Asian neighbours for most of the period of military rule has been equally unproductive. In the absence of any external pressure at all for change, it is highly unlikely that any change at all will occur. The people of Myanmar need greater say in the governance of their country. The failure of 40 years of military rule to provide human welfare and security consonant with the country's great natural potential is closely linked to the absence of popular participation in decision-making. For now, however, the configuration of power and interests inside the country are not conducive to major, quick change -- and there are no "magic bullets", no realistic policy options that can change that. In such circumstances, efforts are required to change political, social and economic realities over a longer period in ways that would facilitate better governance and the gradual introduction and consolidation of genuinely democratic institutions. That is only likely to happen if coercive measures are allied to a more flexible, intensive and sustained diplomatic strategy that does not in any way embrace the military government, but rather includes a greater willingness to pursue some half-measures, small steps and even limited cooperation in order to begin to move the country forward while protecting those who suffer under the status quo or might be hurt by future reforms. International objectives have to be rethought, new benchmarks for change adopted, a more supportive approach toward creating a positive internal climate of change adopted, and more support given to the UN in its important mediation and facilitation role. The road map put forward by the SPDC and realignments within the military government offer a sign of movement, slight though it may be, in the political situation. This provides an opportunity to encourage progress and should not be dismissed out of hand. Any government or institution that deals with Myanmar needs to maintain an acute sense of the realities of the country: change is often painfully slow and easily reversed, the military is an intensely difficult institution with which to deal, and outside influence on any of the actors is very limited. The international community should take whatever opportunity is presented to encourage whatever progress is possible. That means developing a new policy approach -- containing elements of the present sanctions approach of the West and engagement policy of the region, but more productive than either -- that brings together international actors rather than divides them, creates an environment for change in the country and offers a way out for all parties that has a chance of being accepted..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-26
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: CHR 2004 (60th session): Rebuttals to the draft resolution No.E/CN.4/2004/L.34
Source/publisher: Myanmar Mission, Geneva
Date of publication: 2004-04-21
Description: Statement by His Excellency U Mya Than Permanent Representative and Leader of the Myanmar Observer Delegation to the sixtieth session of the Commission on Human Rights (Agenda Item 9) Geneva, 21 April 2004
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm doc
Size: 53.98 KB 46.5 KB
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Title: CHR 2004 (60th session): Resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
Source/publisher: United Nations (E/CN.4/2004/L.34 )
Date of publication: 2004-04-21
Description: Resolution adopted by consensus, 21 April 2004.
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-21
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 66.69 KB
Local URL: HTML icon L34-amended.htm
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Title: The Manifesto of the National League for Democracy
Source/publisher: National League for Democracy
Date of publication: 1989-11-06
Description: "1. Throughout the Union of Burma in 1988 there was an extraordinary and unprecedented uprising of all people. They rose up to demand Democracy. Thus, a democratic state was established in order to be liberated from the bitter experience of the society. 2. Now, a chance to establish a democratic system began to emerge that would totally change society. Hence, all the people of Burma, with active spirit and strong determination, would have to elect the peoples' representatives. Those representatives would form a democratic government in accordance with the aspiration of the people and draw up the state constitution that will enable a successful reconstruction of the country. 3. The National League for Democracy firmly believes that, today, in Burma, the masses of people are earnestly aspiring for the formation of a Democratic government that will guarantee basic human rights. 4. The National League for Democracy clearly understands that all the people of Burma are very keen to establish a firmly united "Union" in the near future with equal rights for all ethnic nationalities who cherish democracy. 5. In order to bring about the aims and aspirations of the people successfully, the National League for Democracy, consisting of people wishing to represent farmers, workers, merchants and entrepreneurs, students, youths, women, technicians, academicians, artists and ethnic nationalities, shall let their members participate in this multi-party General Election and pledges to accept the decision of the people. 6. The National League for Democracy, while declaring its principles and policy below, shall accept the wishes of the people and establish a democratic state as desired by the people..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-20
