ND-Burma, February 11, 2014

ND-Burma has published its second periodic report covering the second period of 2013 and focuses on 106 documented cases of human rights violations in Burma from July to December 2013. There are many serious human rights violations addressed and highlighted in this report; torture, extra-judicial killing, illegal arrests and detentions, arbitrary taxation, property crime, forced labor, trafficking, forced displacement and rape.

This report highlights the cases of human right violations that are still taking place in Burma over the last six months, between July and December 2013. It appears on the surface that U Thein Sein’s government is making great strides towards realizing peace in Burma but in reality the situation for the people that live in Burma, especially in ethnic areas, is not improving for the better. It seems that reconciliatory moves made by the government are often counteracted by gross acts of repression violating basic human rights.

Lway Poe Ngel, advocacy team member, states “by looking at the data we have received from our membership organizations, the military government is actively targeting civilians in ethnic areas as part of its counter-insurgency tactic. Political prisoners are still detained in different prisons in the country, and land properties violations and human rights violations, including sexual violence, extrajudicial killings, and conscription are also continuing.”

Salai Bawi Pi, Management Board member states “these violations delay the current peace building process between armed groups and the government, and makes it difficult for the groups to build trust with one another.”

The people of Burma want to trust and believe in what the Government is offering but the evidence shows that their promises are at times empty. This is why ND-Burma seeks to promote national reconciliation, in order to help the victims of harassment and abuse, by documenting and reporting the continuous and serious violations of human rights in Burma. By uncovering the truth and seeking justice, trust between the government and the people of Burma can begin to grow.

ND-Burma was formed in 2004 in order to provide a way for Burma human rights organizations to collaborate on the human rights documentation process. The 10 ND-Burma member organizations seek to collectively use the truth of what communities in Burma have endured to challenge the Burmese regime’s power through present-day advocacy as well as prepare for justice and accountability measures in a potential future transition.

For more information, please contact:

In Thailand, Lway Poe Ngel, Advocacy Team

Phone: +66 (0)863952087

In Myanmar/Burma,

SalaiBawi Pi, Management Board Member

Phone: +95 (0)925-000-8451

Download full report (PDF) in English | in Burmese

 

You may also like: