Security Council Briefing Welcome, But Not Enough

The Burma Campaign UK is pleased that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has had what is only its second discussion on Burma. However, we are disappointed that the Security Council took no concrete action, and failed to give UN Secretary General Kofi Annan the mandate he had asked for to pursue discussions with the regime.

The Burma Campaign UK is very pleased that the United States government will now be pushing the Council to pass a binding resolution on Burma.

“It is a huge step forward that the Security Council is now the place where Burma is discussed, but we need action, not just more discussions,” said Yvette Mahon, Director of the Burma Campaign UK. “The United States government deserve credit for consistently pushing the international community to take stronger action against the regime in Burma. We call on all Security Council members to support a resolution on Burma.”

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 28 resolutions by the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Commission.

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.

For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4713.

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