Discussion on Anti-Muslim Violence

Burma Crisis Roundtable: A Discussion on Anti-Muslim Violence DeaTso pema Ling Join us on Thursday, February 27 for an urgent discussion on anti-Muslim violence in Burma. This is an opportunity to hear from panelists from US Campaign for Burma, Burma Task Force USA, Physicians for Human Rights, and faith-based organizations. Event Details When: Thursday, February 27 at 7-9 PM Where: All Souls Church, 1157 Lexington Avenue (near 80th St), New York, New York, 10075 Event Panelists Holly Atkinson, Former President of Physicians for Human Rights Rachel Wagley, Policy Director of US Campaign for Burma Bruce Knotts, Director of Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office Nay San Oo, Free Rohingya Campaign Shaik Ubaid, Muslim Peace Coalition, Co-founder of Burma Task Force Alex Caring-Lobel, Trycicle Foundation This event is sponsored by Burma Task Force USA and the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office, and hosted by the Social Justice Committee of All Souls Church.

El tesoro dorado de Myanmar

Dos mercaderes viajaron hasta la colina de Singuttara para llevar al rey Okkalapa los ocho cabellos sagrados del Buda Gautama. Cuando el rey abrió el cofre la tierra tembló y del cielo cayeron piedras preciosas; dicen que los ciegos pudieron ver, los sordos oír y los mudos hablar.

Ante aquel milagro Okkalapa mandó construir un bello santuario formado por pagodas, unas sobre otras, para proteger aquellos cabellos.

El actual templo es una enorme estupa de oro (en Myanmar se le conoce como yapa), con una gran aguja decorada con piedras preciosas: más 5 mil diamantes y más de dos mil 300 rubíes.

La pagoda es parte de un centro religioso de peregrinaje budista donde se conservan algunas reliquias de Buda.

El 22 de febrero monjes y devotos participaron en una ceremonia que conmemoró los 2 mil 600 años de la pagoda de Shwedagon, ubicada en la ciudad de Yangon, Myanmar (la antigua Birmania).

Al entrar, el visitante debe quitarse los zapatos y, si hace oración, debe hacerlo dando vueltas en el sentido contrario a las manecillas del reloj.

U.S. Campaign FOR BURMA

Dear Mike,

There are moments when working towards democracy in Burma is difficult--when there is little light at the end of the tunnel.

For over twenty years, I have been engaged in one of the great struggles of our time.  For many of those years we have ended the year without significant progress. It has been difficult coming to the office to hear about another friend thrown into prison. Or to learn about another village burned, more families forced to flee for their lives.

Please consider making a contribution to our movement today as we enter a new, critical year for Burma.

But this year is different--we have two great gifts to celebrate. For the first time since the U.S. Campaign for Burma was founded, Aung San Suu Kyi is free. For the first time, we are working in concert with our leader mobilizing people to action.

Our second gift is the progress we have made towards finally holding the military regime accountable for its crimes. For years, the international community paid no attention while the regime denied abusing ethnic groups. But this lie is closer to being confronted by the international community after decades of neglect.

So there is much to celebrate as we end 2010. We want to thank you so much for your support and making these efforts possible. Our staff is small--only five people working full time. But we manage to magnify your voice and the voices of other Burma activists on the global stage.

This is due to your support: our grassroots supporters are the biggest funders for our campaign. Without you, we could not join together to make sure that the people of Burma know they have American support. Without you, we would not be able to push policymakers in Washington to make Burma a priority. Without you, we would not be able to secure millions of dollars of aid for survivors of the regime's atrocities. Without you, we would be missing a critical link in Burma's global solidarity movement.

Please consider making a contribution to our movement today as we enter a new, critical year for Burma.

We want you to know that your contribution to USCB leads directly to lives being saved on the ground in Burma. Your contribution has a huge multiplier affect--USCB helps secure U.S. funding of millions of dollars of "cross border" aid to groups working on Burma's borders. Last year, $4 million was sent to border groups who risk their lives by providing healthcare and education to Burma's conflict areas. Since 2006, we have secured tens of millions of US dollars for cross-border aid.

Your support also has a huge multiplier affect on global Burma policy. When the US leads on Burma policy, many countries follow. For example in August of this year Obama came out in support of an investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma. In the following month, 8 other countries announced their support. Our work really spans the globe and changes the international conversation on Burma.

Finally, we want to let you know that the people inside Burma working for change are well aware of American support for their cause. My friends inside Burma understand that they have an ally in the United States--and they are immensely grateful for your support.

Help us give Burma's democracy activists more support by making a year-end gift today.

