14.01.2007
Although Burma Issue is on UNSC…
_ By Yupar Khin
What would be the development of our lives, if we have no freedom or human rights? There will be no individual growth and dignity which leads to nation as a whole. The more the people are being oppressed, and denied the chance to choose their own government, the more they longed for freedom.
The democracy situation in Burma is rather hard to inform whether it is getting better or worse because it remains difficult to get inside Burma and solve. Anyhow, in general sense, it is known that human rights abuses are still widespread in Burma. The SPDC continuously violates various forms of human rights throughout Burma.
Burmese military regimes still violates a variety of human rights although Burma has been given pressure on human rights abuses by giving lip services from international communities. The rights to freedom of politics, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to social security are still denied throughout the country. The government has not taken responsibilities to solve many internal affairs problem.
Achieving democracy is the most important for Burmese political issue. It is the answer to all questions unsolved. Then, how can we put Burmese political deadlock to the democracy track.
Burmese people are afraid of being accused of anything if they are involved in politics. This is the reason why, the country has been far away from political elections. People do not dare and have a mere chance to express their political choice. Burmese citizens do not have free access to information and ideas. Thus, they are not able to express their views and opinions freely. People always seal their lips due to menacing and unreasonable punishments. It is no wonder that people generally have little idea of supporting political dialogue as a way out of this suppression. Therefore, the military regimes could control their monopoly power for many decades. If Burma wants to achieve democracy, if Burma really aims to come up with international political arena, if Burma wishes to give birth of human rights, it has to stem from one phenomenon. That is express freely. As democracy is the people power, Burmese people should use the power of citizens to topple the military junta.
It is very good that United States tried to put the Burma issue on United Nations Security Council’s formal agenda. Burmese people really need international community to recognize Burma and support pro democracy activities. However, many Asian countries like china, which benefit from the military junta, want to prolong the military dictatorship. United States is the only one which practices sanctions policy to Burma. Many Asian countries have business partnership with the military junta. They said they do not want to abandon the Burmese regimes for the sake of Burmese people. If ASEAN countries really want to support the people, they should stop doing business with the junta. They should practice multi-countries sanctions policy. Because doing business is the main reason for long live military dictatorship.
Japan's UN Ambassador Kenzo Oshima told “The Security Council is a body that is primarily responsible for threats to international peace and security”. And he also said that the situation in Burma is not a threat to international peace and security. Moreover, China which strongly backed Burmese military regime and Russia have veto power to put aside the binding resolution. However, US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton said "The policies the government has been pursuing continue to contribute to instability in the region and, therefore, in our view constitute a threat to international peace and security”. The poverty, the government trafficking in narcotics and illicit drugs, transmission of dangerous and highly contagious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, oppression, lack of human rights are factors which combine to create a population in Burma to struggle just to be alive. These include the continuing flow of internally displaced persons and refugees across Burma's international borders. Now, there are over a million of Burmese citizens in other countries as refugees. Continuously unstable situation in Burma is increasing and this is not only a local peace and security problem but also a treat to neighbor countries. That is the reason why UNSC should call for a binding resolution. Therefore, Burmese people always cry out for the international community to do more to support the democracy movement. Regional organizations like ASEAN should take more active role in solving the problems such as the need for the protection of human rights and pressure the Burmese junta for democratic reform in Burma.
No matter how much Burmese people are isolated from international community, citizens should continue to struggle for democracy by own. If Burma really want to move forwards to the transformation of democracy, it is extremely important to learn that the government should stop denying the truth and start recognizing the fundamental rights of the people of Burma.
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