Civilians on the sharp end of Myanmar fighter jet strategy – Mizzima
The junta rely more on the use of jet fighters and helicopter gunships, reports Mizzima, since the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) have gained significant ground. Well over 50 per cent of the country is effectively out of the control of the junta and the military have suffered ground troop losses.
Amnesty International’s research for their report “Deadly cargo: exposing the supply chain that fuels war crimes in Myanmar” was carried out in collaboration with Justice for Myanmar and with the support of other civil society organizations, including Burma Campaign UK, all of whom have been vocal on the need to switch off fuel supplies to the junta.
UK jewellery giant withdraws ‘blood gems’ funding Myanmar junta – the Irrawaddy
One of Britain’s biggest TV shopping channels and online jewellery retailers, TJC, is withdrawing Burmese rubies from sale, reports the Irrawaddy.
TJC’s move came after Burma Campaign UK challenged 40 of the UK’s major jewellery firms to prove the gems they sell are not sourced from Myanmar in ways that help fund the military regime.
TJC deserved praise for taking an ethical stance on the issue, said Burma Campaign UK director Mark Farmaner, adding that he hoped other British jewellery retailers would do likewise.
Mark Farmaner interviewed by VOA Burmese
VOA Burmese interviews Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK, about our new gems campaign.
BCUK has written to 40 of the biggest and highest profile jewellery retailers in the UK asking them to demonstrate that the gems they sell are not sourced from Burma/Myanmar in ways which help fund the Burmese military. One retailer, TJC, has already replied, and BCUK welcomes its decision to withdraw Burmese rubies from sale.
Widespread worry about Myanmar rapper’s fate after arrest – Voice of America
The arrest of Byuhar, a popular rapper in Myanmar who strongly criticized the junta, has caused widespread alarm among his loved ones and fellow artists, reports VOA News.
VOA News quotes Burma Campaign UK: “More than 22,000 people have been detained [since the beginning of the coup], and political prisoners have been subjected to torture and sexual violence after their arrest. For the first time in decades, executions are occurring again. There is no freedom of speech, media outlets are banned or extensively censored, and internet access is restricted or blocked entirely.”
Spring Revolution Daily News – Mizzima
Mizzima’s Spring Revolution Daily News includes Burma Campaign UK’s announcement that 5 UK insurance companies have been blacklisted for their services on the fuel oil import to Myanmar’s military junta.
Mizzima reports on the military junta’s claim that they have started the provision of assistance to storm victims. In reality, local people stated that they have not had enough help. The junta arrested social workers helping the storm victims and hampered the entry of the United Nations and international organisations. They will also open schools as planned in Rakhine State, which was severely hit by Cyclone Mocha.
Five UK insurers slammed for “putting profit before principle” – Insurance Business
Five British insurance companies have been added by Burma Campaign UK to its ‘dirty list’, reports Insurance Business, due to the insurers’ role in aviation fuel deliveries to Burma.
Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK, said: “The Burmese military are using airstrikes indiscriminately against civilians, even against schools and hospitals, and insurance is a vital part of the supply chain delivering aviation fuel to Burma. These insurance clubs have clearly taken a decision not to add delivery of aviation fuel to their cover exclusions, despite knowing this means they may insure aviation fuel that reaches the Burmese military and is used to kill civilians. This is the definition of putting profit before principle.”
BCUK welcomes European Parliament call for Burma aviation fuel sanctions – Mizzima
Burma Campaign UK has welcomed the passing of a European Parliament Resolution, which called on the European Union to impose sanctions on the supply of aviation fuel to the Burmese military. The calls were made in a new Resolution condemning the back-door ban on 40 political parties in Burma.
“The European Parliament has called on the European Union to do more to stop the flow of aviation fuel and revenue to the Burmese military, and the European Union must now listen and act,” said Anna Roberts, Executive Director of Burma Campaign UK. “There is much more the European Union can do to reduce the capacity of the Burmese military to keep bombing and killing the people of Burma.”
Russia uses Myanmar pipeline to transport oil to China – the Irrawaddy
Russia has shipped three million barrels of crude oil, over 100,000 barrels per day, to China via a Myanmar pipeline since February, reports the Irrawaddy.
The pipeline is operated by China National Petroleum Corp, the parent company of PetroChina, with a 50.9 per cent interest in the company. The remaining shares are held by the junta-owned Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
Referring to the evidence of British companies’ involvement in Myanmar’s gas industry, Burma Campaign UK has been calling on the British government to sanction MOGE.
BCUK calls on British firms to stop insuring aviation fuel deliveries – Mizzima
Burma Campaign UK has called on five British insurance companies to stop providing cover for deliveries of aviation fuel to Burma, a call that comes 10 days after the aerial massacre in Sagaing’s Pazigyi village, reports Mizzima.
“Insurers largely operate behind the scenes but play a vital role in the delivery of aviation fuel to Burma,” said Mark Farmaner, BCUK’s Director. “These companies must now publicly commit that they will no longer provide insurance cover for vessels delivering aviation fuel to Burma.”
BCUK demands insurance firms stop covering Myanmar junta fuel supplies – the Irrawaddy
Burma Campaign UK has called on five British insurance companies to stop covering aviation fuel deliveries to Myanmar following the airstrike on Sagaing Region that caused an estimated 168 deaths, reports the Irrawaddy.
“Any company involved in the supply chain delivering aviation fuel to Burma is potentially complicit in airstrikes against civilians and should stop immediately,” said Mark Farmaner, director of Burma Campaign UK. “Without insurance, vessels cannot deliver aviation fuel.”