Security Council Burma Statement is Progress, But Not Enough

The Burma Campaign UK today welcomed the first formal statement on Burma by the United Nations Security Council as a significant step, but warned that a binding resolution is likely to be one of the few things that will force the regime into genuine talks about reform.

“The United Nations has taken another step on its painstakingly slow efforts to address the situation in Burma,” said Mark Farmaner, Acting Director of the Burma Campaign UK. “But the regime have been snubbing UN requests for almost 20 years. A binding resolution is needed to push the regime into genuine talks about reform.”

China, Russia and South Africa are understood to have continued their opposition to the Security Council becoming involved in Burma, despite a legal study – A Threat To The Peace - commissioned by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Czech President Vaclav Havel – which demonstrated that Burma does fit the criteria for Security Council action. However, China’s acceptance of the statement demonstrates that they are feeling strong pressure over their defence of Burma’s brutal generals.

The statement has been watered down from the original statement proposed by the UK, USA and France, but still sends a message to the regime in Burma that it must take concrete action including the release of political prisoners, end the use of violence against civilians, and begin genuine dialogue.

“We really appreciate the efforts made by the British, American and French governments to secure this statement, which is a real breakthrough, and call on them to continue lobbying China at the highest level,” said Mark Farmaner. “We would like to see moves to secure a UN arms embargo against Burma. It is extraordinary that no such embargo exists.”

For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4713

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