UN report exposes continuing human rights abuses

IN 1988, the army brutally suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in Burma and a junta of 19 military officers established the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). It has ruled by decree since.

In 1990, pro-democracy parties won over 80% of the vote during a free election. The biggest party, the National League for Democracy still is headed by Aung San Suu Kyi.

SLORC rejected the vote and continued to rule, renaming itself the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in 1997.

A report compiled by the UN’s special representative to Burma, published last month, said human rights suffered a setback last year, with an attack last May on a convoy carrying Aung San Suu Kyi in which at least four NLD were killed. Amnesty believes the real figure to be closer to 70 and said the attack was instigated by a pro-Government group. Aung San Suu Kyi and eight leading NLD members were detained. All NLD activities were banned. No police investigation has been carried out, despite the demands for such by the UN.

The envoy, Paulo Pinheiro, said all restrictions on freedoms of expression must be lifted and called for the “immediate release of all political prisoners”. He was concerned about “continuing allegations of serious human rights violations”.

Mr Pinheiro noted that last May’s attack led to “unprecedented condemnation” of SPDC and increased international sanctions against the country.

Amnesty estimates there are 1,350 political prisoners in Burma and arbitrary arrests, torture, flawed trials and long sentences continue.