A report prepared and compiled on the basis of information supplied by SSPP/SSA North
and in close consultation with the FSG members.
Hkun Hom is a Shan activist and a voluntary member of the exiled FSG
and in close consultation with the FSG members.
Hkun Hom is a Shan activist and a voluntary member of the exiled FSG
Friday, 26 August 2011
BURMA USED CHEMICAL WAR WEAPONS AGAINST ETHNIC SHAN
A REPORT BY SSPP/SSAN IN COLLABORATION WITH
FEDERAL SHAN GOVERNMENT IN EXILE
20.08.2011
SYNOPSIS: Shan people have a distinctive ethnic identity with historical, legal and constitutional
rights clearly enshrined in the UNION OF BURMA 1948 CONSTITUTION. However, the Burmese
military regime wants to erase it desperately with its feet. This was done by indirectly forcing Shan
people to surrender their rights through a crafty mechanism called “BORDER GUARD FORCE”,
whereby their homeland defence army SSA is to be literally neutralized. Shan people don’t see this
military solution in accord with the “SPIRIT OF THE PANGLONG TREATY” of 1947, a foundation of
all the ethnic constituents of the FEDERAL UNION.
On the 3rd. of June 2011, the regime’s Tatmadaw launched a massive military campaign to unseat
the SSA HQ Wanhai, Northern Shan State. It was unprecedented perhaps in its intensity only equalby the incident of the fall of KNU HQ of the KaRen people 1995. The assault commenced by
pounding the base with at least eighty rounds of heavy artillery fire before advancing with their
troops in close combats. Then there was a long silence only to be interspersed by a coded message
from the Naypyidaw (intercepted by SSA). These six SSA soldiers were unlucky as they knew
before hand what the next terrible thing to expect. Four mortar shells laced with poison gas
exploded above their defence bunkers.
The world should know this is a crime against humanity as it is in contravention with the Geneva
Convention on the prohibition use of CW weapons.
- A statement by the General Secretary GS2 of SSPP/SSA North
- Summary of interviews with the SSA victim soldiers.
- Medical reports on lab tests.
- Results of X-Ray examinations
- CBC (Complete Blood Counts)
- Urine Tests
- Lever Function Tests.
- Burma’s flawed Defence Policy
-Regime’s Union Legislative List
-Disproportional use of force
- Comments by HRH Sao Hsokhanpha Yawnghwe, President, Federal Shan Government in Exile.
- Conclusions.
- Attachments:
-The BGF Jigsaw Puzzle.
-Ethnic Issues Features
2
STATEMENT of Col. Sao Sai Htoo, the General Secretary (2) of SSA/SSPP:
(Monday 01 Aug. 2011.)
News of BURMA ARMY (Tatmadaw) attack on SSA Wan-hai HQ
 |
| Col. Sai Htoo |
The hostilities between the SSA North and the Tatmadaw began when negotiations reached a
deadlock on the issue of transformation of our defense forces into the so-called “Border Guard
Force” under the Tatmadaw command. Politically this means that we have to surrender our arms
with far reaching negative consequences on our constitutional and legal rights that we have been
fighting for more than half a century since the military regime took over. They attacked us first when
their ultimatum collapsed in May.
Burmese Army casualties are put at 400 plus dead and 200 disabled and wounded casualties over a
period of three months since early May 2011. The hospital beds in Laikha, Nam Sang (Burmese Mi29air base) and Loilem are full so they have to take the injured and sick Tatmadaw foot soldiers to
Pangtara Burmese military hospital where it is claimed to have over 1000 beds waiting for them.
Col, Sai Htoo said that contrary to speculation made by local news report, the Wan Hai HQ is far
from being run-over by the Marn. He said: "we will not pull out without giving them a good fight. We
are now turning it into a trap despite a pincer grip by the enemy. The closest enemy approach &
advance to Wan-hai was 7 luk or miles, when the order came from Naypyidaw to fire with gas
filled mortar shells (made by N. Korea), because they couldn't crash through the SSA defenders.
