As Ban Ki-Moon meets Burma’s Top Generals, they will be deciding whether or not to keep Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma’s democracy movement, under house arrest.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention is due to expire on 27th May, but as her detention was renewed for one year on 25th May last year it is possible that her current period of detention could end on this date.
The State Protection Law 1975 under which she is held only allows the regime to detain her for a maximum of five years. On 30th May it will be five years since she was arrested following an attempt by the regime to assassinate her using their political militia, the Union Solidarity Development Association (USDA).
The incident has become known as the Depayin Massacre, as at least one hundred of her supporters were beaten to death by pro-regime thugs.
“Ban Ki-Moon must recognise that the humanitarian crisis in Burma is caused by a political problem, the regime,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “First the regime failed to warn the population and failed to prepare, then it deliberately and systematically blocked aid to those in need, effectively condemning thousands to death. The UN cannot pretend that this is a normal country and should be dealt with in a normal way. Ban Ki-Moon must insist on nothing less than complete and free access to deliver aid to those in need.”
It is almost three weeks since the Cyclone struck, and still most of the 2.5 million people in need of help have not received any aid. Diseases are spreading, and we are now entering the timeframe where malaria can be expected to increase dramatically, further increasing the death toll.
“This crisis has highlighted the desperate need for a democratic and accountable government in Burma,” said Mark Farmaner. “Ban Ki-Moon must meet with Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD leaders whilst he is in Burma. The UN failed to take the action that the people of Burma called for to help restore democracy to Burma Now the regime they left in power is killing thousands more through the denial of aid.”
The Burma Campaign UK is calling for unilateral aid deliveries by USA, France and UK, which have navy ships off the coast of Burma carrying aid that could be saving lives today.
For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4710 .