The Burma Campaign UK today welcomed a resolution passed by the European Parliament calling on the United Nations Security Council to pass a binding resolution on Burma. The move by the European Parliament comes as the United States is circulating a draft resolution on Burma to Security Council members.
Members of the European Parliament called for a Security Council resolution that would require the restoration of democracy and release of Aung San Suu Kyi. The EU Parliament resolution also notes that current EU sanctions have failed to target areas where the regime earns significant revenue.
“We hope this will encourage Security Council members to vote in favour of a resolution,” said Mark Farmaner, Campaigns Manager at the Burma Campaign UK. “The regime in Burma is a threat to international peace and security as well as a threat to its own population. We have had almost 20 years of the UN talking about Burma, now it is time for action.”
The regime in Burma has consistently defied the United Nations, ignoring over a dozen calls for Aung San Suu Kyi’s release by the Secretary General, and 29 resolutions by the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Commission. The regime has also defied repeated calls by the International Labour Organisation to end forced labour. Demands for UN Security Council intervention increased following the arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2003. The campaign was given fresh momentum following publication in September 2005 of a report – A Threat to the Peace – commissioned by former archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Czech President Vaclav Havel from global law firm DLA Piper. The report found that Burma does fit the criteria for UNSC intervention, and called on the UNSC to pass a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy to Burma, and the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. The Security Council held its first discussion on Burma in December 2005. The first formal discussion on Burma was held on 29th September 2006, after the USA asked for Burma to be placed on the formal agenda, and 10 of the 15 members voted in favour.
For more information contact Mark Farmaner, Media Manager, on 020 7324 4713