Time for a Rethink on Policy Towards Burma’s Military

Burma Campaign UK (BCUK) | December 16, 2016

Burma Campaign UK today publishes a new briefing paper, ‘Time for a rethink on policy towards Burma’s military’, calling for a debate on new ways to influence Burma’s military.

The commentary briefing paper argues that the international community has yet to develop a strategy for effectively promoting human rights under the new political structure in Burma, which now has two power bases, the military, and the National League for Democracy led government. Neither of which is respecting human rights.

While Aung San Suu Kyi has been widely criticised over her stance over the latest Rohingya crisis, the military, who are actually committing most human rights violations, have not been subject to the same level of criticism and scrutiny by many observers and commentators. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing enjoyed a red-carpet tour of Europe, including visiting military equipment factories, while his soldiers committed what experts say may be crimes against humanity.

Current international and domestic approaches have failed to persuade the military to stop committing human rights violations and stop blocking further democratic reform. The hardline position of the military also threatens Burma’s peace process.

“With human rights violations by the Burmese military increasing to a level we haven’t seen for around a decade, it’s clear new strategies are needed,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “It’s time for a debate on ways pressure can be applied on the military to stop violating international law.”