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OPEN LETTER TO DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI

OPEN LETTER TO DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI

26^th September 2012

In response to your recent public comments in the United States regarding the conflict and human rights violations in Kachin State, Kachin communities world-wide would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit internally displaced people (IDP) forced to live in makeshift camps in Mai Ja Yang, Kachin State.

The government of Burma, which you are now an elected member of, broke the 17 year-long ceasefire in June 2011 to annex Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) controlled areas. From this time, the Burmese army has not only launched full-scale war against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) but also committed genocide and other heinous human rights violations deliberately attacking innocent civilians. The direct military actions by the Burmese army in a clear violation of Geneva Conventions have resulted in the forced displacement of 100,000 Kachin civilians to date.

Human rights abuses committed by the Burmese army against our people include rape and gang-rape against women and even children, the elderly and disabled; killing many victims of sexual violence; arbitrary executions; torture; mutilations; beatings; forced labour; mortar bombing and burning of villages; looting of villages and other thefts; and use of child soldiers many of which constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. Given the climate of violence, fear and suffering our people are enduring everyday, it is disheartening not to hear you speaking out against injustice for those who have been forcibly silent, instead you declared you have a soft spot for Tatmadaw that your father founded, the very institution that is responsible for such miseries.

As you and your fellow parliamentary members are well aware, the government of Burma is not providing emergency relief and is refusing to allow the free delivery of humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of internally displaced people in direct and open violation of international law. In your position as Chair of the Lower House of Parliament’s Rule of Law Committee you have the power to initiate and the responsibility to minimize the immense suffering of Kachin IDPs that includes women and young children who are suffering from malnutrition and other illnesses without sufficient medical or education facilities.

We Kachin had looked to you to speak out about the abuses being committed against our people at least based on humanitarian grounds as you were once silenced by the same regime and were eventually triumphant by unwavering voices of freedom. If you were to speak out, the international community would listen, all the people of Burma regardless of ethnicity or religion will stand up for the wholesale principles of democracy and human rights. As a renowned champion for human rights, by not condemning the abuses in Kachin State you are not only condoning the state-sanctioned violence, but you exemplified to the masses in the country that the notion of conditional human rights is tolerated.

We are concerned by your comments at the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom, June 2012, when you stated that there was a need to establish the facts of the root cause of the Kachin conflict. Further, in your meeting with the Burmese Community in the USA on 22nd September, you stated: “Basically, what is it that I have to strongly condemn? If it is a human rights violation as well as any acts of breaching the rule of law then I will strongly condemn.” You are yet to take a stance on the human rights abuses taking place in Kachin State, your statement, combined with the comments you made at the LSE gives the impression to the people of Burma and international community that you do not believe human rights abuses are taking place.

Many international human rights organisations including Human Rights Watch, and international media including the BBC have reported and verified that heinous abuses are committed against the Kachin population by the Burmese army. In March 2012 the United Nations Special Rapporteur stated he had reports of:

“…attacks against civilian populations, extrajudicial killings, internal displacement, the use of human shields and forced labour, and the confiscation and destruction of property. He has also received reports of gang rapes by army soldiers, although the numbers provided by different sources vary. In the report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence, it was noted that as many as 32 women and girls throughout Kachin State were allegedly raped by the military between June and August 2011.”

Given the seriousness of the situation outlined above we invite you to visit Mai Ja Yang, where the majority of the IDPs are taking refuge and protection by the KIO. You will be able to hear directly from the victims about the human rights abuses that have been committed against them. You will see for yourself the suffering caused by the Burmese government’s refusal to allow humanitarian aid into these areas. As you often refer to your father General Aung San in your political speeches, we do hope that you uphold his promise for the Union of Burma where all ethnic people including Burman will be equal. As an elected MP and daughter of General Aung San, talk of “unity” while staying silent on the suffering of the ethnic masses will only polarize the country further.

All of those who believe in the cause of human rights and democracy in our country must work together. We must all make efforts to restore trust, and therefore in the spirit of Panglong we extend this invitation to you. You are now able to travel all over the world and speak openly to large audiences. We request that you also travel to Mai Ja Yang in Kachin State, and witness first-hand what is taking place in Kachin State to advocate for the ordinary citizens who are suffering at the hands of their own government. We have trust in you that you will recognize the urgency and importance of this request and not refuse the invitation.

The undersigned Kachin organizations

1.    All Kachin Students and Youth Union (AKSYU)

2.    Kachin Canadian Association

3.    Kachin Women's Association Thailand (KWAT)

4.    Kachin National Organization (KNO)

5.    Kachin Association of Australia (KAA)

6.    Kachin Centre-Thailand

7.    Kachin Refugee Committee- Malaysia (KRC)

8.    Kachin National Organization (KNO-Japan)

9.    Kachin National Organization (KNO-Denmark)

10. Kachin Christian Fellowship (KCF-Denmark)

11. Kachin National Organization (KNO-USA)

12. Kachin National Organization (KNO-United Kingdom)

13. Kachin National Organization (KNO-India)

14. Kachin National Organization (KNO-Malaysia)

15. Kachin National Organization (KNO-Australia)

16. Kachin Community in United Kingdom

17. Kachin Community in Sweden (KCS)

18. Kachin Community in Netherlands (KCNL)

19. Kachin Association Norway  

20. Kachin Alliance (USA)

21. Pan Kachin Development Society (PKDS)

22. Queensland Kachin Community

23. Singapore Kachin Community

For more information, please contact:

·         Gumsan (USA), 001 ( )443 415 8683

·         Dr. Nawmai Maran (USA), 001 ( ) 402 990 2553

·         Naw San (Thailand), +66 (0) 848119594

·         Moon Nay Li (Thailand), +66 (0) 856251912

·         Hkahpa Tu Sadan (UK), Mobile: +44 (0) 7538 258961

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Union peace making news

1. Minister Without Borders: Costs for peace paid from own pocket 21 September 2012
2. Alternative peace roadmap 20 September 2012
3. Kachin group boycotts Suu Kyi award ceremony 19 September 2012
4. UNFC holds conference on ethnic peace process 19 September 2012
5. Shan troops released by Wa 19 September 2012
6. What the ethnic conference wanted 18 September 2012
7. Ethnic Nationalities Develop Their Own Peace Plan 18 September 2012
8. Correction of misunderstanding saves the day for ethnic conference 17 September 2012
9. Security Tightened in Pruso since the Establishment of a Military Training Ground 15 September 2011
10. Burma, Thailand discuss repatriation of refugees 14 September 2012
11. Elected Shan leader begins US trip today 14 September 2012
12. Mon Democracy Party to open branch office in Rangoon 14 September 2012
13. UN envoy Nambiar discusses Rakhine State aid with Thein Sein 14 September 2012
14. US officials tour Rohingya camps in Bangladesh 14 September 2012
15. China, Burma to cooperate on large projects, border issues 14 September 2012
16. Burma, Thailand discuss repatriation of refugees 14 September 2012
17. Karen community groups critical to refugee repatriation September 14 , 2012
18. Ethnic Council calls for Burma Army to stop attacks on Kachin September 14 , 2012
19. Hpakant's jade war heats up in western Kachin state 14 September 2012
20. From Russia with love – missiles 13 September 2012
21. Thailand: Refugee policies inadequate, says HRW 13 September 2012
22. Dalai Lama speaks out on Burma 13 September 2012
23. KIO deputy commander calls for second Panglong conference 13 September 2012
24. Karen group issues position paper 12 September 2012
25. Burmese ethnic affairs conference to be held in Thailand 12 September 2012
26. China understands Burma’s reform process: Chinese ambassador 12 September 2012
27. Cease-fire ‘only with Naypyitaw’ not with Burmese army: SSA 12 September 2012
28. 88-Generation students, KNPP to cooperate in creating Union gov’t 12 September 2012
29. To home, defense, ceasefire groups are still “unlawful organizations” 12 September 2012
30. KIA strike kills 26 government troops on Bhamo to Loije route 12 September 2012
31. Investigation commission meets only government puppet delegation in Maungdaw September 12, 2012
32. Ceasefire only “with government, not with army” 11 September 2012
33. Burma’s president calls for clean, more efficient government 11 September 2012
34. FBR: Despite ‘peacetalks’ armed conflict, forced labour continue in Karen State September 11, 2012
35. UKL, oldest Karen political party, to be reformed 10 September 2012
36. Shwe Mann, Suu Kyi speak on the rule of law 10 September 2012
37. ABSDF makes formal apology for killings 10 September 2012
38. President Thein Sein’s remarks to the Karen National Union 10 September 2012
39. Reshuffles in the military, war goes on 10 September 2012
40. Battle looms over Burma’s Foreign Investment Law 07 September 2012
41. Burmese police search for mine demonstration leaders 07 September 2012
42. 140 Burma army troops killed in Hpakant blast on August 29 06 September 2012
43. Shan army releases Burmese officer 06 September 2012 S.
44. Parliament approves ministry realignments 05 September 2012
45. Kachin residents fear imminent war 04 September 2012
46. CNF sets up 23-member peace talk committee 03 September 2012
47. Wa commander removed to minor position 31 August 2012
48. Burmese Army and KIA clash at Myauk Hpyu in Hpakant 30 August 2012
49. Shan CBOs reject Naypyitaw’s peace conditions 30 August 2012
50. Fighting displaces villagers in Kachin State 29 August 2012
51. KNU wants relocation of Burma Army high on peace-talk agenda 29 August 2012
52. One-third of Karen experience human rights violations: report 29 August 2012
53. Wa revamping road system 29 August 2012
54. 22 MPs Delegates Study Thai Parliamentary System and Public Administration 28 August 2012
55. United Wa State Army (UWSA) payroll still going Communist way 27 August 2012
56. Shan survey finds people want peace process to go on 24 August 2012
57. 500 civilians flee Kachin state's Hpakant area as Burma army moves in 21 August 2012
58. Visa says international ATM service in Burma months away 20 August 2012
59. An Armed Group from Bangladesh Opens Fire in Arakanese Village 20 August 2012
60. KNU to open the fourth liaison office in Myawaddy 17 August 2012
61. Kachin MP calls for repeal of act targeting the KIO 17 August 2012
62. 87 people dead, over 5,300 houses destroyed in Rakhine State: gov’t 17 August 2012
63. Burma’s vice president calls peace deals fragile 14 August 2012
64. Burma Army’s ‘shoot on sight’ order still in use Friday, 10 August 2012
65. Peace process one step closer one year after 09 August 2012
66. Fighting claims four dead during Karen peace talks 08 August 2012
67. Burma Army launches operation against SSA in Shan State South 07 August 2012
68. Norwegian NGO and Burma’s immigration ministry pilot citizen ID program in Karen State 07 August 2012
69. KNLA and government’s militia fight – four soldiers killed 07 August 2012
70. KNU and government to negotiate withdrawal of Burma Army from Karen State 06 August 2012
71. KIO and govt peace team still negotiating a meeting place 06 August 2012
72. NMSP and KNPP signed Deep of Commitment for Protection of Children in Conflict 06 August 2012
73. Armed security forces encounter problems with Muslims in two places in Sittwe 04 August 2012
74. Burma Army launches operation against SSA in Shan State South 04 August 2012
76. Shan Peace Allusive Despite Ceasefire 31 July 2012
77. Shan army returns to the training ground 30 July 2012
78. KPP want reforms to focus on cooperation not ethnic differences 30 July 2012
79. ZCD Applied for Official Party Registration 30 July 2012
80. THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE ARMY – EASTERN SHAN STATE (NDAA - ESS) (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.10) July 2012
