Report by The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM)
In Pursuit of Justice details the massive abuses of the previous military government to its minority ethnic communities, violations including land confiscation; forced labor and forced portering; physical abuse, torture, and murder; and rape and sexual abuse.
The report addresses victims’ expectations of the government for a future democratic Burma. Of utmost importance to building peace in Burma are three key elements of trust-building, national reconciliation, and transitional justice. The government must implement appropriate mechanisms to fulfill these three objectives in order to create sustainable peace throughout the country. In order for real change to come to Burma, victims must have their voices heard, their pain recognized, and assured protection from any further future abuse.
Nai Aue Mon, HURFOM’s Coordinator of the Human Rights Documentation and Dissemination Program, states that the aim is “To strengthen the voices of Burma’s victims. Talking about transitional justice, at this point in time, may be viewed as an obstacle to the current reform, however, there are tens of thousands victims of past abuse who have been ignored by the government. The government refuses to accept accountability for past human rights violations, and failing to pursue accountability can weaken the rule of law and fuel the government’s culture of impunity. Thus, the government should at least acknowledge the suffering of its people from massive abuses. Through this report, HURFOM would like to suggest practical steps the government and international community can take in order to initiate the process for potential reparation and reconciliation mechanisms in the country. By doing so, we can restore trust and equality amongst the people of Burma and the government, as well as establishing the rule of law for the future Burma.”
More information can be found at www.rehmonnya.org