Statement on 14th Anniversary of 8888 8888 Pro-Democracy and Human Rights Movement in Burma

Today marks a historically important day in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma. It commemorates the anniversary of the 1988 peoples uprising in Burma where hundreds of thousands of Burmese people from all walks of life participated in a nation-wide strike to bring an end to military rule. It also remembers the many thousands of civilian lives that have been lost in the struggle for Burma's freedom.

The struggle to end military dictatorship in Burma has been long and little progress has been made. However, there have been recent hopeful signs of a move to civilian rule in the release of Nobel Laureate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the granting of relative freedom of movement. These small, but hopeful signs have been brought about by the conviction of Burmese people who still, as we speak, continue to survive rape, imprisonment, torture and displacement at the hands of the army, yet find new ways of resisting an increasingly tyrannical military regime.

The All Burma Students Democratic Organisation (ABSDO) calls for the full restoration of democracy as system of government in Burma, and for social, political and economic conditions conducive to the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms in Burma. A first step must be the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including student leader Min Ko Naing and to immediately cease all practises that restrict freedom of movement, expression and conviction.

ABSDO notes recent news about the ill-health of a number of prominent political prisoners, including Committee Representing the People's Parliament (CRPP) Secretary, U Aye Tha Aung and prominent newspaper editor, U Win Tin.

To establish genuine democracy in Burma requires not a return to the deceitful political methods of the past, but an open, transparent and peaceful dialogue process with all the parties concerned. The military junta must allow the Committee Representing the People's Parliament to convene and embark on the appropriate processes of reform and reconciliation, including the drafting and enacting of a new constitution.

The importance of today's date reminds us of the aspirations and convictions of an entire generation of Burmese young people, and provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm and restate our commitment to the aims of the 8888 movement.

Subsequently, we call for the international community, and the Australian government to maintain pressure on the regime to change. Finally, ABSDO demands an immediate and significant change in Australian foreign policy on Burma that recognises the CRPP and Aung San Suu Kyi as the leader of Burma's pro-democracy movement and threats and ceases all dealings with the regime that serves to legitimatise them.

For enquiries please contact Toe Zaw Latt on 8430 3710.

Central Committee
A.B.S.D.O. Australia
Dated. August 3, 2002.