81. The Situation Regarding the Peace Process in Karenni (Kayah) State (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.9) July 2012
82. Burma’s state-run newspaper propagates homecoming of the exiles 29 July 2012
83. Reflections on Kachin History (Interview) 28 July 2012
84. ALP to Open Liaison Office in Kyauktaw 28 July 2012
85. Ethnic peace key to Myanmar reform 28 July 2012
86. Laos to be Venue for Kachin Peace Talks 27 July 2012
87. Serious rights violations continue in Kachin and Shan State 27 July 2012
88. Ex-NDAK Troops Bemoan BGF Role 27 July 2012
89. Pa-oh National Liberation Organization Held People Consultation 27 July 2012
90. Chief Minister must be elected (Interview) 27 July 2012
91. KNPP opens its first liaison office In Loikaw 26 July 2012
92. CNF forms Public Consultation Committee in Matupi 26 July 2012
93. Govt, military taking “dangerous approach” 26 July 2012
94. Karen Community Based Organizations' Position on Peace Funds 25 July 2012
95. ALP Likely to Cancel Plans to Open Liaison Office In Paletwa 25 July 2012
96. Peace guidelines not set in stone: Naypyitaw negotiator 24 July 2012
97. Burmese commander holding people to ransom23 July 2012
98. Mon leaders urge unity at opening for Mon Democracy Party office 23 July 2012
99. 23rd clash after ceasefire pact 20 July 2012
100. Land mine group says Burma, ethnic groups using mines 16 July 2012
101. KNU liaison office link to Burma’s MI scares villagers 13 July 2012
102. ZNC to Register as 'Zomi Congress for Democracy' 10 July 2012
103. Mistrust and a lack of transparency hurting peace process claims ethnic groups 9 July 2012
104. Vital Need for a Peace Monitoring Mission 9 July, 2012
105. Thandaung villagers under fire despite ceasefire 6 July 2012
106. KIO refuses to hold peace talks in gov’t-controlled area 6 July 2012
107. Shan army to Naypyitaw: Stop attack or truce terminates 04 July 2012
108. Army still not on board, fighting goes on 03 July 2012
109. The Peace and Civil Rights Movement in Burma 3 July 2012
110. Second CNF liaison office inaugurated in Than Tlang 02 July 2012
111. KNPP meet CBOs to form ‘peace-talks’ monitoring team 18 June 2012
112. ENDURING PEACE IN SHAN STATE (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.8) June 2012
113. Peace Committee Inclusive of Different Religions Formed in Sittwe 08 June 2012
114. SEEKING PEACE IN ARAKAN STATE (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.7) June 2012
115. New Burma peace negotiating team arrives in KIO 31 May 2012
116. First Burma Army deserters since ceasefire agreement 26 May 2012
117. Peace Process Must Be Irreversible 24 May 2012
118. UN chief calls for end to Kachin conflict 19 May 2012
119. Burma Army still using torture and forced labor says report 18 May 2012
120. Despite bad weather KNU open third liaison office 15 May 2012
121. KNU to open third ceasefire liaison office in Dooplaya District 14 May 2012
122. UNFC gives deadline to halt military offensives 14 May 2012
123. Ethnic groups welcome new gov’t peace team 10 May 2012
124. CNF and government sign fifteen-point agreement 10 May 2012
125. Burma’s president, vice president to lead peace team 09 May 2012
126. Burmese President Will Lead Peace Committee 8 May 2012
127. KNU puts human rights on ‘peace talks’ agenda 8 May 2012
128. CNF peace delegation begins public consultation in Chin state 04 May 2012
129. Thai authorities warn of ‘threats’ from armed group 3 May 2012
130. THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONALITIES FEDERAL COUNCIL IN THE PEACE PROCESS AND THE NEED FOR AN ALL-INCLUSIVE ETHNIC CONSULTATION (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.6) May 2012
131. PDC Monthly News Commentary - April 2012 (Eng)
132. Thein Sein to replace gov’t peacemaking team 30 April 2012
133. Will Suu Kyi's Assimilation Into Burma's Electoral Process Leave Its Ethnic Minorities Behind? 25 April 2012
134. Finland to accelerate Myanmar’s peace process 12 April 2012
135. Dam and Ethnic Disputes Threaten to Undermine Credibility of Burma's President 10 April 2012
136. Myanmar's peace process with ethnic rebel groups 6 Apr 2012
137. BURMA’S BY-ELECTIONS - A CHANCE FOR FUTURE RECONCILIATION? (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.5) April 2012
138. Resolving Ethnic Conflicts in Burma—Ceasefires to Sustainable Peace 12 March 2012
139. PEOPLE’S MILITIA FORCES - TIME TO RE-ASSESS THE STRATEGY? (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.4) March 2012
140. Exclusive:Myanmar peace can be reached within 3 months: minister 15 February, 2012
141. Myanmar: Ceasefire does not mean peace 15 Feb 2012
142. Ending Myanmar's civil war 13 Feb 2012
143. AN UNEASY PEACE (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.3) February 2012
144. CONFLICT IN KACHIN STATE - TIME TO REVISE THE COSTS OF WAR (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.2) February 2012
145. Myanmar army told 'no attacks' in conflict areas 17 Jan 2012
146. BURMA’S ETHNIC CEASEFIRE AGREEMENTS (Burma Centre for Ethnic Studies BRIEFING PAPER NO.1) January 2012
147. Myanmar in peace talks with ethnic groups 5 Dec 2011
148. Win-Win Solution for the government and ethnic armed groups (Editorial) 30 November 2011
149. Past Experiences and New Directions for Peace Dialogue (Editorial) 20 October, 2011
150. DKBA 999 hands over weapons to junta 05 August 2010
151. A Student Shot and Killed by Burmese Troops 25 May 2011
152. Peace-talks in Karenni State to be proposed to USDP 16 May 2011
153. 240 new refugees arrive at Karenni refugee camps 25 March 2011
154. Half of surrendering Shan rebels are actually civilians 23 March 201
155. Ceasefire in a stalemate — NMSP (Interview) 12 March 2010
156. New alliance designing joint Union Army 2 March 2011
157. KA and KNLA joints forces cut Burmese Army’s accomodations 02 February 2011
158. Security concerns rise after Three Pagodas Pass border siege 22 November 2010
159. Village chiefs secure military camp and office 17 November 2010
160. Karen retreat Three Pagodas Pass border town after one night siege 10 November 2010
161. Four Burmese Army battalions despatched to Kayan areas 09 November 2010
162. The National Convention Line-up (a list of the political parties and ethnic ceasefire groups attended Burma’s National Convention starting on 9 January 1993)