You are part of one of the world's most significant global solidarity movements. For twenty years we have worked to restore hope to a country that is run by brutal dictators. Our movement showed its strength when Aung San Suu Kyi was released in November due to global pressure.

But we cannot stop here. We have much to do. We need your support to make sure that Aung San Suu Kyi's latest release translates into meaningful change in Burma, not more of the same. This support comes through your calls, emails, community events, film screenings, and your financial support. As we end the year, we are grateful for your time and consideration of supporting USCB.

Thank you for all of your support for the U.S. Campaign for Burma and the people of Burma. We are truly grateful to work with you in one of the great struggles of our time.

Have a Great New Year,


Aung Din
Executive Director
Former Burmese Political Prisoner
Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma:

Sham Elections in Burma

Sham Elections in Burma 

Dear Tso Pema Ling, 

While the 'official' election results have not been announced, the people of Burma and the world already know the outcome: continued military rule and escalating violence.

General Election
The military regime held their election on Sunday, November 7, 2010.  Widespread fraud, voter intimidation, cheating, and irregularties were reported throughout the country.  It is clear that the authorities, election commission and the regime's party the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) worked together to secure victories for their USDP candidates.  Some democratic candidates who challenged the USDP candidates claimed yesterday that they won the election as they got more votes at the polling stations.  However, after all votes arrived to the Township Commission office and Commission officials added unspecified and unexpected advanced votes into the count, the results were effectively reversed and USDP candidates became the winners. As expected, the USDP will be the winners of almost all of the contested seats.  The National Democratic Force (NDF), a political party who defected from the National League for Democracy (NLD) and contested in the election have announced they would not accept the election results.  They now plan to file complaints against the USDP to the Election Commission, with little hope of success.

US Government Reaction
President Obama said: "The November 7th elections in Burma were neither free nor fair, and failed to meet any of the internationally accepted standards associated with legitimate elections.  The elections were based on a fundamentally flawed process and demonstrated the regime's continued preference for repression and restriction over inclusion and transparency."  Click here to read President Obama's full statement.

War and Refugees
On Election Day, November 7, 2010, fighting between the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) Brigade 5 and the Burmese Army broke out at an important border town, Myawaddy, on the Thai-Burma border.  The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) split from the Karen National Union (KNU) several years ago to ally with the regime.  Last year, some factions of the DKBA have transformed their troops into the Border Guard Force under the direct command of the Burmese Army.  But, some troops from DKBA Brigade 5 left the DKBA refusing to agree to work with the Burmese Army anymore. Amid reports Karen villagers were forced by the regime authorities to vote for the USDP candidates in the polls, the DKBA Brigade 5 attacked the Burmese Army and took control of some parts of Myawaddy.  As fighting broke out, tens of thousands of people fled to Thailand.  Several Burmese and Thai civilians in Myawaddy and Mae Sot were injured from being hit by heavy artillery.

On Monday, another DKBA troop, Battalion 907 took control of the Three Pagodas Township, also on the Thai-Burma border, opposite of Sangkhlaburi in Thailand.  Some police men and the regime's soldiers were killed during the fight and several government offices were burnt down by the DKBA troops.  Many residents fled to Thailand to avoid the fighting and being called for porters by warring troops.

More Ethnic Armies Join the Flighting
On Monday morning, another Karen rebel troop, called the Karen Peace Council, joined in the fight.  The troops attacked the regime's soldiers North of Myawaddy Township.  The New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Karen National Union (KNU) troops are also assisting DKBA troops at the Three Pagodas Pass.

To support these ethnic resistance troops, SSA-S (Shan State Army-South) has launched an attack against the regime's troops in Mong Yang, eastern Shan State early Monday.  Thai's authorities deployed more than 5,000 troops at the border to respond the situation.

Fighting subsided in Myawaddy on Tuesday and Thailand has ordered the 20,000 new refugees to return to Burma.  The situation remains tenuous and unstable, as fighting continues in other locations and people continue to flee.

Japanese Reporter Arrested and Charged
Toru Yamaji, the president of Tokyo-based video news provider APF, was arrested on November 7, 2010, in Myawaddy.  He entered Myawaddy by crossing the Moei River by boat from Thailand.  He is now being charged by the regime under Section 13 (1) of the Immigration Act (Emergency Provisions), which says violators can be punished "with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or with a fine, or with both."

United Wa State Party's (UWSP) Announcement
One of the strongest ethnic ceasefire groups, which refuses to accept the regime's Border Guard Force plan and the elections issued an announcement on November 5, 2010, two days before the regime's election.  The statement makes it clear that the UWSP will not allow anyone to represent its region and the Wa people in this election and it will not bow to the pressure of the regime which forces it to become the regime's Border Guard Force.  It stated that they want to have a peaceful dialogue with the new Government, which may be formed in next three and a half months time.