At this particular fire-fight, 20 Tatmadaw soldiers were killed with heavy causalities where the SSA was outnumbered 80:300. The gas shells were fired from 3 luk o0r miles from the SSA hill out-post where 9 SSA men were dug in. The mortar shells landed about 80 yards from the defense out-post but the dark smoke was blown in towards them by the wind, hitting 6 of the 9 in the trench. The shooting was at close range (lasting from 10PM to 4AM) that took place only when SSA soldiers could see
the enemy (by order from Wan-hai HQ to save ammunition. The enemy approached in pairs, 2 at a time and they were all shot down. Then there was a long silence before the gas shells were eventually fired.
This particular SSA platoon were trigger happy to see their targets fall like flies as each enemy pair fell as if hit by haygon spray.
In another Burmese offensive the enemy had to withdraw from their attack against Wan-hai HQ with two truck-loads of their dead and wounded. The next day when they were taking their two dead commanders for a funeral rite at the cemetery with all their 14 guards of honour and senior army officers - all of them were killed- ‘giving them back their brutality’ - Col. Sai Htoo said.
Our men were brave, with their ammunition running down, despite being outnumbered by Burmese soldiers and their superior fire power.
3
SUMMARY OF INTERVIEWS ON SSA VICTIM SOLDIERS
 |
| 2nd.Lt Sai Nu |
I am 2nd.Lt Sai Nu from 199 Company of IB 36. On 3rd.June 2011
there was a heavy fighting between the Tatmadaw and our SSA-Ntroops from about 5AM to 1PM. It took place at 7th Mile of the Nam
Pan village tract between Tangyarn and Mongshu Township. The
Tatmadaw attacked us first and tried to break through our defence
line but was stalled by our fierce resistance. As a result, they then
fired gas mortar shells against our troops. Five of us survived but are
suffering from this poison gas. One of us died immediately after
wandering around and became unconscious. We are now receivinga full medical treatment and hospital care from a hospital in
Thailand.
see them?
A: Yes! Of course Sir. It was black colour for a while and turned light brown or grey later
on.
Q: How many times did they fire at you?
A: The Tatmadaw troops fired at our base four times from a 4th mile position that was
flanking the main artillery force about 7th mile from our position. All mortar shells
exploded from about 80 meters from our bunker but blown in by the head wind.
Q: Were you feeling pain or lost consciousness when the shells exploded?
A: Immediately upon the explosion all of us were breathless from exhaustion.
We also suffered from vomiting including diarrhoea and semi- unconscious.
Q: Were you injured from the shell shrapnel from the explosion? What did you feel with
your parts of the body?
A: No! Only our hands and legs were paralysed and were unable to move anywhere for sometime.
Q: Do you still have the uniform you wore on the day of the incident (03.06.2011)?
A: I could send it to you sir! And I have kept it at the same place, but it was washed already.
Q: what would you like to say more to the public?
A: we want peace. The Tatmadaw invaded us first and then we tried to push them out of our territory.
---------------
4
 |
| Sergeant Major Sai Sar Ning |
I am Sergeant Major Sai Sar Ning from 199 Company of IB 36. We
were protecting our base from the assaults launched by theTatmadaw troops from IB 542, IB 33 and IB 291. First, the attack
was so fierce we had to retreat from our base to reassess our
position. But later on we recaptured our base. When the Tatmadaw
realized that we were regaining our defence line they then
reinforced their troops and continued to attack us with heavy
artillery fire.
Our base was rained down with at least 80 rounds of artilleryshells. We knew that these Tatmadaw troops were preparing to use
chemical gas mortar shells against us as we intercepted their signals from the 4th mile
flanking position. As heavy fighting was going on with a lot of bombing noises from the explosions we were unable to detect precisely which one came from the poison gas mortar shells. But some of our troops who were on security guards around our base said they could clearly see the gas bombs coming in. Everybody said the same in confirming the use of gas shells with different black smoke that later turned into light brown or grey. They used such
weapons against us because they could not break through our base, we assumed. The heavy fighting lasted that day (03.06.2011) from early morning (5 AM) to (1PM) in the afternoon.