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English, Burmese
Format : htm doc pdf
Size: 78.57 KB 66.5 KB 32.17 KB
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Title: Work coordination meeting of National Convention Convening Commission, Work Committee and Management Committee held
Source/publisher: "The New Light of Myanmar"
Date of publication: 2004-04-20
Description: Arrangements for the National Convention... YANGON, 19 April - "A work coordination meeting of the National Convention Convening Commission, Work Committee and Management Committee was held in the Pyidaungsu Hall in Nyaunghnapinkwin in Hmawby Township this morning..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-20
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 17.42 KB
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Title: The observations of the National League for Democracy on the National Convention (22 November 1995)
Source/publisher: National League for Democracy
Date of publication: 1995-11-22
Description: Full text of the statement delivered by Aung San Suu Kyi at her press conference of 22 November 1995... "...The National Convention in its present form is not acceptable to the people of Burma and because it not acceptable to the majority of our people it is not acceptable to the National League for Democracy. And a constitution that is drawn up by a National Convention that does not enjoy the confidence of the people will itself not get the support of the people. And a constitution that is not supported by the people will be nothing more than a piece of paper. So we call upon all those concerned to discuss the matter of bringing about a National Convention that is truly acceptable to the people and that will be able to draw up a constitution that will create a lasting democratic Union of Burma. It is for this reason that we have now put out this statement because the National League for Democracy has a duty to proclaim its position to the people who voted for it in 1990. We believe that our statement, our stance will be supported by the great majority of the people of Burma and it is our intention to continue along a path that is always consonant of the will of the people."
Creator/author: Aung San Suu Kyi
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-19
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 11.38 KB
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Title: Burma/Myanmar: How to read the generals' "roadmap" - a brief guide with links to the literature
Source/publisher: David Arnott
Date of publication: 2004-04-18
Description: N.B. THIS TEXT IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF UPDATING. CHECK http://www.ibiblio.org/obl/docs/how10.htm FOR THE LATEST VERSION...Introduction: "This guide is not so much an analysis ? political, legal or other -- of the ?roadmap” as an introduction to some of the elements, in particular the National Convention process, which the ?roadmap” is based on. For analyses, see Roadmaps/National Convention in the Online Burma/Myanmar Library. This guide has a limited scope and makes three main points: * The first and most crucial stage of the "roadmap" announced by Gen. Khin Nyunt on 30 August 2003 is the re-launch, scheduled for May 17 2004, of the 1993-1996 National Convention, and there is no indication by Burmese military spokesmen that the resumed Convention will differ substantially in structure or procedure from its earlier form; * The abundant commentaries and documentation on the 1993-1996 National Convention apply equally to this stage of the "roadmap"; * International, regional and national actors should take these into account when assessing the "roadmap" and developing their policies. A frequent comment on the ?roadmap” is that details are lacking. If, however, as seems likely, the reconvened National Convention follows its 1993-1996 pattern, we actually know a great deal about the first, crucial step of the ?roadmap” by way of documentation and commentary. The present guide sets the ?roadmap” within this process, itself a stage in the events which followed the collapse of the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP) in 1988, the coming of the SLORC[2], the 1990 elections and their aftermath. The guide: 1) Provides a chronology and documentation of the shifting positions of the Burmese military from 1988 onwards with regard to handing over power to the party which won the elections -- from the 1988 promise of unconditional transfer of power, to the NLD?s apparent exclusion in August 2003 from any authority or responsibility at all deriving from the electoral mandate of 1990; 2) Provides introductions and hyperlinks to a substantial collection of commentaries and documentation on the National Convention process, which the ?roadmap” is intended to complete (something not denied by the SPDC[3]); 3) Recommends that international, regional and national actors recognise the ?roadmap” as an integral part of the National Convention process and that they study the purpose, principles and procedure of the whole process when developing their policies..."
