DEMOCRACY AND ETHNIC RECONCILIATION IN BURMA CONFERENCE

November 1- 3 Melbourne, Australia

Representatives of various ethnic groups from Burma based in Australia met in Melbourne on 1-3 November for a conference on “Ethnic Reconciliation and Democracy in Burma”.

The conference was attended by Naga, Chin, Karen, Burman, Mon, Shan, Arakan, and Akah participants from Perth, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

It was hosted by the Australia Karen Youth Project, a Melbourne based NGO which works alongside the Karen community in Melbourne and on the Thai Burma border.

The main conference objectives were to 1) establish and promote communication and reconciliation between the various ethnic groups of Burma, especially in Australia and 2) To equip and empower ethnic groups in order to work collectively towards the construction of a common vision for a democratic Burma.

A community theatre/cultural action method was used. The process is based around theatre games, reflection and analysis, and is advantageous over traditional seminars (where papers are delivered), as it is highly participatory, encouraging dialogue and responses from all participants. It is based on the theories of Paulo Friere who states the importance of the oppressed being Subjects rather than Objects of their own reality and participating in processes that enable their liberation from dominant structures.

The three days were very vibrant and challenging. One participant observed “I have attended many conferences and I am pretty sure that this is the most productive, gain understanding, and respect amongst ourselves and everyone departed as good friends. Based on this experience I have gained from this conference I am sure that if our ethnic people can meet each other without restriction, fear or intimidation the people of Burma will and can achieve reconciliation amongst ourselves. If we can boot out this military regime our brothers and sisters can live peacefully”.

A nationwide network was formed as a result of the conference with the aim to do joint advocacy and awareness raising, cultural events and social activities, co-operation and exchanging ideas on community development programs and ongoing communication and sharing of information.

For more information please contact:

oz_burma_action_group@yahoogroups.com