NASUWT Virtual Exhibition

About Burma

After six decades of military rule and five years when the pro-democracy party the National League for Democracy shared power with the military, the Burmese military launched another coup in February 2021, planning to retake direct control of the country.

Thanks to the resistance of the people of Burma, using a combination of armed struggle, strikes, peaceful protest, and economic boycotts, that plan failed. For the first time since seizing power in 1962, the military are in a fight for their survival, losing control of more territory every day. 

In response the military have been waging a brutal war against the people, killing thousands, bombing homes schools and hospitals, and forcing over 2.5 million people to flee their homes. 20,000 political prisoners are in jail. 

In areas freed from military control, new administrations are being established to provide services to local people. The Burmese military continues to receive significant revenue, arms and equipment from overseas, helping to prolong its survival.

Burma Campaign UK

Burma Campaign UK is part of a global movement campaigning for human rights, democracy and development in Burma. They play a crucial role in coordinating the international campaign for human rights, mobilising action to cut money and arms going to the military and helping to secure sanctions on military companies. 

Take action

You can find all the latest actions from Burma Campaign UK here.

The right to education in Burma

After the coup, tens of thousands of teachers joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) to resist military dictatorship. Many students and teachers have been on strike and boycotting the public education system run by the military government.

In response, the military run education ministry fired over 120,000 of the country’s teachers in May 2021. More than 270 education department employees in the CDM have been charged or sentenced under section 505A for incitement.

In areas freed from military control, new administrations are being established to provide services, including health and education, to local people. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have very little access to education. There are tens of thousands of Rohingya children in refugee camps in Bangladesh, where schools have been closed by the authorities.

Free Burma’s imprisoned teachers

There are thousands of political prisoners in jail in Burma. The military continues to arrest and imprison activists, teachers, journalists, lawyers, community leaders and civilians; anyone who stands up against the military coup.

Many political prisoners are young people who courageously stood up against the military coup and have not been able to see their family members since their arrest.

Letters are the only way for political prisoners to stay connected with the outside world, and letters from the outside world greatly encourage those living in harsh prison conditions. Former political prisoners always mention how encouraged they were to know that they had not been forgotten by the world when they received letters from different countries.

We know that letters can get through to political prisoners, and that it makes a real difference to them when they receive a letter. It lets them know that they haven’t been forgotten, that people are working for their release, and that there is hope.

Please write to Burma’s political prisoners, especially fellow teachers, telling them their struggle has not been forgotten. You can send a letter, poem, prayer, or postcard.

Soe Thura Kyaw

Letter writing tips:

• Letters can be as long or as short as you like. Even a half page letter or short note is better than no letter at all!
• Tell them a little bit about yourself, your family, what you do.
• Say something about why you care and are taking the time to write this letter.
• Be encouraging, let them know that you and others will never give up campaigning for their release.
• If you have written to political prisoners before and they have been released, write about it. It will give them hope.
• Include an email address if you have one. When they are released they may be able to contact you.

Trade Union Affiliation

For more information, contact Amy Rosenberg on info@burmacampaign.org.uk