Creator/author: David Arnott
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-18
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 61.72 KB
Local URL: HTML icon how10.htm, HTML icon how9.html
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Title: Conditions in Burma and U.S. Policy Toward Burma for the the Period September 28, 2003 ? March 27, 2004
Source/publisher: US Dept. of State: Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Date of publication: 2004-04-13
Description: Introduction and Summary: "The overall situation in Burma has changed little over the past six months. The Burmese government released most persons arrested during the government?s May 2003 attack on Aung San Suu Kyi and her convoy. However, many pro-democracy supporters rounded up in the aftermath of the attack remain in detention; National League for Democracy (NLD) offices remain closed; senior opposition party leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi and U Tin Oo, remain largely incommunicado under house arrest; and the government refuses to investigate the May attack. The Government of Burma (GOB) also has arrested more people for their peaceful political activities over the past six months, while over a thousand persons remain jailed for their political beliefs. The ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has focused efforts on promoting its own seven-step ?road map” to a "genuine and disciplined democratic system." Although the SPDC unveiled the plan in August 2003 following the announcement of new U.S. sanctions, the junta has yet to set a timetable for the transition or give assurances that all political parties and ethnic groups will be included in a transparent and democratic process. In recent months, the SPDC and the Karen National Union (KNU) entered into serious cease-fire negotiations, which could bring an end to decades of conflict. The U.S. consults with the European Union and others to maintain pressure on the Burmese junta to make progress toward a political transition. Following the events of May 30, the EU expanded the scope of its asset freeze and visa restrictions; Canada imposed visa restrictions; and Japan froze new development assistance to the junta. The UK has frozen over 3500 pounds of assets while other countries have blocked only minimal amounts; Japan is now providing assistance to some projects. No other country has adopted the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. The SPDC?s dismal economic policies have led to widespread poverty and the flight of most foreign investors. New U.S. economic sanctions have also had an impact on at least one sector of the economy; dozens of garment factories that had relied on exports to the United States have now closed. In addition, sanctions have caused the Burmese to rely more on euros than on dollars for trade. We have no statistics on the impact of sanctions on tourism. The Burmese government abruptly reversed its ten-month old rice liberalization policy in January 2004, banning all exports of rice and other staple commodities. The 31-country member Financial Action Task Force (FATF), recommended countermeasures on the GOB, since the GOB had not implemented money-laundering legislation. Most countries imposed additional reporting requirements, and the U.S. banned correspondent relations with Burmese financial institutions. The SPDC continued to abuse severely the human rights of its citizens. Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and association remain greatly restricted. Burmese citizens are not free to criticize their government. Egregious abuses of ethnic minority civilians by the Burmese military including rape, torture, execution and forced dislocation continue. Forced labor, trafficking in persons, and religious discrimination remain serious problems. Immediate U.S. policy objectives in Burma are the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, other NLD officials, and all political prisoners, as well as the start of genuine dialogue on democracy and political reform, including the re-opening of NLD party headquarters and all NLD regional offices. Overall U.S. policy goals include establishment of constitutional democracy, respect for human rights, cooperation in fighting terrorism, regional stability, a full accounting of missing U.S. servicemen from World War II, combating HIV/AIDS, combating trafficking in persons and increased cooperation in eradicating the production and trafficking of illicit narcotics. The U.S. will continue to urge other nations to use sanctions and diplomacy to press the junta to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners and to allow all political parties to operate. The U.S. also encourages all countries with a major interest in Burma, particularly Burma?s immediate neighbors, ASEAN, and Japan, to use their influence to convince the government to undertake immediate steps on political reform and human rights. We will continue to urge the international community to support the UN Secretary General in his efforts to start genuine talks on a political transition in Burma..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-14
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: NZ Burma Support,
Source/publisher: NZ Burma Support,
Description: INACCESSIBLE, FEBRUARY 2010...Online newsletter every two months. Archive from June 2003. February 2004 issue: Editorial : : : National Reconciliation : : : Country--Outlook : : : ‘DAMNING? The Salween : : : FBC Statement : : : Abandoning Mandate : : : Charade : : : Cultural Vandalism : : : Convention Run-Up : : : Does Burma Need A New Constitution? : : : Amnesty Sums Up : : : Mining Expansion : : : Political Tentacles in Burma : : : Dealing With Burma?s Past is The Key to Its Future : : : And Now China ... : : : Financial Skulduggery
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-13
Type: Websites/Multiple Documents
Language: English
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Title: The European Union?s sanctions related to Human rights: the case of Burma/Myanmar.