Q: What happen to you after the fighting?
A: We were totally exhausted and could not move ourselves anywhere as we like. We could
not stand on our feet as a result of trembling and nervous breakdown. Some of our
comrades had to be moved out from the firing zone on stretchers and some could barely
move themselves to a safer area. Up until now we do not feel our health is back to normal
as was before the incident. We feel pains everywhere in our body with symptoms of
rheumatisms, jaundice and yellow eyes. We are unable to stand on our feet for too long
because of feeling weak and exhaustion.
Q: How is your health now? Is it the same as before the incident?
A: No! We are not feeling well at all. The whole part of our body is very painful.
We must say this fighting was completely different from our past experience.
Q: What do you want to say something more for our Shan people?
A: What we would like to say is that our health is not normal anymore since then. The whole
body is still painful and weak from exhaustion.
------------
5
The victims of CWW
 |
(Left- right) Private Sai Nu Khe, Cpl. Sai Nerng, 2nd Mj. Sai Sar Ning, and 2nd Lt. Sai Nu |
6
Medical reports
1. Sai Nu: The heart is slightly enlarged. Infiltration of lungs. No gross pulmo. Others are normal lim its.
2.Sai Nu Khe: Increased markings clinical results at RLL or faint pulmo. Infiltration of lungs ( by gas). Please correlate with clinical
results.
3.Sai Sar Ning: The heart is not definitely enlarged. Lungs are clear. Others are normal.
4.Sai Hseng: The heart is not enlarged. Lungs are clear. Others are normal. ( now fatally hospitalized)
5.Sai Nerng: : The heart is slightly enlarged. Lungs are clear. Others are normal .
6.Sai Phone: Died on battle ground following lost of conciousness. lost of conciousness.
CBC (Complete Blood Counts
CBC (Complete Blood Counts) | |||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Ref. Range | ||
| M=12-15, | |||||||
1 | Hemoglobin | 15.6 | 15.6 | 16.7 | 17 | 14.5 | F=11-15 |
| M=36-50, | |||||||
2 | Hematocrit | 46 | 45 | 48.2 | 46 | 43 | F=33-45 |
3 | WBC | 12,000 | 11,200 | 9,200 | 5,200 | 12,400 | 4000-10,000 |
4 | Neutrophil (N) | 61 | 74 | 65 | 76 | 74 | 50-60% |
5 | Lymphocyte (L) | 14 | 2 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 25-45% |
6 | Monocyte M | 25 | 12 | 32 | 11 | 16 | 2-7% |
7 | Platelate | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| Smear | N | N | N | N | N | N | |
| RbcMorphology | NA | 5 | NA | NA | 1 | 1to 3 | |
| Eosinophil | |||||||
URINE TESTS | |||||||
| Blood Urea Nitrogen | 10 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 7-20mg% | |
| Creatinine | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.6-1.4mg% | |
LEVER FUNCTION TESTS | |||||||
1 | Total protein | 7.3 | 7.3 | 8.6 | 8.4 | 7.8 | 6-8mg% |
2 | .Albumin | 4.1 | 4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 3.5-5.5mg% |
3 | Globulin | 3.2 | 3.3 | 4-Jan | 3.6 | 3.6 | 1.6-3.5mg% |
| 15. | |||||||
| Total Bilirubin | 0.5 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 8 | 0.7 | 0-1.5mg% | |
| Dir Bilirubin | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 0-0.5mg% | |
| Indir.Bilirubin | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 6 | 0.5 | 0-1.0mg% | |
| AST (SGOT) | 22 | 18 | 21 | 196 | 21 | 0-40u/l | |
| 41. | M=0-12,F=0- | ||||||
| ALT(SGPT) | 36 | 16 | 27 | 6 | 25 | 52u//l | |
| M=53-128, | |||||||
| AlkalinePhos. | 86 | 103 | 63 | 106 | 90 | F=12-98 u/l | |
-----------------------------------
7
Medical reports comments
It should be noted that the medical lab tests were conducted by a
hospital in Thailand as a routine on the assumption that the SSA victims
were taken ill or injuries sustained during a conventional war conflict.