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Kachin peace making news

KIO refuses to hold peace talks in gov’t-controlled area 

Burma army shoots Kachin preacher in the knee
Kachin army takes control of key Burma army post on Putao route
70,000 Kachin refugees in desperate need
NDA-K's Ting Ying declares Burma army will wipeout KIA
Burmese Army Threatens to Wipe Out the KIA
China issues warning to citizens
Burmese army reinforces troops in Kachin State
More gov’t troops die in road bombings: KIA
Four officials killed as unrest hits Kachin state
12 Burma soldiers die in KIA attack in southern Kachin state
Photo essay: Myanmar's Kachin rebels
Army prepares for ‘major assault’ on Kachin stronghold
Burmese state media: dozens of rebels dead in Kachin State
Drugs found in abandoned gov’t post: KIA
Storage warehouses needed for Kachin refugee camps
KIA escalates attacks on government
CPI head meets relocated villagers to win their support for Myitsone dam
Burma Army making war on Kachin to protect “foreign” interests
Kachin leader wants Japan to join Myanmar peace process
Four officials killed as unrest hits Kachin state
Massive displacement of local residents towards Tengchong County in China.
The UNFC dialogue with the government would address KIO issue
KIO tightens grip on former NDA-K stronghold Pangwa
To See if the New Burma Can Be Trusted, Ask the Kachin as They Face Ethnic War
Myanmar to beef-up peace effort to end Kachin conflict
Reform process in Burma marred by war in Kachin State
The deceased chairman of the Mon People Front was honored

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