Source/publisher: Universite Libre de Bruxelles
Date of publication: 2003-00-00
Description: Table of contents: Foreword; Introduction; 1. European Union?s foreign policy, human rights and economics. 1.1. European Union?s promotion of human rights. 1.2. Legal base of sanctions in the European Union?s foreign policy. 2. Burma/Myanmar?s political history. 2.1. Ethnic composition of Burma/Myanmar. 2.2. Colonial past. 2.3. Post-colonial context. 2.4. The emergence of the Burmese democratic movement. 2.5. Military rule. 3. The European Union?s response. 3.1. Resolutions concerning the junta. 3.2. Aid campaign for up-rooted people and against AIDS? spread. 4. The internationalisation of the Burma/Myanmar?s issue. 4.1. Non-states actors. 4.2. Big powers and neighbours states? positions. 4.3. Intergovernmental institutions. 5. Sanctions in international relations: analysis of the European Union?s strategy. 5.1. Objectives: the choice of targeted or ?smart? sanctions. 5.2. Methods of application. 5.3. Assessment of the sanction?s effectiveness. Conclusion. Bibliography. Acknowledgements. Appendix... Conclusion: "In the light of what have been said, many would have come to think that the European Union policy toward Burma/Myanmar is driven more by a desire to show to the international community that something is being done, than to genuinely address particularity of the Burmese issue. Indeed, the European Union is trading with many countries with questionable human rights records. Few of them are actually sanctioned by the European Union. This could be explained by their relative geo-strategic importance for the European Union, as it is the case for Pakistan for instance. On the contrary, Burma/Myanmar does not bear any particular value of this kind. Thus, it represents an easy means for the European Union to attest its ?pro-active? attitude towards those who violate human rights. Nonetheless, the Burmese democratic movement is pushing for sanctions. Therefore, their interest could match those of the European Union. However, the sanctions implemented are by far too soft to provide and do not provide the strong incentive needed to persuade the junta to give up power. The European Union explains its weak attitude by humanitarian considerations: soft sanctions are thought to spare civilians, already affected by the junta?s mismanagement. However, as the NLD and some organisations, such as the Euro-Burma Office, suggest that the people cannot be affected by tougher economic sanctions, such as the import ban proposed by the US senate. Indeed, the Burmese economy chiefly relies on agriculture, with most of the population living on their own crops. Tourism, commercial and banking sectors that would be affected by economic and financial sanctions are all linked to the junta, if not state-owned. The European Union is well aware of these elements. Therefore, one could argue that the main reason for maintaining soft sanctions is related to trade considerations. We have showed indeed that imports from Burma/Myanmar to the European Union have sharply increased over the past years. Economic imperatives are thus the chief justification for the European Union inconsistent policy toward Rangoon. It clarifies the European Union attitude in the Massachusetts case, and the lack of cooperation with influent international actors, especially the United States. This tendency is particularly regrettable, as cooperation is a key requirement of sanctions? effectiveness. Dealing with Burma/Myanmar democratic process entails more than lips-services. ?Although most pro-sanction policies have a consistent objective in demanding a move towards democratic change, the exact mechanism for attaining these goals is less clear. The objectives of enhancing human rights and democracy are clearly enunciated in the US and EU?s positions but such abstract goals need to be operationalised. In other words, these positions need to be more oriented towards facilitating a focused objective rather than mere signalling of moral disapproval. By establishing a clear operational goal in place, disincentive polices could articulate specific but feasible objectives or benchmarks that signal the regime a clear message of what not to do, how to behave and which to concede.? Conclusively, the European Union policy is lacking of coherence and clarity, as far as the objectives of promoting democracy and human rights in Burma/Myanmar are concerned. The European Union did not shape its policy relatively to the specificity of the Burmese regime, held by a cohesive military elite who have been carried out a stable dictatorship for more than four decades. However, if the real aim of the European Union was to signal its own humanistic behaviour, the consequent instrumentalisation of the Burmese issue is a success. The European Union bears a significant potential of action on the junta, through trade and international bodies? fora. One can therefore hope that the Community is soon going to use its influence with more determination..."