This practice has been going on for decades, thanks to the goodwill of the
Thai hospital purely for compassionate and humanitarian considerations
without taking sides on either party in conflict.
The lack of awareness on the part of the Thai doctors or the hospitals
authority might not necessarily reflect the true results compatible with
these unprecedented bio chemical warfare injuries, not to mention it was
launched by the Burma’s brutal regime against ethnic Shan SSA defence
forces.
For this reason, we would appeal for further help from community with
expert advice and the essential resources required replicating results
based on dedicated chemical warfare weapons. More test samples will be
made readily available to those who are ready to provide help in anyway
possible to improve the results. The samples will include soils around the
affected war zone, clothing and uniforms of the soldiers during the
incident and second lot of samples including nails, urine, hair and blood.
Further interviews and close inspections of the victims would be possible
following a high level security screening and clearance by the Shan War
Crimes Committee.
8
Regime’s Union Legislative on Defence Policy
On 3.6.2011, Burma's Tatmadaw troops used mortar shells loaded with poison gas
(chemical) to attack a defence outpost of Shan army of SSA North. When the
attacking Burma troops failed to crash through the defence of WANHAI, the ceased
fire HQ of the Shan State Army, it was claimed they have intercepted the order from
Naypyidaw's high command to fire the gas bombs.
The casualties included one dead, two seriously taken ill, one remaining in fatal
condition with lever poisoning, with three others suffering from semi paralysis of
limbs, vomiting and head ache.
With reference to the present Union of Myanmar's quasi civilian
government constitution of 2008 on page 181:
SCHEDULE ONE
Union Legislative List
(Refer to Section 96)
1. Union Defence and Security Sector
(a) Defence of the Republic of the Union of
Myanmar and every part thereof
and preparation of such defence;
(b) Defence and Security Industries;
(c) Arms, ammunition and explosives including
Biological and chemical weapons;
There was absolutely no justification to use such chemical war weapons (CWW)
against Shan peoples in defending their constitutional rights and their constituent
state. Such an action not only tantamount to un-proportional use of force but more
importantly a blatant violation of the Geneva Convention on the prohibition
of chemical war weapons. The question remains as to whether such CWW could be
used on this particular incident which is far removed from external threats as was
referred to above Section 96 of the Myanmar Constitution.
For this reason Shan people will not rest until this monster crime is exposed and
condemned internationally. The exiled Federal Shan Government with its legal
arm The Shan Layers Council will ensure, in accordance with its Section
2/Article 57 on Security, National and Civil Defence, the victims will have their
justice met with and call upon all friendly nations to stop Myanmar
immediately from committing further such crimes against humanity.
9
War crimes report
Tiger Yawnghwe
Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 10:05 PM
To: Hkun Hom
 |
| HRH Sao Hsokhanpha Yawnghwe President, Federal Shan Government in Exile. |
MY RESPONSES IN UPPER CASE.
On Sat, Aug 20, 2011 at 7:35 PM, Hkun Hom wrote:
Dear Sir,
We as an adhoc group(1) in Thailand has now completed in putting together all the available raw data required for "WAR CRIME REPORT". It is clear the SSPP Chief has given us the full authority and confidence in us (FSG members) in handling the case to maximize its impact on the world' arena. My feeling is that we now have the greatest opportunity not only to bring Shan peoples plight under the limelight but also to draw world's attention to the credentials of of the exiled Federal Shan Government.
YES - IT’S TIME THE SHAN PEOPLE & THE FEDERAL SHAN GOVERNMENT (FSG) TAKE CENTRE STAGE.
