Burma/Human Rights and Roadmap:

Forum-Asia supports UN Special Repapporteur’s calls for the release of political prisoners

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) supports UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma, Professor Sergio Paolo Pinheiro’s calls for Burma’s ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to offer amnesty to all political prisoners as a pre-requisite for the implementation of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt’s seven-point Roadmap. The exisitance of political prosoners, including those from the National League for Democracy (NLD) and pro-democracy parties of all ethnic nationalities, and the lack of basic freedoms are a major obstacle to a sucessful transition toward democracy and peace.

FORUM-ASIA also agrees with Professor Pinheiro that political prisoners, if released and allowed to resume their activities, would be troubleshooters and agents of democratic transition in Burma. It is, however, disappointing that Thailand, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have so far supported the ruling regime’s plan for political transition in Burma without calling first for basic freedoms and the release of political prisoners.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains effectively under house arrest despite claims from the Burmese authorities to the contrary, has demanded the release of all other political prisoners, and an independent investigation into the brutal attack against her and NLD supporters on 30 May 2003.

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For further information, contact: Forum-Asia spokesperson Sunai Phasuk on +66 (0)1 6323052 or sunai@forumasia.org