Creator/author: Anais Tamen
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-10
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 1.88 MB
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Title: An Account of the Frontier Between Ava and the Part of Bengal Adjacent to the Karnaphuli River
Source/publisher: SOAS Bulletin of Burma Research, Vol. 1, No. 2, Autumn 2003
Date of publication: 1825-00-00
Description: Editor?s note: This article by Francis Hamilton, also known as Francis Buchanan, first appeared in The Edinburgh Journal of Science (vol. 3, April-October, 1825, pp. 32-44). Despite its relatively late dating, Hamilton?s understanding of the area and the people were not substantially different from those found in the his earlier diaries during his travels in the area in 1798. M.W. C. ... "...The river called Naaf by Europeans, which enters the sea in about 20? 50? north, for a short way forms the boundary between Ava and Bengal; and across it is the only communication known between the kingdom of Arakan subject to Ava and Chatigang subject to Britain. North from the forks of this river, so far as I could learn in 1798, there was no district boundary; but there extends north, along the whole of the Chatigang district, a mountainous frontier occupied by several rude tribes. Through this region flow many rivers; some into the sea, either through Chatigang or Arakan, and some into the Erawadi; and the high land at the sources of such of these rivers as run through the district of Chatigang was commonly supposed to be the actual boundary. The rude tribes indeed, which occupy the hilly countries on both sides of the central eight, claim independence, and support it, so far as their slender means will admit..."
Creator/author: Francis Buchanan (aka Francis Hamilton)
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Hearings on Burma, 25 March 2004: Statement by Representative James A. Leach
Source/publisher: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication: 2004-03-25
Description: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives... Statement by Representative James A. Leach, Chairman, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific... Joint Subcommittee Hearing on Developments in Burma... March 25, 2004
Creator/author: James A. Leach
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Hearings on Burma, 25 March 2004: Statement by Chairman Elton Gallegly
Source/publisher: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication: 2004-03-25
Description: Committee on International Relations U.S. House of Representatives... Committee on International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Human Rights... Statement of Chairman Elton Gallegly... Developments in Burma... March 25, 2004.
Creator/author: Elton Gallegly
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Hearings on Burma, 25 March 2004: Testimony by Daw San San
Source/publisher: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication: 2004-03-25
Description: Committee on International Relations U.S. House of Representatives... House International Relations Committee Joint Hearing Between Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific And Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights... TESTIMONY BY DAW SAN SAN ELECTED MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY, BURMA... March 25, 2004.
Creator/author: Daw San San
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Hearings on Burma, 25 March 2004: Testimony by Veronika Martin
Source/publisher: US Committee for Refugees via Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication: 2004-03-25
Description: Testimony by Veronika A. Martin Policy Analyst, U.S. Committee for Refugees... Developments in Burma... Before the House Committee on International Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific and The Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Non-proliferation and Human Rights... March 25, 2004... Myanmarese Refugees in Thailand and The Human Rights Situation in Eastern Myanmar.
Creator/author: Veronika A. Martin
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Hearings on Burma, 25 March 2004: Testimony by Tom Malinowski
Source/publisher: Human Rights Watch via Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication: 2004-03-25
Description: Human Rights and U.S. Strategy in Burma... Testimony by Tom Malinowski, Washington Advocacy Director, Human Rights Watch.