Request from USCB Staff
In the lead up to the election the U.S. Campaign for Burma had long warned that this election would lead to increased hostilities between ethnic groups and the military regime.  Yesterday's events proved our worst fears. Now, we are working with our international partners to make sure that the United States and the international community call on the Burmese regime to stop all attacks to prevent more refugee flows and civilians deaths.

We need President Obama to immediately call on India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and ASEAN to condemn the Burma's fraudulent election while simultaneously pressuring the Burmese regime to stop attacks against ethnic groups.  We must capitalize on President Obama's presence in Asia to strengthen US cooperation with our strongest Asian allies on Burma.

Donate to us today to help our effort to make sure that President Obama makes Burma a priority during the rest of his Asian trip.  

Sincerely,

Aung Din, Jennifer, Nadi, Patrick and Myra

 

Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

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Host a Burma Mock Election Event

Host a Burma Mock Election Event Dear Mike, In one month, Burma's military regime will hold a sham election to legalize military rule.  Sign up to hold an event to mock this election charade.   Burma is set to have its first "election" in twenty years on November 7th.  But these elections are just for show.  The outcome has already been decided--continued military rule.  Marching, chanting slogans, and speaking out against the military regime are all prohibited.  Polling stations will not be opened in most ethnic minority areas, denying them the right to vote.  Most importantly, the constitution guarantees the military will control the new government.  Aung San Suu Kyi, the National League for Democracy , and democratic ethnic leaders are boycotting the election to show its illegitimacy. Around the world, supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma's democracy movement are coming together to host mock elections to protest the military regime's upcoming sham elections on November 7, 2010. From October 25th - November 7th join in and host a mock election event in your community to show solidarity with Burma's true democratic leaders. Click here to sign up to host an event and to download our Mock Election Campaign Package.   Can't host an event but want to attend one?   Click here to see if one is being held in your area. The military regime has power. With this election they seek legitimacy. Show your support for the legitimate democratic leaders in Burma by hosting a Burma Mock Election event. In Gratitude and Solidarity, Aung Din, Jennifer, Nadi, Patrick and Myra Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

Burma News

Dear friend

We need your help to persuade Canada to support a United Nations Commission
of Inquiry into crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.

In Burma the military junta continues to commit brutal crimes, including:
· destruction of more than 3,500 villages in Eastern Burma.
· widespread use of rape as a weapon of war against ethnic minorities.
· forced displacement of over 1 million refugees and intenally
displaced people.
· recruitment of tens of thousands of child soldiers.
· widespread and systematic use of forced labour.

Despite these appalling crimes, the United Nations has done nothing to
investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

Thanks to your support we have already managed to persuade the UK to support
a UN Commission of Inquiry into crimes against humanity. Australia, Czech
Republic and Slovakia have also announced their support. But we need more
governments to add their support.

We think we can now get Canada to support a Commission of Inquiry. Canada
played a leading role in establishing the International Criminal Court and
has a record of supporting strong action on Burma. However, it is shocking
that Canada, a country that has championed the need to bring war criminals
to justice, is not supporting a UN investigation into crimes against
humanity in Burma.

Take Action
Please send an email to the Canadian Foreign Minister and the Canadian High
Commissioner in UK and urge them to support a United Nation Commission of
Inquiry into crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.

Take action here:
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/crimes-against-humanity

Thank you for your support.

Anna
Burma Campaign UK

Support our work: Donate to the Burma Campaign UK and make a difference
today. You can be sure your donation will make a difference. Supporting the
Burma Campaign UK is one of the most effective ways of supporting the
struggle to free Burma.
Donate now: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/donate
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BURMA

Dear Mike,

Congratulations -- You did it! Because of your phone calls, emails and letters to your Senators and Representatives, the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act passed both Houses of Congress with more support than in any other year!

Today the Bill passed in the Senate 99-1!

A record number 68 Senators cosponsored this important piece of legislation -- and that's because of your extraordinary commitment to the struggling people of Burma and your determination to see democracy in action.

What does this victory mean for Burma? Before this legislation was introduced 7 years ago, US trade with Burma allowed American money to fund the Burmese military and its cronies. But once again, hundreds of millions of American dollars will be kept out of the hands of the military regime for another year.

Thank you for doing your part by calling or emailing your Senator and/or Representative -- you helped ensure this historic passage!

Keep up the good work, and call your Senators to help end crimes against humanity

Mike

Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma:

Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma.

Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

Please write to your MP asking them to sign a Motion for Aung San Suu Kyi

Please write to your MP asking them to sign a Motion fori Aung San Suu Ky

A new motion (a kind of Parliamentary petition) on Burma has been put down in the British Parliament. The Motion – HUMAN RIGHTS IN BURMA – sends best wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi, who on 19th June 2010 will be spending her 65th birthday in detention.

It also calls on the British government to work with the UN to persuade Burma’s generals to enter into negotiations with Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic groups, instead of doing nothing ahead of fake elections planned later this year.

Please write to your MP asking them to support Early Day Motion 112.

Take action here:
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/index.php/campaigns/actions/free-aung-san-suu-kyi/free-aung-san-suu-kyi

Or you can post a letter to your MP.

Key points to make include:

· Aung San Suu Kyi will be spending her 65th birthday in detention, and has now been detained for almost 15 years.

· It is important that the British Parliament show that the world has not forgotten Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma.

· A fake election due later this year will not bring democratic change or democracy to Burma.

· The British government and international community must support the United Nations in persuading the dictatorship to enter into negotiations with Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic representatives.

You can send your letter to your MP at:
House of Commons
London, SW1A 0AA

Thank you.
Anna
Burma Campaign UK


Early Day Motion 112: Human Rights In Burma

That this House sends its best wishes to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who will spend her 65th birthday in detention on 19 June 2010; calls for the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners in Burma; rejects the elections planned by Burma's generals later this year which, due to election laws and ongoing repression in Burma, cannot be free and fair; condemns Burma's new constitution which is designed to maintain dictatorship in civilian guise and does not grant rights or protection to Burma's ethnic minorities; notes that all diplomatic efforts to reform the dictatorship's sham roadmap to democracy have failed; recalls that the United Nations Security Council, General Assembly, Secretary General and Human Rights Council have all stated that the solution to the problems in Burma lies in dialogue between the dictatorship, Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, and ethnic representatives; and calls on the Government to support a United Nations-led effort to pressure the dictatorship to enter into such dialogue.



Support our work: Donate to the Burma Campaign UK and make a difference today. You can be sure your donation will make a difference. Supporting the Burma Campaign UK is one of the most effective ways of supporting the struggle to free Burma.
Donate now: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/donate
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Inside Burma's Secret State

Dear friend
We thought you might be interested in Unreported World ‘Inside Burma's Secret State‘ on Channel 4 tonight at 7.35pm.

Reporter Seyi Rhodes and director Simon Phillips spend two weeks trekking through forests to reveal the devastation the Burmese army is inflicting as it intensifies its war against the Karen people.

You can find out more here:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/unreported-world/episode-guide/series-2010/episode-5

For those outside the UK, the programme will be available on the website soon:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/4od

All the best
Anna
Burma Campaign UK

Support our work: Donate to the Burma Campaign UK and make a difference today. You can be sure your donation will make a difference. Supporting the Burma Campaign UK is one of the most effective ways of supporting the struggle to free Burma.
Donate now: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/donate
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London N1 6HT

denegacion de asistencia médica a Ko Mya Sí

Anna Roberts ✆ para burmacampaign

mostrar detalles 11:19 (41 minutos antes)

Dear friend

We are extremely concerned for the health of leading democracy activist Ko Mya Aye, who is being denied access to proper medical treatment he urgently needs for a heart condition.

Ko Mya Aye is one of the leaders of 88 Generation Students Group, which led protests in 1988 and again in 2007. He is currently detained Taungyi Prison in Shan State, many miles from emergency medical care, and too far away for family to make regular visits.

Take action now to demand the dictatorship allow medical treatment for Ko Mya Aye!

http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/index.php/campaigns/actions/free-political-prisoners/political-prisoners-action

Ko Mya Aye appears to be suffering from angina, which has recently become unstable causing heart failure and requiring urgent medical treatment. He is also suffering from hypertension and gastric problems. He needs proper medical tests that can only be done in Rangoon, and will probably require an angioplasty operation or coronary artery bypass graft. So far there have been none of the required medical tests or operations. Another angina attack without access to emergency medical care would be very serious.

Ko Mya Aye is also being held in conditions which are making his health condition much worse. On his arrival in the jail he was put in a cell which is for death row prisoners, and denied any exercise. There is no toilet or running water in the cell and he has to go toilet in an open field by the prison with no privacy.

Burma’s generals systematically use the denial of medical treatment to mistreat and abuse political prisoners. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) estimates that 137 political prisoners are in poor health as a result of harsh medical conditions or being denied proper medical care.

