On the occasion of UN Day on 24 October and the 12th anniversary of Aung San Suu Kyi’s (right) detention, the Burmese people in Norway express their deep concern regarding the current situation in Burma. While many in the world are enjoying fundamental rights, Burmese citizens are being arbitrarily arrested and tortured for attempting to practice freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly. (25-OCT-07)


Gunta Venge / Rafto Human Rights House Bergen, based on the statement issued by the Burma Association in Norway.

Since the brutal crackdown to end peaceful mass demonstrations in Burma began, reports have surfaced that approximately 200 people have died and 4,000 demonstrators have been detained. Despite the UN envoy’s recent visit to Burma, the Junta continues to terrorize the people physically and psychologically through arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and the use of torture, the relocation of detainees to unknown areas and the cremation of monks who led “The Saffron Revolution.”

The regime’s use of violence to silence civilian voices is nothing new. In 1988, the military government shot and killed 3,000 demonstrators who took to the streets. Moreover, since independence in 1948, successive regimes have committed human rights abuses and have engaged in military offensives against ethnic nationalities, producing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

The cost of this prolonged crisis has had far-reaching humanitarian and economic consequences, affecting not only Burma but neighboring countries as well; particularly the People´s Republic of China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These are countries which must now address the health, social, economic, security and humanitarian cost of refugee outflows, increased human trafficking and drugs and the increased spread of disease.

We therefore urge ASEAN, including Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, as well as the People´s Republic of China, India, and the Russian Federation, to play key roles in supporting the Burmese people. Only democratic reforms in Burma will bring long-term humanitarian, social and economic benefits to the region.

As was also stipulated in the 1994 UN resolution, we strongly believe that the long-standing crisis in Burma can only be resolved through a meaningful dialogue with all stake holders, including the opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic nationalities.

On this UN Day, we therefore:
1. Welcome the UNSC’s recent statement, but further call on the UNSC to take concrete action in order to stop the Burmese generals from continuing to arrest demonstrators and monks, and to release all political prisoners.
2. We urge the People´s Republic of China, India and ASEAN to use its influence to pressure the regime to engage in a dialogue with the opposition and ethnic nationalities in order to bring about democratic changes and national reconciliation.
3. We also urge the UN, the People´s Republic of China, India and ASEAN to use their influence to compel the regime to allow the ICRC access to detainees and also allow other humanitarian agencies access to civilians.
4. Finally we urge the people of Norway, religious and world leaders, as well as individuals from all countries, to show solidarity with the people of Burma who are fighting for democracy and justice.


The Burma Association in Norway (Provisional)
Contact Persons – Tun Tun Aung : 90288845 ,Tommy Lay Taw: 46398836
Norwegian Burma Committee Office: 22479237