CRISIS IN BURMA

 

Statement by Asian members of The International Federation of Human Rights and others

 

Siem Reap, September 28 th , 2007

Participating in the 8 th Informal ASEM Seminar on Human Rights in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we vehemently condemn the action of the Burmese rulers in opposing with violence the peaceful protests of monks and civilians in Rangoon and throughout Burma. The sanctions called for by many governments cannot meet with the urgency of the situation. Calls for restraints to the Burmese rulers are unheeded.

We recall to the Burmese military of all ranks that orders to attack and kill unarmed civilians contravene international law and must not be obeyed. Stop the attacks and refuse to be agents of immoral commands.

To the ruling Junta, we assert that the time has come for peaceful negation and a transfer of power to legitimate government.

To the monks and people of Burma , we support your heroic and peaceful actions.

To the leaders of ASEAN, we recommend a firm stand against the murderous Burmese leaders, or relinquish a claim to moral legitimacy to direct the destiny of the peoples of the Asian region .

Mr Danthong BREEN, chairman, Union of Civil Liberty (UCL), Thailand

Mrs Vanida THEPHSOUVANH, president, Lao Movement for Human Rights (MLDH), Laos

Mr Thun SARAY, president, Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), Cambodia

Mr Kassie NEOU, chief executive, Cambodian Institute of Human Rights, Cambodia

Eko MARYADI, journalist, Alliance of Independent Journalists ( AJI), Indonesia

Dr Agnès CALLAMARD, executive director, Article 19, France

Mrs Supinya KLANGNARONG, secretary general, Campaign for Popular Media Reform, Thailand

Tadzrul TAHIR HAMZAH, Southeast Asia programme officer, Forum Asia, Thailand

Arnaud DUBUS, Radio France

Prof. Eamonn CONWAY, head of Department, Centre for Culture, Technology & Values, University of Limerick , Ireland

Mr Steven GAN DIONG KENG, editor-in-chief, Malaysiakini , Malaysia