Please take action now.

http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/index.php/campaigns/actions/free-political-prisoners/political-prisoners-action

Thank you for your support.

Anna Roberts
Burma Campaign UK

Support our work: Donate to the Burma Campaign UK and make a difference today. You can be sure your donation will make a difference. Supporting the Burma Campaign UK is one of the most effective ways of supporting the struggle to free Burma.
Donate now: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/donate
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Aung San Suu Kyi's Message to the People of the World

the U.S. book release of Undaunted by Zoya Phan

Dear Mike, We are thrilled to announce the U.S. book release of Undaunted by Zoya Phan, a prominent Karen leader and Burma activist, and International Coordinator of the Burma Campaign UK. Released in the U.S. on May 4, 2010, Zoya Phan's new book, Undaunted, chronicles her full life story from her harrowing childhood in remote jungles of Eastern Burma home to the Karen ethnic group, to her frustrating years at a Thai refugee camp, to her escape and emergence as an iconic Burma activist after agents of the Burmese regime assassinated her freedom-fighter father in 2008. This book comes at an opportune time to shed light on Burma. As the regime plans to hold upcoming sham elections that will institutionalize impunity and prolong military control of the country, dictator Than Shwe is attempting to forcibly bring all ethnic minorities under his iron grip, even if it means burning down hundreds of villages, killing innocent people and driving tens of thousands of civilians out of their homes and into hiding. Undaunted paints a vivid picture of the long-overlooked plight of Burma's Karen people and their inspiring struggle against injustice and oppression. It offers a very personal perspective on the longest running civil war in the world, telling of individual courage and the capacity to overcome and triumph. But much more than, it tells the story of Zoya, a person well worth reading about. Undaunted is now available. Click here to purchase it. Sincerely, Nadi Hlaing Development Assistant, the U.S. Campaign for Burma "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu/ We are people through other people." Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

Give the Gift of Freedom to Imprisoned Mothers of Burma

"Only if we end this bad system the future of the people of Burma, including my daughter, will be bright. I love my daughter. I had to leave her, but I believe she will later understand why."
~ Nilar Thein, imprisoned mother and democracy activist


Dear Mike,

Nilar Thein is one of hundreds of women political prisons in Burma. The regime sentenced her to 65 years for writing a letter to the UN urging the international community to protect the women of Burma. On this year's Mother's Day, let us remember the sacrifices and determination of women activists like Nilar Thein, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other women political prisons in Burma who have dedicated their lives to democracy and human rights.

Will you join us in honoring these courageous women on Mother's Day? Show your solidarity by signing up to host an Arrest Yourself event.

Now more than ever, these heroines need the support of the world. Ahead of the 2010 elections the military is tightening its repressive grip and jailing scores of women political activists in an attempt to silence their voices. We must not turn a blind eye to such injustices. Complacency is complicity. As members of this global community, it is our duty to help amplify the calls of these brave women activists and continue their struggle for democratic values that so many of them have given their lives and freedoms to achieve.

Be a part of our Arrest Yourself campaign to show your solidarity with these brave women of Burma. Join us in answering Aung San Suu Kyi's call to "use our liberty to promote theirs." 200 people have already signed up to host parties across the United States. Now its your turn.

At this year's Arrest Yourself campaign, we will raise awareness for these courageous mothers of Burma and inspire millions to get involved and fight for their immediate and unconditional release. Let us make sure that come next year, Nilar Thein and other imprisoned women activists in Burma will be reunited with their family and celebrate Mother's Day with their children.

Sign up now to host an Arrest Yourself event.

With hope,

Nadi Hlaing
Development Assistant, U.S. Campaign for Burma
(202) 234-8022
nadi@uscampaignforburma.org

"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu/ We are people through other people."

Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma:

Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma.

Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

Happy Thingyan and Burmese New Year, Mike!

Happy Thingyan and Burmese New Year, Mike!

In the true spirit of Thingyan, a celebration filled with fun, gifts of charity, and good deeds, sign up now to host an "Arrest Yourself" event!

It is Thingyan time in Burma - a three-day water festival that marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year. People celebrate by splashing water on each other, an act that symbolizes washing away of the sins of the past year and readying oneself for a bountiful new year. But there is one big sin which still hasn't washed away - Burma's military regime.

With the upcoming sham elections designed with a highly undemocratic constitution, the regime is attempting to perpetuate its military occupation of the country, turning Burma's future into a nightmare. We must act now to stop the regime from silencing those who seek true democracy for Burma.