Creator/author: Tom Malinowski
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Hearings on Burma, 25 March 2004: Testimony by Lorne W. Craner
Source/publisher: US Dept. of State via Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives
Date of publication: 2004-03-25
Description: Testimony by Assistant Secretary Lorne W. Craner Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Bureau U.S. Department of State At a hearing entitled Developments in Burma By the House International Relations Committee Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and the Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights March 25, 2004
Creator/author: Lorne W. Craner
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives, Hearings on Burma, 25 March 2004: Testimony by Matthew P. Daley
Source/publisher: http://2001-2009.state.gov/s/h/tst/2004/
Date of publication: 2004-03-25
Description: Matthew P. Daley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Testimony before the House International Relations Committee, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and Subcommittee on International Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Human Rights Washington, DC March 25, 2004
Creator/author: Matthew P. Daley
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-09
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: MITHUNS SACRIFICED TO GREED - The Forest Ox of Burma?s Chins
Source/publisher: Project Maje
Date of publication: 2004-02-00
Description: "This report is a brief summary of information about the mithun, a type of domesticated bovine found in the Himalayan foothills of South/Southeast Asia, particularly addressing its situation in the Chin State of Burma. The spelling "mithun" (accurate in terms of pronunciation) is used here for the bovine species Bos frontalis, although "mithan" is also a common spelling, and "mythun" is another spelling in use. This name probably came from Assamese dialects. The Chin people, one of the Zo ethnic groups, who live in western Burma, call these animals "sia." Mithuns are also known as "gayals" in India. This report is by no means a comprehensive or scientific document on mithuns. It is inspired by accounts of mithun confiscation and commercialization of mithun raising in the Chin State. It is intended as an alert about the present situation of this particular mammal in this particular area. Under Burma?s military dictatorship, the Chin people have been subjected to numerous human rights violations, including religious persecution. Most Chins are Christians, with Animist traditions. Their relationship to the mithun has strong elements of remaining Animist culture. The Chins? mountain forest environment has been in jeopardy in recent years, as Burma?s military regime carries out logging and unsustainable harvest of forest products, and promotes plantation agriculture..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-06
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: SHATTERING SILENCES: Karen Women speak out about the Burmese Military Regime?s use of Rape as a Strategy of War in Karen State
Source/publisher: The Karen Women's Organization (KWO)
Date of publication: 2004-04-02
Description: "This report, ?Shattering Silences” clearly documents the widespread and systematic rape being committed by the Burmese military against Karen women in Burma. Most of these incidents have been committed with impunity, creating a climate of fear for Karen women in Burma. The cases reported demonstrate how rape is actively being used as a strategy by the SPDC military to intimidate, control, shame and ethnically cleanse Karen groups in Burma. Despite the current ?ceasefire talks” between the SPDC and the Karen National Union (KNU), the SPDC has continued to perpetrate human rights violations against Karen people in Karen State. At the time of publication in April 2004, Karen women continue to be killed and raped by SPDC soldiers, forced to work as porters and forced from their homes. This is the first report that focuses on the atrocities being committed by the SLORC/SPDC military against the Karen women. The report explores the patterns of rapes committed against the Karen women by the SLORC/SPDC soldiers and the effects on the women and their families. The report locates these atrocities within a human rights framework, to show the direct link of accountability the SPDC bears for the violations committed in these cases. It also demonstrates the multiplicity of human rights violations occurring, as the rape of women is often committed in conjunction with other human rights violations such as beating, mutilation, torture, murder, forced labour, denial of rights to food, water and shelter, and denial of the right to legal redress. These rapes occur as part of a strategy designed to terrorize and subjugate the Karen people, to completely destroy their culture and communities. This report demonstrates very clearly that it is the women who bear the greatest burden of these systematic attacks, as they are doubly oppressed both on the grounds of their ethnicity and their gender. Many foreign governments continue talking about Burma as a country which simply lacks democratic systems. In fact, Burma not only lacks democratic principles and institutions, but also has the worst kind of authoritarian regime - one that commits atrocities against its own people, on a scale that amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes. In their speaking out here against the SLORC/SPDC soldiers and commanders who have raped them, the women of courage who have shared their stories have shattered the silences behind which their rapists have hidden. The shame was and is not the women?s to bear but lies instead with every soldier and commander who has raped Karen women and girls and with the Burmese military regime who continues to allow these gross violations of women?s human rights to continue with impunity. As the world comes to realize the full extent of human rights violations being committed by the SPDC, particularly against women from ethnic nationalities, the actions members of the international community take to address this issue becomes critical..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-04-01
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm doc pdf
Size: 963.64 KB 1.11 MB 1.9 MB
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Title: NGO Statement on Asia and the Pacific
Source/publisher: ICVA
Date of publication: 2004-03-11
Description: to the UNHCR Standing Committee, 9-11 March 2004. The statement contains references to Burmese refugees in Thailand and Bangladesh and to the recent agreement that UNHCR should have a presence in eastern Burma. Also references to the Rohingyas.