With this in view, I suggest we form a Shan State War Crime Committee to
encompass some international experts with respects to legal, technical and social
issues to be addressed effectively. From my correspondence with Mr Michel of
Sweden, who is a staunch supporter of the suppressed "underdogs" and a strong
anti fascist regime in Burma, I was given the understanding that there are already
over 96 groups comprising NGOs, diplomats, academic institutions and other HR
groups keenly interested to be part of our campaign to bring this War Crimes
victims to justice and the perpetrators to be condemned and prosecuted in the
strongest sense possible. We are also aware the KNU and KNPP are ready to
jointly form an action group with FSG, thus will result in increasing unification for
our CIS strategy that you have stat red.
The key issues that need to be addressed before the publication of WC Report
are:
- Do we need to have the consensus of Thai doctors to publish their findings or
the hospital authority or the Thai government's consent for that matter. This is a
highly sensitive issue because the SSA victims were treated under social and
humanitarian considerations and not specifically for siding with SSA's fight against
Burma's regime. In the past Thai hospitals did so without qualms attached to it.
However this case has taken a new dimension altogether as the war injuries were beyond conventional engagement of military combat operations.
10
YES - I AM SURE THE THAI DOCTORS ARE FULLY COMPETENT TO STATE
THEIR MEDICAL FINDINGS.IN THIS MATTER.. AS FOR THE THAI
GOVERNMENT, WE ONLY NEED TO INFORM THEM, WE DON'T NEED THEIR
PERMISSION. IN THIS CASE OF BURMESE SPDC MILITARY WAR CRIMES,
THEY CAN ONLY EARN KUDOS, HAVING OFFICIALLY SAT ON THE FENCE
LONG ENOUGH - (to protect their economic interest in "Burma" and if they want
to keep on protecting that interest in the region which is emerging, under new
managements, they had better change tack.)
- Secondly should we freely hand out these reports without screening the potential
obstructionists whose hands were tainted with blood.
THIS A PROBLEM FOR THE "OBSTRUCTIONISTS" - THEY MAKES THEIR
CHOICE AND MUST LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF AIDING AND
ABETTING WAR CRIMES.
- Thirdly could we Shan people appeal to these sympathizers to lend us help
needed urgently to support their ongoing health care and their own security as
they become exposed to the world's media as human evidence against the fascist
regime.
YES - WITHOUT QUESTION.
These are some of the questions which come to our mind and there might be
others issues of concern that should come under the scrutiny of the proposed
WCC (WAR CRIME COMMITTEE).
I AM SURE THE SHAN WAR CRIMES COMMITTEE WILL HAVE OTHER
QUESTIONS & CONCERNS, BUT WE CAN DEAL WITH THEM AS THEY
ARISE.
MAISOONG MONGTAI,
Tiger Yawnghwe
Awaiting your further comments and actions.
Maisoong Mongtai
Hkunhom
++++++++++++
11
Conclusions
The aim of the war crime report is to:
- Make available information as much as possible relating to
Chemical War Weapon used by Burma’s Military Regime
against Shan People
- Prove that Military Regime’s uses of CWW as tactics for the
resolution of ethnic issues in Burma will not succeed.
- Show that the CWW is in contravention with the Geneva
Convention and to enable ICC to prosecute the perpetrators.
- Enable International Community to condemn the use of CWW
as a crime against Humanity and to support UN move to seek
justice and compensation for the victims.
- Appeal for humanitarian support by international community for
the healthcare of victims who are likely to suffer from the long
term affect of CWW
- The regime must stop further use of CWW immediately
12
Attached files
The BGF Jigsaw Puzzle
By SAW YAN NAING AND SAI ZOM HSENG
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Leaders of ethnic ceasefire groups say the Burmese government’s Border Guard Force (BGF) is
crumbling in eastern Burma as more and more factions break away and rejoin the rebels. Major clashes
flare and minor skirmishes break out on an almost daily basis in Karen, Shan and Kachin states, from Burma's far north to its deep south.
The Irrawaddy spoke about the BGF situation to the leaders of some of the main ethnic armies involved—the Karen â€oeEx-BGF,― the Democratic Karen
Buddhist Army(DKBA), the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the United Wa State Army(UWSA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and the Shan
State Army (SSA).
Karen Ex-BGF (Battalions 1012, 1011, 1013, 1014)
Led by Lt-Col Po Bi, the head of Battalion 1012, these four Karen ex-BGF battalions are currently based in Hlaing Bwe Township, Pa-an district, southern Karen State. Comprising about 1,000 fighting men, Po Bi's group rejoined the DKBA and KNLA after defying the Burmese army's border guard order. Since they seized Myaing Gyi Nyu on May 24, tension between the defecting battalions and the government troops has been high. Now allied with their fellow Karen rebels, they are digging in as they prepare for war with the Tatmadaw [the Burmese army] and its few remaining BGF loyalists.
13
DKBA Brigade 5
The first of the DKBA factions to break away from the BGF ranks, Brigade 5 launched an attack against Burmese government troops in Myawaddy on Nov. 8, a day after the general election. The bloody clash forced more than 20,000 residents to seek temporary refuge in Thailand. Now based in Wawlay in southern Karen state, Brigade 5 puts up fierce resistance to the Tatmadaw almost every day. Brigade 5 is led by charismatic Brig-Gen Saw Lah Pwe and is estimated to have 1,000 armed soldiers.
“The so-called BGF is an insidious plan for the regime to manipulate and ultimately eliminate the Karen people's resistance,†said Saw Lah Pwe.
KNLA
The KNLA is the dependable hard peg in the civil war. The military wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), the 4,000-strong KNLA has fought the central government for over 60 years.
Brig-Gen Johnny, the commander of KNLA Brigade 7, said, “If the government forces open fire against us, there will be hell to pay. We [the Karen BGF, DKBA and KNLA] are in contact, and are ready for war. It is time for the Karen to be united.†Karen Battleground Stats
According to a report from the headquarters of the KNU, between January and April, a total of 359 clashes took place, mostly in southern Karen State, between Burmese government troops and a combined force of KNLA and renegade fighters from DKBA Brigade 5. During that four-month period, the KNU claims that just six Karen rebels were killed and seven injured, while the Burmese army has reportedly lost 611 soldiers with 848 injured.
Shan State Army North
Skirmishes have flared over the last two months between the former SSA-North's Brigade 1 and the Tatmadaw after the renegade battalion refused to transform its troops into a BGF or to disarm. The former SSA-North had three main brigades—Brigades 1, 3 and 7. Based in Wan Hai in northern Shan State, Brigade 1 was the strongest force with some 3,000 troops. Its commander, Col. Pang Fa, rejected the junta's BGF proposal and has now joined forces with the SSA-South (henceforth the combined force will be referred to simply as the SSA.)
Brigades 3 and 7 continue to be affiliated with the Burmese government, and have now accepted terms to form paramilitary forces within Shan state.
Shan Battleground Stats
14
The former SSA-North (Brigade 1) claims that in the last two months more than 50 skirmishes and clashes have occurred in Shan State. It claims that the Burmese army has lost “a few hundred†fighters during the conflict.
Recently, the Tatmadaw attacked Brigade 1 in Tangyan Township, northern Shan State. Brigade 1 claims that the attack included biochemical weapons.
SSA Reconciled
The SSA [the SSA-North's Brigade 1 and the SSA–South] joined forces on May 21, a date that commemorates Shan People's Resistance Day. Led by Lt-Gen Yawd Serk, a former Mong Tai Army member under notorious drug warlord Khun Sa, the new SSA is estimated to have a force of some 7,000 fighters.
KIA
According to Col. James Lun Dau, a KIO central committee member: “Becoming a BGF means submitting yourself to the total control of the government. Of course, we are not ready to become a BGF—they wouldn't even respect our most basic rights.â€
On High Alert
A Burmese army battalion commander was reportedly killed during an armed clash between government troops and the KIA on Feb. 7 in an area controlled by KIA Brigade 3, southeast of Bhamo in Kachin State. Tension between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin army had been high for months. On Oct. 18, a KIO liaison office was searched by government troops who arrested two KIO officials. A few days later, the regime's state-run media referred to the KIA as “insurgents†for the first time in years, and the long-held but fragile ceasefire was all but declared broken.