Join us in our "Arrest Yourself" campaign. During this global action campaign, supporters stay home for 24 hours under self-imposed house arrest in solidarity with Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma. Given the urgency of the situation, we must magnify and project our unified voices calling on the international community to denounce the regime's political charade and reject the election results, which will be neither free nor fair. The world must know that Aung San Suu Kyi, who has spent over 14 of the last 20 years under house arrest, is the legitimate leader of Burma, and the military regime must release her immediately and unconditionally.

On June 19, Aung San Suu Kyi will be turning 65. She will most likely spend her birthday under house arrest. Let us celebrate her infallible dedication and courage, as well as the determination of the people of Burma to free themselves from ruthless military rule. Even as the ruling junta continues its daily persecution of the Burmese people, through "Arrest Yourself" we will awaken the world's consciousness about Aung San Suu Kyi and the plight of the 55 million people of Burma and fight for their liberty.

Sign up now to host an "Arrest Yourself " event. Watch our video to learn how to "Arrest Yourself".


Sincerely,

Nadi Hlaing
Development Assistant, U.S. Campaign for Burma
(202) 234-8022
nadi@uscampaignforburma.org

"Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu/ We are people through other people."

Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

U.S. CAMPAIGN FOR BURMA

Dear Mike, I wanted to let you know about this great event in New York! On April 16th, activists from across the region will gather to demand the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the 2,200 other political prisoners currently detained in Burma, thrown in jail simply for speaking out against brutality and injustice. As the military regime cracks down ahead of the 2010 elections, there is no better time to stand up for human rights. Come out and demand that the United Nations take action against the junta and their heinous human rights abuses. Amnesty International is launching its third annual "Get On The Bus Tour", demanding the United Nations listen to the voice of thousands of activists speaking out against injustices suffered by political activists in Burma, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. Join us for a speakers' panel featuring courageous Burmese monks who played a crucial role in the 2007 Saffron Revolution. After the panel, let your voice be heard as we rally for human rights across Manhattan. Schedule of Events - April 16th, 2010 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Registration Location: The Great Hall at the The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art 7 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Speakers Panel Event Co-sponsored by Cooper Union Office of Continuing Education & Public Programs Location: The Great Hall at the The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art 7 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003 Rally #1 - Sri Lanka Action Location: Permanent Mission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the United Nations 630 3rd Avenue Rally #2 - Burma Action 2:55 - 3:40 p.m. Location: 1 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, across from the United Nations 1st Avenue and E 46th Street Rally #3 - Tibet Action 4:15 - 5:00 p.m. Location: Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations 350 E 35th Street Hope to see you there, Mike, U.S Campaign for Burma

U.S. Campaign for Burma

Tso Pema Ling , U.S. Campaign for Burma

mostrar detalles 12:20 (hace 21 horas)

Dear Mike, We did it! Last week, we had our first major success in the movement to hold Burma's Generals accountable for their crimes against humanity. Now we must capitalize on the momentum! The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, released a groundbreaking report to the UN Human Rights Council calling for a Commission of Inquiry into Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes in Burma, after nearly a year of being bombarded by our demands. This is the first time an acting UN official has called for such strong action. The ball is rolling now and we must ensure that it does not slow down! This week, the UN Human Rights Council will discuss whether or not to support Mr.Quintana's recommendations for a Commission of Inquiry. As a member of the Human Rights Council, the United States, needs to be a strong voice supporting Mr. Quintana's recommendations. Without the backing of the United States, the Special Rapporteur's call will go ignored! Tell President Obama that the U.S. must support a UN Commission of Inquiry into the regime's war crimes and crimes against humanity. Do not let this opportunity pass by! Click here to take action today! Here is a link to the Special Rapporteur's report. Let's make sure this happens! Michael Haack Campaigns Coordinator U.S. Campaign for Burma

U.S. CAMPAIGN FOR BURMA

Dear Mike, We at USCB are ecstatic about the Oscars this year. Burma VJ has been nominated for best documentary film, and James Cameron, a longtime supporter of Burma's freedom struggle, is up for 3 academy awards for his acclaimed film Avatar. This year, during your Oscar-watching get-together, turn this momentum around freedom and human rights in Burma into action. Ask your friends to sign a petition urging your member of Congress to co-sponsor House Resolution 898, which calls for the release of all political prisoners of conscience and an end to the systematic and widespread violations of human rights against the ethnic minorities inside Burma. Click here for more information. Downright gripping and utterly inspiring, Burma VJ hails worldwide recognition for the selfless journalists who courted arrest, torture, and lengthy imprisonments in order to shine a spotlight on Burma's freedom struggle. If you have not had the chance to see Burma VJ, check out the trailer here. We would also like to congratulate , who is a strong advocate for human rights in Burma, for his outstanding work and his Oscar nominations. Check out this video spot featuring James Cameron on the topic of Burma. Films alone will not bring about political change in Burma. Your action can make a difference. Be the voice that contributes to the growing momentum around human rights and democracy in Burma. During the Oscars 2010, take a moment to circulate this petition to your member of Congress asking them to support House Resolution 898. When you are done, please mail the petition to Attention: Michael Haack, U.S. Campaign for Burma, 1444 N Street, NW, Suite A2, Washington, DC 20005. Don't know who your member of Congress is? Find out here www.house.gov. Looking forward to the Oscars! Mike Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma: Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma. Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

