There have been many changes in Burma over the past year and I think there is much confusion for the general public as to what is really going on (oh, the media…). Here is a summary of the situation as we see it now in Burma from our founder at FBR.
Good news:
1) Aung San Suu Kyi holds a position in parliament and she, along with others, has received honors on behalf of the international community for their dedication to freedom for the people of Burma.
2) Many political prisoners have been released.
3) Censorship and travel restrictions have been eased.
4) Ceasefire negotiations are ongoing with many of the ethnic groups and there is an overall reduction in fighting.
5) Burma Army leaders have signed an agreement to end forced labor and there has been a reduction in some areas.
6) The FBR had the opportunity to meet leaders of the new government and this is a positive step.
At the same time there is ongoing oppression:
1) Burma Army attacks against the Kachin continue with over 100,000 Kachin people displaced by over 100 Burma Army battalions in northern Burma.
2) In the Shan State, fighting and displacement continue and in the southern Shan State there have been over 30 clashes between the Burma Army and Shan resistance this year. FBR medics have given medical treatment to many of those wounded in these attacks by the Burma Army.
3) In the Karen State the Burma Army has used the ceasefires to supply their camps beyond the normal supply rate and continue to use forced labor. They have also built new camps in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Border Guard Forces under the authority of the Burma Army have continued attacks in Karen State.
4) As of this report many political prisoners remain under arrest. Censorship laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act remain in effect as does the threat of arbitrary arrest.
5) In Arakan State, over 100,000 people have been displaced by inter-ethnic violence between the Rohingya and Arakan. This has been partially fueled by repressive Burma government policies.
6) Humanitarian access is still blocked in many areas of Burma.
In our view, we see two things happening at once, positive change and ongoing oppression. The FBR will continue giving help, hope and love to those under attack, to get the news out and to stand with the oppressed. We pray for changes and will continue to develop the beginning of a relationship we have with some in the new government, as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and others, for the purpose of reconciliation, justice and freedom for all.