In September, Kachin troops shot at a helicopter owned by the junta-friendly Htoo Group of Companies while it flew over KIO headquarters in Laiza, according to Kachin sources.
The Wild Wa
With 20,000 fighters, the UWSA is the largest ethnic armed group in Burma. It originally signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in 1989, but then totally rejected the BGF plan. War has appeared imminent for months. Although there has been no bloodshed to date, few doubt that a major clash could break out at any time. The UWSA claims it is open to political dialogue with the new civilian government.
15
ETHNIC ISSUES FEATURED AT THE US CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS
23 June 2011: The human rights issues faced by Burma's ethnic nationalities were prominently highlighted during the US House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing yesterday in Washington D.C, which also featured a video-taped testimony of Burma's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but whose historic address to the US Congress ironically snubbed ethnic issues.
The Committee's hearing took place at the backdrop of new fightings that have erupted in Burma's northern border between the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Army, ending a 17-year-old armistice, which in recent days has sent thousands of ethnic Kachin civilians fleeing across the border into China. It also coincided with the visit to Burma by high-level delegation of the European Union and the Foreign Minister of India to Naypyidaw.
Testifying before the Committee were three prominent witnesses: Aung Din, Executive Director of Washington-based US Campaign for Burma; Dr. Chris Beyrer, a Burma expert and Director of the Centre for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; and Aung San Suu Kyi, who addressed the Committee via pre-recorded video.
The Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) also made a written submission to the hearing, which was entered into the official Congressional record. In it, CHRO highlighted the post-election situation in western Burma's Chin State, where it said human rights abuses continue unabated. CHRO said that the flawed election has allowed army officers associated with past serious human rights abuses to occupy some important positions at the State level government.
In his testimony, Chris Beyrer said that despite Burma's sham election in November 2010 nothing has changed in that country. Drawing on recent examples from Chin, Kachin, Karen and Shan States, Dr. Beyrer concluded that the human rights and humanitarian situation can only be effectively addressed by having a mechanism of accountability through the establishment of the UN Commission of Inquiry.
"The US should vigorously support a UN Commission of Inquiry into human rights abuses in the country," Dr. Beyrer said.
Beyrer cited specific examples why an international investigation is needed.
"Our recent joint Physicians for Human Rights and Johns Hopkins study, a population-based survey in western Burma's Chin State, found that 91.7% of households had at least one family member forced to labor for the military in the preceding 12 months (March 2009-March 2010). That is the highest rate we have ever identified in Burma. Religious persecution was reported by 14% of households, disappearance of a family member by 4.8%, torture by 3.8%, and rape by 2.8%. Government soldiers committed 98.3% of abuses."
Dismissing any suggestion that there is reason to be hopeful with the quasi-civilian government in Burma, Aung Din cautioned against an open-ended engagement and 'wait-and-see' policy towards Burma.
16
"Instead of applying collective and effective pressure on the regime, the international community has wasted many years by waiting, hoping, dividing, debating, and doing nothing meaningful. Such an attitude needs to change."
Urging the United States to continue to lend its support to the cause of democracy in Burma, the 1991 Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi said the best way to help her country is for the international community to stand behind the recent United Nations Human Rights Council's resolution, which she said encompassed some of the most important steps needed for the realization of human rights and democracy in Burma.
"The resolution includes such very important issues as political prisoners, freedom of association and information, independence of the judiciary and the right of professor Quintana, the UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur, to visit whenever he wishes... and an inclusive political process," the 66-year-old leader said.
While the Human Rights Council's resolution already contained issues pertaining to the ethnic people, Suu Kyi however stopped short of making specific reference to the ethnic nationalities during her nearly 9 minutes recorded message.
Contact: Information Department of Federated Shan (Syam) Government
Email: saisamsa@gmail.com
Hkun.hom@gmail.com
saizoummao@gmail.com
loipang10@gmail.com
Phone: (66)0871782251, 0815566260
----------------------------------------------------------
Thank you to SKS.
From "Khao Tai News"
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