Historic Event Spotlights Crimes in Burma

Dear Tso Pema Ling

Join us March 2nd from 9am-6pm in New York City for a historic tribunal on crimes against women in Burma or tune in live via webcast by clicking this link.

Women have been particularly impacted by the regime's crimes. They face sexual violence, forced labor, forced relocations and the loss of their family members to political violence. This, despite the fact that the Burma is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discriminations Against Women (CEDAW); legally obligating the military to respect women's rights.

The United Nations must wake-up and take action to end the crimes committed against women in Burma. That is why the Women's League of Burma and the Nobel Women's Initiative have teamed up for a tribunal that will make the voices of survivors loud and clear during the UN's Commission on the Status of Women.

Nobel Prize Laureates Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Jody Williams, and Adolfo Prez Esquivel will preside as judges to hear the testimonies of the survivors. More information below.

Hope you can join us,

Mike


INTERNATIONAL TRIBUNAL ON CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN OF BURMA


The Tribunal is a women‐directed and women‐centered justice and advocacy initiative. Judges will hear testimony from several women of Burma who will share their personal stories of surviving human rights violations and crimes under military rule in Burma. Their voices, and the findings and recommendations of the judges, will be directed to the Burmese regime and the internal community. The Tribunal will provide a powerful spotlight on the oppression of women of Burma in order to support the development of a just and peaceful Burma.


Adjudicated by

Dr. Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize (2003), Iran

Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize (1997), USA

Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, Nobel Peace Prize (1980), Argentina

Prof. Vitit Muntarbhorn, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Dr. Heisoo Shin, Former Expert, UN CEDAW, Republic of Korea


March 2, 2010
9 am ‐ 6 pm
Proshansky Auditorium
The Graduate Center
City University of New York
365 Fifth Avenue (at 34th Street)
New York City

To RSVP and for information:
+1 613 569 8400 ext. 116
tribunal@nobelwomensinitiative.org

Moderator
Charlotte Bunch, Founding Director and Senior Scholar Center for Women's Global Leadership

Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma:

Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma.

Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

Obama pide la liberacion de Aung San Suu Kui

El Presidente de los Estados Unidos, Barack Obama, ha pedido al Pirmer Ministro birmano, el General Thein Sein, que libere a la líder pro-democrática Aung San Suu Kyi.

Obama ha enviado este mensaje durante una reunión de los líderes de la ASEAN en Singapur. Según la secretaria de prensa de la Casa Blanca, el Presidente Obama dirigió el tema "directamente" a Thein Sein.

El presidente estadounidense, Barack Obama, pidió este domingo “directamente” al primer ministro birmano, Thein Sein, la liberación inmediata de la activista pro democrática y Nobel de la Paz, Aung San Suu Kyi, en un encuentro sin precedentes en más de 40 años entre ambos países a tan alto nivel.

Obama realizó esta petición en el marco de la cumbre de la Asociación de Naciones del Sudeste Asiático (ASEAN) que se está celebrando en Singapur. La Casa Blanca confirmó al diario británico ‘The Guardian’ que “el presidente abordó directamente con el Gobierno birmano” la situación de la activista, el símbolo más importante de la oposición a la Junta Militar que gobierna el país desde hace 1962.

Se espera que esta petición no quede reflejada, sin embargo, en la declaración final que será emitida este domingo por los líderes surasiáticos y que se limitará a animar a la Junta a que desarrolle su pretendido programa de reformas democráticas y a que incentive el progreso de los Derechos Humanos en el país asiático.

En el texto final, los líderes de la ASEAN “destacan la importancia que supondría alcanzar la reconciliación nacional en el país asiático” y piden a la Junta Militar que “las elecciones generales que se celebrarán en 2010 sean realizadas de modo libre, justo, inclusivo y transparente”, según el borrador casi definitivo.

