Joint Declaration of the National Coalition Government
of the Union of Burma &

the National Council of the Union of Burma
on International Human Rights Day

10 December 2003

On this auspicious occasion of the International Human Rights Day today, the NCGUB/NCUB (National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma / the National Council of the Union of Burma) reaffirm their belief that all forms of human rights are universal and all human beings, regardless of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, are entitled to enjoy the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Covenants on Civil and Political Rights, and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The NCGUB/NCUB, while proudly recalling the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the democratic government of a newly independent Burma on 10 December 1948, must regretfully draw the attention of the world community to the fact that the very essence of, and the principles embodied, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are persistently being violated by the illegitimate military regime in Burma today.

The regime today is systematically applying intimidation, harassment, arrest, torture at interrogation centers, long prison sentences, harsh treatment in prison, and deprivation of economic and social opportunities in order to eliminate the democracy movement, particularly members of the National League for Democracy and their families.

It is continuing its arbitrary arrests, summary executions, torture, systematic rapes, conscription for forced labor including porterage for the military, massive forced relocations, confiscation of land and property, destruction of crops and food stocks, extortion of money, and burning of villages, and other grave human rights violations especially in non-Burman ethnic areas.

In addition, the ruling generals remain as uncompromising as ever toward political parties and leaders the result of which had led to the suspension of the constitution-drafting National Convention in 1996. The "seven-point roadmap" the generals are proposing once again adds nothing more to that defunct National Convention, and hence, the NCGUB/NCUB affirm their common stance with the people, political parties and institutions, and ethnic forces in Burma in categorically rejecting that "roadmap" and reaffirm that any "roadmap" to restore democracy and national reconciliation in Burma must be formulated to reflect the aspirations of the people and in consultation with the elected leadership who represent the people.

On this international human rights day, the NCGUB/NCUB pledge to continue supporting all political forces, organizations, groups in Burma, particularly MPs, NLD Youth and Women wings, ethnic based political parties, students, monks and workers who are courageously engaging in a relentless struggle and risking their lives and personal well being.

The NCGUB/NCUB also pledge to double their efforts to fully implement resolutions unanimously adopted at the Fort Wayne Conference of Burmese Communities in exile (11-12 October) and to work even more closely with all Burmese communities overseas until Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners are freed, all acts of injustice in Burma are halted, fundamental human rights and political freedoms are restored, and Burma is transformed into a genuine democratic nation.

The NCGUB/NCUB call on the people of Burma around the world to join the democracy movement in any capacity that they can participate and help build Communities of Democracy in their respective countries and use their freedom to secure the rights of the people back home.

The NCGUB/NCUB also call on the international community to promote the efforts to help the Burmese people regain their fundamental rights. In this regard, the NCGUB/NCUB welcome the United States of America for implementing the Burmese Democracy and Freedom Act; thank the European Union for its Common Position on Burma and urge it to add measures of targeted economic sanctions against the Burmese military regime, particularly in banning wood and wood products originating from Burma, and imposition of restrictions on financial transactions; and urge the UN Secretary-General to take the lead in formulating a roadmap for democratic transition in Burma in consultation with international key players taking into account the visions of all parties concerned in Burma and materialize the structured democratic transition in Burma; and strongly request Japan and ASEAN to discuss Burma at the upcoming Japan, ASEAN Economic Summit and to step up regional initiative in cooperation with the United Nations for the success of national reconciliation and democratization process in Burma.