INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS: Birth Pains of a New Burma

Last week, the Bush administration urged China to curb severe violence in Burma (also known as Myanmar), the largest geographical country in Southeast Asia, which is currently transitioning into a new government. Earlier this year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened during its annual summit. ASEAN foreign ministers insisted that Burma speed up its transition to democracy and national reconciliation. Yet since then, the country’s progress has been hampered by human rights abuses, especially anti-government protests since August. According to the Washington Post, just last week the U.S. Treasury Dept. incurred financial sanctions on 14 Burmese officials accused of human rights abuses.

The Bush administration has continued to call upon countries with influence near Burma to support the Burmese people’s goals for democracy.

A critical problem is that authorities in Burma have increasingly cut communication to the outside world by shutting down the Internet and other methods of contact. As a result, U.S. officials have limited information about human rights abuses in Burma, such as the exact death toll. Although the U.S. has a mission in Burma, it has recently been difficult for diplomats to testify about events.

Lack of communication is hampering the world from learning about Burma. Even the technologically advanced U.S., does not know how serious human rights abuses are in Burma.

Hopefully the ASEAN nations will team up and help Burma get out of the mess it is currently in.

Lack of media, internet and phone communication also makes us realize how often we take communication for granted. The world relies on communication vehicles such as the internet, TV, phone and other forms of media to share information globally. National governments especially need the communication tools to negotiate and work with one another to foster peace and understanding.

Even if ASEAN does not come to Burma’s rescue soon, one would like to anticipate that the Burmese authorities will shortly reopen to the doors to communication.

-Denise

Have something to say about Burma? Post your comment!