Call for Burma human rights group

By Nick Everett

BRISBANE -- “Burma -- Democracy Denied” is the title of an exhibition of photos, information and a video currently on display here. A video, The Burma Deception was screened at a public meeting on August 11. A proposal to form a Burma solidarity group was discussed.

In 1988, the State Law and Order Council (SLORC) was established in Burma following a bloody military crackdown on unarmed protesters calling for democratic reforms and an end to military rule. The coup followed a widespread uprising against the former Burmese Socialist Program Party government. This uprising involved a general strike by all labour unions in collaboration with a strong student movement. It also coincided with an offensive by the guerilla armies of a number of ethnic minorities from the north of Burma.

Like its predecessor, SLORC is waging a war against these minorities, which include the Chin, Kachin, Karen, Shan Kayah, Arakanese and Mon peoples. These groups are organised in the Democratic Alliance of Burma. In May 1990, SLORC organised a national election which was won by the largest opposition party, the National League for Democracy, with over 80% of the seats. SLORC refuses to hand over power to the National League for Democracy, and still represents Burma in the United Nations.

Organisers of the public meeting, Guy Fordy and Carol Tingate, proposed the establishment of a Burma solidarity group in Brisbane. Both had been into the north of Burma and are currently touring Australia with the display to raise awareness about the human rights situation in Burma.

The meeting was told how Australia and other ASEAN governments are campaigning to admit SLORC to ASEAN as Burma's representative. SLORC attended the recent ASEAN conference in Bangkok as an observer and ASEAN has adopted a policy of “constructive engagement” with the regime. At the same time foreign investors, such as Pepsi, have been eager to take advantage of SLORC's invitation to invest in Burma. For more information contact Tony O'Connor on 875 7440 (w) or 379 5884 (h).

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