 Home News General
Mae Tao Clinic Director: Letter of Support to Aung San Suu Kyi
11 June 2009
To friends and supporters of Mae Tao Clinic and to supporters of human rights, democracy and peace throughout the world.
Burmese refugees, Paw Shell Bole and her mother Tha Blay Paw, at the Mae Tao clinic.
|
I am writing to call on the international community and organizations to
stand by the people of Burma, by condemning the recent arrest and trial of
Aung San Suu Kyi, yet another example of the regimes utter disrespect for
human rights and democracy.
The accusations against Aung San Suu Kyi are ugly and damaging not only to
the people of Burma but to the reputation of governance in Asia. At the same
time the reaction of the international community to the regime, is of utmost
importance to the 50 million people of Burma whose lives are constantly in
the throes of uncertainty, trauma and confusion. It is the responsibility of
all individuals, organizations and governments to protect those who are only
abused by their leaders.
The Burmese regime has made some effort to present a positive face to the
international community by establishing elections in 2010. Yet, in preparing
for these sham elections, they have increased their oppression of their
people, and the arrest of Aung San Su Kyi is another example of how they
will stop at nothing to ensure that the elections have only one outcome,
that is the election of the current regime.
We need to join our voices with the brave people who continue to risk their
lives for the sake of freedom, those such as Min Ko Naing and U Win Tin. We
need to demand the release of all political prisoners and for free and fair
participation in developing and holding election processes.
The violence in the border areas of Burma continues, as the regime tries to
coerce the ethnic ceasefire groups into policing the border areas. This is
resulting in instability, and increased fighting causing more people
spilling into neighbouring countries. The continued oppression of the ethnic
groups within Burma guarantees that any election will be unjust and biased
as large sections of society will be unable to participate.
Aung San Suu Kyi has said that it is never too late and therefore it is
never too late for Burma to have a chance for true reconciliation and for
all parties, including the National League For Democracy and the ethnic
groups to join together.
Some of the international community has been calling for engagement with the
regime, but those who choose to engage with the regime must be clear about
who they stand for and engage only in a way that is with and for the people
of Burma. There must be a thorough collaboration with all sectors of society
including those at the grassroots level.
For the sake of the future of Burma and therefore for the sake of the future
of Asia it is imperative that the current oppression of the citizens of
Burma stops. The environmental destruction, deprivation, lack of the most
basic health and education services are a humanitarian crisis. Displacement,
loss of identity and lack of citizenship are creating a crisis for the next
generation of Burmese. The damage to the future is already evident.
I am writing to ask that, we as human rights defenders, show our support and
solidarity with the courageous people of Burma who continue to speak out
against the atrocities and crimes of a government. It is our job to prevent
these and to promote peace, human rights and democracy.
With Thanks and Best Wishes
Dr Cynthia Maung
Director, Mae Tao Clinic
Contact Details
Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA
Ph: (02) 9264 9343
Fax: (02) 9261 1118
office@apheda.org.au
|