Obama ha sido el primer presidente estadounidense en dirigirse a un líder birmano desde Lyndon Johnson en 1966. Del mismo modo, Obama es el primer presidente estadounidense que se ha reunido jamás con los líderes de la ASEAN desde la creación de la misma hace más de cuatro décadas.

Aung San Suu Kyi lleva 14 de los últimos 20 años detenida por la Junta Militar Birmana. Su partido, la Liga Nacional para la Democracia, obtuvo una victoria aplastante en las elecciones celebradas en 1990. Tal resultado llevó a la Junta a cancelar las elecciones y a detener a la activista, que ahora se enfrenta a una condena adicional de 18 meses que la impediría presentarse a los comicios del año próximo.

Obama ofreció el sábado a la Junta Militar que gobierna Birmania la posibilidad de estrechar sus lazos con Washington si a cambio da muestra de una voluntad real para abordar una reforma democrática en el país que incluya la liberación de sus presos políticos.

El presidente estadounidense reconoció igualmente “conversaciones directas” entre su administración y la cúpula militar, a la que se ha dejado claro que “las sanciones existentes que pesan sobre Birmania seguirán en vigor hasta que no se vean pasos concretos hacia una reforma democrática”.

“Apoyaremos una Birmania unificada, pacífica, próspera y democrática. Y si Birmania se mueve en esa dirección, es posible que mejoren la relación con Estados Unidos”, añadió el presidente Obama.

no olvidar a Birmania

Urgent action for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma

For many years the United Nations has ignored widespread and systematic crimes committed by Burma’s military junta, including the destruction of more than 3,300 villages in eastern Burma, widespread use of rape as a weapon of war against ethnic minorities, the forced displacement of over 1 million refugees and internally displaced people, tens of thousands of child soldiers, and millions used as slave labour.

Despite these appalling crimes, no government is speaking out on this issue. The British Government should urge the United Nations to establish a Commission of Inquiry, which would investigate these crimes and could lead to prosecutions. So far the British Government has remained silent.

Please write to your MP and ask them to support the call for the United Nations to investigate crimes against humanity in Burma.

Take action here:
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/index.php/campaigns/crimes-against-humanity/13/132

Or you can post a letter to your MP. Below are suggested points for you to include in your letter:

* State your concern about crimes against humanity in Burma. There is well documented evidence including from UN General Assembly and Commission on Human Rights resolutions over many years of widespread torture, forced displacement, sexual violence, extra-judicial killings and forced labour and that civilians are deliberately targeted.

* For many years, the United Nations has ignored widespread and systematic human rights violations and war crimes committed by the military regime.

* Ask your MP to sign Early Day Motion 238, which calls upon the British Government to urge the United Nations to establish a Commission of Inquiry into these crimes and to support the International Labour Organization referring the dictatorship’s use of forced labour to the International Court of Justice.

You can send your letter to your MP at:
House of Commons
London, SW1A 0AA

Campaign Update

Our campaign for a global arms embargo is working!

Thanks to your emails, momentum for a global arms embargo against Burma is growing as Timor-Leste becomes the 32nd country, and the first Asian country, to back an arms embargo.

Switzerland also announced its support for a global arms embargo against Burma in October and in August, Australia announced its support for a global arms embargo for the first time.

We need to build a global consensus on a UN arms embargo against Burma, in order to help overcome expected opposition at the Security Council by Russia and China. We are targeting 10 countries at time, asking them to support a global arms embargo. Please take action here:
www.burmacampaign.org.uk/arms-embargo

Aung San Suu Kyi update

In recent weeks, Aung San Suu Kyi has managed to use sanctions as leverage to persuade the Generals to resume dialogue. She met the regime’s Liaison Minister twice in October and she also met the UK Ambassador and the deputy heads of the Australian and US missions in Burma. However, so far it has only been low level officials talking about talks.
Meanwhile, the number of political prisoners is rising. There are currently more than 2,100 political prisoners and at least 128 political prisoners are in poor health due to the harsh prison conditions, transfers to remote prisons where there are no doctors, and the denial of proper medical care. The dictatorship has also increased arrests and harassment of democracy activists, and is escalating attacks against ethnic civilians.

Want monthly news updates on Burma?

Sign up to our free monthly newsletter Last Month in Burma. To subscribe, simply send a blank email to lastmonth-subscribe@lists.burmacampaign.org.uk

Previous editions are available here:
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/lastmonth

Many thanks for your support.

Anna Roberts
The Burma Campaign UK

Support our work: Donate to the Burma Campaign UK and make a difference today. You can be sure your donation will make a difference. Supporting the Burma Campaign UK is one of the most effective ways of supporting the struggle to free Burma.
Donate now: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/donate

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