Date of entry/update: 2004-03-31
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Hydropower Projects in Burma (Map)
Source/publisher: Burma Information Network -Japan
Date of publication: 2004-04-00
Description: Map on Hydropower Projects in Burma
Creator/author: Yuki Akimoto, Tetz Hakoda (Burma Information Network -Japan)
Date of entry/update: 2004-03-31
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
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Title: Announcement on the reconvening of the National Convention (Announcement No. 1/2004)
Source/publisher: SPDC via "The New Light of Myanmar" 31 Marxch 2004
Date of publication: 2004-03-31
Description: Union of Myanmar National Convention Convening Commission Yangon... 10th waxing of Hnaung Tagu 1365 (30 March 2004)... Announcement on the reconvening of the National Convention
Date of entry/update: 2004-03-31
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : htm
Size: 8.18 KB
Local URL: HTML icon NCCC_1-2004.htm
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Title: CHR 2004 (60th Session): Briefing Paper on the Human Rights Situation in Burma, Year 2003-2004
Source/publisher: Burma UN Service Office of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB)
Date of publication: 2004-03-00
Description: For the 60th Session of the UN Commission Human Rights resolution on ‘The human rights situation in Myanmar?...- 1 - Contents: Recommendations; Summary; The Judicial System: Unjust Laws and Orders; The Depayin Massacre; Political Prisoners; MPs, NLD members arrested for organizing trip of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; Extension of Prison Terms Under Section 10 (A); Hunger Strikes in Prison; The Aging Political Prisoners; Members of Parliament in Prison and in Exile; Women, Children, Racial, Ethnic & Religious Minorities in Burma:- Women: Rape as a Systematic Tool; The License to Rape Report; Military's Response to the Report; Responses to the Report; Recommendations to the United Nations; Other Tragedies Suffered by Women... Children: Burmese Children in Armed Conflict; Health and Education of Children... Racial, Ethnic and Religious Minorities: Restrictions on Religious Practices and Freedom... Forced Labor, Forced Displacement, Land Mines and Refugees and IDPs:- Forced Labor: The ILO and the Regime; Forced Displacement; Landmines; Refugees and IDPs: Bangladest Border; Indian Border; Thai Border... Land Confiscation and Forced Relocation... Economic Situation... Appendix I: Members of Parliament in Prison; Appendix II: Over 65 years Old Political Prisoners... Appendix III: Update Tables on Political Prisoners... Summary:- "The human rights situation in Burma has worsened again this year. While the military junta claims that it is working to bring "disciplined democracy" to the country through a "seven-point roadmap", political arrests continue unabated and leaders of the election-winning party, the National League for Democracy, remain under detention. High-ranking officials of the military junta try to paint a rosy picture of the political future of the country while they refuse to cooperate with the United Nations' call for an independent investigation into the use of rape as a weapon against Shan women by the military or to permit an inquiry into the massacre of National League for Democracy members who came under the "premeditated attack" of the military and its affiliated thugs near Tabayin [Depayin] during the tour of the region by Aung San Suu Kyi and her party members. The junta also continues to ignore the resolutions of the past years passed by the General Assembly and relevant bodies and blatantly ignores the efforts of the United Nations' Secretary General and his envoy to facilitate a national reconciliation process in Burma. Violations of human rights, including arbitrary killings, rape, looting, force relocation, and destruction of villages continue particularly in the border areas where large-scale military offensives are launched against ethnic nationalities. The Burmese people continue to be held hostage under the military's corrupt, brutal, inhumane, and undemocratic policies. This briefing paper, along with many other reports compiled by prominent human rights and intergovernmental organizations, should serve as a testimony to the fact that human rights violations in Burma are continuous, as they have tragically been for many years; that the regime has no regard for the protection and promotion of its people?s human rights and only cares about instilling fear in the minds of the people through the use of brute force so as to preserve military rule. * This paper has been prepared by the Burma UN Service Office of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB)..."
Date of entry/update: 2004-03-30
Type: Individual Documents
Language: English
Format : pdf
Size: 285.78 KB
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