CALD Resolution No. 5 S. 2011

CALD Resolution No. 5 S. 2011

CALD resolution recognizing the positive signs of change in Burma; acknowledging that despite these encouraging signs, the government has to do more in terms of demonstrating its seriousness to institutionalize and strengthen democracy in the country; and calling for continuing vigilant activism of the international community and the Burmese people to ensure that these changes would be sustained and possible military backlash would be averted, promoting swift progress towards the goal of a truly democratic Burma which upholds human rights and the rule of law.

Aware that the military-backed, civilian-led government of Burma has recently instituted a number of reforms which may be interpreted as positive signs of change;

Noting that Burma’s government freed around 200 of the estimated 2000 political detainees on 12 October 2011;

Knowing that the country also passed a law permitting workers to establish and join trade unions;

Cognizant of the continuing political dialogues between the government and members of the political opposition, most notably the meeting between President Thein Sein and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi;

Acknowledging that the government manifested receptiveness to public opinion by cancelling the construction of Myitsone dam across River Irrawaddy, a project widely criticized by Burmese civil society because of its negative impact to environment and livelihood;

Concerned that while these developments must be welcomed, the current situation in Burma leaves much to be desired as human rights violations are still rampant; practices such as forced labor, use of child soldiers, inhumane treatment of prisoners, sale of illegal drugs, money laundering, among others, are continuing and even intensifying; the genuine opposition led by NLD as well as minority ethnic groups are still politically excluded; and the undemocratic 2008 Constitution is still in force;

Hoping that Burma’s government would do more in terms of demonstrating its commitment to change by releasing without conditions all remaining political prisoners, negotiating peace and fostering genuine reconciliatory dialogue with the political

opposition and all ethnic groups, and abolishing laws which are inimical to democracy and universal human rights;

Aware that while the recent changes may be limited, they are definitely steps in the right direction which, hopefully, would lead to further liberalization and democratization in the future;

Calling for continuing vigilant activism of the international community and the Burmese people to ensure that these changes would be sustained and possible military backlash would be averted, promoting swift progress towards the goal of a truly democratic Burma which upholds human rights and the rule of law.

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats hereby recognizes the positive signs of change in Burma; acknowledges that despite these encouraging signs, the government has to do more in terms of demonstrating its seriousness to institutionalize and strengthen democracy in the country; and calls for continuing vigilant activism of the international community and the Burmese people to ensure that these changes would be sustained and possible military backlash would be averted, promoting swift progress towards the goal of a truly democratic Burma which upholds human rights and the rule of law.

Rajiva Wijesinha, MP, D

Chairperson
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

12 October, 2011 Manila, Philippines

J.R. Nereus Acosta, PhD

Secretary General
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats