Peaceful Protest in the Face of Dictatorship in Burma

As the reports have trickled into the world press over the last few days about what is happening on the streets in Burma my heart waits anxiously, hoping for good news and that these protests will not culminate in a bloody retaliation from the government. I am sure many of you are aware that Buddhist monks and now nuns all over the country have taken to the streets in opposition to the military government - gathering the support of students and other civilians, particularly over the last week. This is not the first time that civilians have tried to rise up in the face of the government. In 1988 a largely student led movement was put down by the military - leaving over 3,000 dead.

My heart is heavy and today each time I checked BBC news the situation seemed worse and worse regarding the fate of these protestors. As I sat in my classroom at University of Copenhagen and listened to a lecture of Danish Forest Development Types, I did my best to keep back tears. I can't explain it really, but its not an entirely new feeling, perhaps you know it in your own life too. Its a feeling of sadness and compassion for those facing injustice and feeling powerless to do anything to impact the situation. Its the same feeling that has crept into my heart when hearing my roomate Carys tell me about the treatment of child soldiers in Uganda, the tragedy of inaction by the international community in Rwanda, the footage of a Palestinian father and his son, alone, against a wall, weapon-less, being shot by Israelis at the start of the most recent intifada - the list goes on. I am not comparing the importance or magnitude of these events - only that they invoke similiar aching in my heart for such brutality to stop.

This is a pic from the BBC News website of this is a multi-generational and peaceful effort...




















I can hear the voice of a friend in the UK in the back of my head at this moment saying 'fine Cathy, yes there is a problem in Burma, but what is the solution?" I wish I knew the answer to that. These protests began a month ago and the international community has more or less done nothing during this time. The US government is imposing more sanctions, perhaps the EU too, but will this do anything to dissuade a military regime that feels its power threatened?

As Americans expressed outrage at the comments of the Iranian President this week I wonder if the attention or possibilities for resolution in Burma would be different if it were a nuclear power? None of the neighboring countries, and certainly not ASEAN, seem interested or prepared to do anything if the military begins inflicting more harm on the protestors. As of this writing there are reports of between and one and five people dead and more than 15 monks seriously injured including one 80 year old+ monk.

Western countries say they support democracy, but what if it is a possible democracy in a country with few resources (although some say China is keeping quiet because they don't want to put energy contracts with the military rulers at risk), little political power, and posing no threat to its neighbors. The most substantial comments until now have been from the Chinese saying politely - please don't make a ruckus over there. The US has a loud voice but is entangled already in other urgent situations namely Iraq and Afghanistan. Thailand doesn't seem interested in doing a thing, and India has said little.

Are we to hope that China (a big human rights abuser according to many and not the best with public dissent, remember Tianamen?) is going to restrain the Burmese military especially when they have economic interests there that could be negatively impacted? Is there a role for the UN to play? Some are suggesting sending a UN peacekeeping force. What about the EU? Gordon Brown is calling on the UN to take up the issue. Last I read they are due to meet US eastern standard today at 3pm. I hope that some leverage can be found to keep the military from inflicting harm on these people who are at the end of the day are struggling for a better life and a better government.

This photo touched my heart...
















(This pic is also from the BBC, you can find more photos at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7013852.stm)
If you want to do something:
Sign a petition aimed at the Chinese Premier Hu Jintai and the UN Security Council at:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/f.php?cl=20380470&signup=1
Sign a petition with the US Campaign for Burma, they are trying to get 88,000 signatures to send to the Chinese Premier
http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/uscampaignforburma/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=730&t=HomePage.dwt
Participate in gatherings to support the people in Burma where you live, for sure there will be events in Sydney and Tokyo tomorrow.
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