BY SEAN HEALY
The federal Coalition government has received seven private tenders to conduct a "human rights" training program for 43 members of the Burmese military regime. Burmese democracy activists have protested that the program will strengthen the military's hold over the country.
The proposal for Australia to train Burmese officials in human rights law was first raised by foreign minister Alexander Downer during a 1998 meeting with his Burmese counterpart, Ohn Gyaw. Australia's human rights and equal opportunities commissioner, Chris Sidoti, repeated the government's offer during an August visit to Burma. He also raised the possibility of Australian help to set up a national human rights commission there.
The May federal budget provided for $500,000 to fund the training program. Downer has confirmed that it will begin within the next 12 months.
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly condemned the offer. Sydney-based Burmese democracy activist Maung Maung Than, who attended a meeting between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Burmese community representatives on June 9, also condemned the plan. "The Burmese regime has a new tactic", Than told Green Left Weekly. "Their practice has not changed but they want to soften their image and launch greater involvement in the international community."
Than believes that Canberra's interest is motivated by gaining access to Burma's rich resources rather than any concern for Burma's 45 million people. "Australia is selling the name of 'human rights' to Burma so that [the military regime] can polish its image and then promote trade with Australia", Than said.
In meetings with Burmese representatives, Sidoti has repeatedly denied knowledge of the training being scheduled to go ahead, saying he learned of its approval only through the media. However, DFAT officials told Than that HREOC is one of the tenderers. "If the human rights commission isn't in charge of human rights training, who is?", Than asked.
Burmese activists will hold a protest march on June 29 beginning at noon at Sydney's Town Hall Square and going to the DFAT office, 100 William Street.