2007 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School Participants Statement on Current Burma Crisis from Participants

We, participants of 2007 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School, would like to convey our sympathy, solidarity and support to all Burmese people around the world who courageously and tirelessly stand up for peace and freedom in their country.
The current situation in Burma is a consequence of long-term suppression against its citizens by the military government, especially in terms of economic hardship and violations of basic human rights. Needless to say that this critical moment can lead to either ground-breaking step to people’s democracy or increasing violence and suppression in Burma. The international community should not be passive and indifferent rather should be more proactive and must have a consolidated reaction in determining and maneuvering a more humane condition in Burma.

We strongly condemn the acts of atrocity initiated by the state security forces against unarmed civilian demonstrations. We would like to call on the military junta to refrain from all violent repression against any protesters, arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, torture and extra-judicial killings. The military junta must expeditiously resume its national reconciliation talks with the Burmese opposition and democratic forces.

We would also like to urge the ASEAN-member governments to exercise leverage beyond the concept of non-interference, sovereignty, internal affairs, and specifically economic benefits or trade-offs.

Long Live Democracy and Freedom for the Burmese people!!!!