Background Information: Myanmar (Burma)

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On September 25, 2007, Amnesty International's Secretary General Irene Khan has written to the members of the UN Security Council. In the letter, Amnesty International "requests the Security Council to send a mission to Myanmar to inform itself of the situation on the ground and to engage urgently with the authorities in efforts to avert any risk of a violent crackdown. The Security Council should also consider the possibility of imposing an arms embargo on Myanmar." The letter also states that Amnesty International "stands ready to brief the Council on concrete steps that should be taken to address the dire human rights situation in Myanmar."

Peaceful demonstrations sparked by sharp increase in fuel prices have grown in size and number. Peaceful protests led by Buddhist monks have called for a reduction in commodity prices, the release of political prisoners, and national reconciliation. Sporadic reports indicate mounting tension in the country as authorities allegedly issue public warnings of legal action against protesters. Military postings are said to be increasingly present in Yangon, while troops from the elite division in the capital Naypyitaw have been sent to Yangoon.

Amnesty International has long-standing concerns at the deprivation of basic rights in detention in Myanmar. Laws criminalize peaceful expression of political dissent. People are frequently arrested without warrant and held incommunicado. Torture and other forms of cruel, Inhuman and degrading treatment are common during interrogation and pre-trial detention. Proceedings against political detainees have failed to meet internationals standards of fairness. Defendants are often denied the right to legal counsel or to legal counsel of their own choice. Prosecutors have relied on confessions extracted through torture.

On 14 August, the Myanmar authorities raised petrol prices by two-thirds, doubled diesel prices and raised the cost of compressed natural gas five-fold. The sudden price increases left many unable to afford bus fares to get to work and to purchase essential commodities such as rice. A string of peaceful protest rallies against the price increases ensued in different parts of the country. Some of the protestors have also called for the release of detained political activists and an end to the protracted political deadlock in the country.

Myanmar authorities have accused the 88 Generation Students Group of committing "terrorist and subversive acts" and of violating Law 5/96. Amnesty International is concerned that the vague and sweeping provisions of Law 5/96 criminalize the peaceful expression of political beliefs, and has previously called for its appeal.

Tens of thousands of monks and supporters had earlier marched from Shwedagon pagoda into the commercial centre of Rangoon, where they gathered around Sule pagoda and nearby city hall. Protesters addressed the crowd outside city hall. "National reconciliation is very important for us... The monks are standing up for the people," proclaimed poet Aung Way.

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