Petition for the Freedom and Liberty of Burma
To: His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon
Secretary-General of the United Nations
New York, New York 10017
CC: Representatives of the United Nations Security Council
In 2007, monks and civilians took to Burma’s streets demanding change, and were met with violence and intimidation. Thousands of monks have been arrested, tortured, or ‘disappeared’ by the ruling military junta. On August 8, 2008, China will celebrate the opening ceremony of the Beijing olympics - 20 years to the day that the Burmese military gunned down over 3,000 peaceful protesters in streets of Burma. As a symbol of peace and cooperation, it is ironic that the olympics will begin on such a tragic anniversary, when the people of Burma have had no chance to participate in the peaceful development enjoyed by China and other nations of the world.
An estimated 650,000 people have been displaced in Burma and 3,000 villages have been destroyed by the government. The military junta routinely commits human rights abuses such as forced labor, forced recruitment of child soldiers, land confiscations, and rape as a weapon of war. Ethnic minorities are targeted for assimilation and violence.
Burma has one of the world’s largest militaries, but this force is only used against its own people. Still, Burma’s neighbors continue to sell the SPDC weapons that perpetuate this violence, and continue to push development projects that will result in further human rights abuses. As the junta is preparing to consolidate its power through a new constitution and referendum that has been widely denounced by opposition groups, it is imperative that action be taken immediately to enact true democratic progress and national reconciliation in Burma.
We call on the SPDC to take the following steps:
1. Allow freedom of speech and respect the human rights of all Burma’s citizens.
2. Release all political prisoners.
3. Cease fighting with ethnic minority groups along the border as well as all aggressive military activities in current ceasefire areas.
4. Transition to a civilian government and the democratically elected parties of the 1990 elections.
We urge the United Nations Security Council and all member countries of the United Nations to take the following steps to protect the people of Burma:
1. Impose a universal arms embargo on the Burmese military junta.
2. Impose sanctions on the financial transactions of Burma’s ruling military elite.
3. Recognize the genocide being committed against Burma’s ethnic minorities and take all necessary steps to save the lives of targeted civilians.
4. Hold the ruling military generals accountable for their crimes against humanity.
We are calling on the members of the United Nations to make peaceful political change and reconciliation in Burma a priority, and to take all necessary steps to protect the people of Burma from the oppression and violence of the military junta.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
Click here to add your signature to the petition and let the world know that it must not forget the people of Burma.
Music
It was for so many reasons that I left my regiment and my friends, but this does not mean that I ran away from my country. I have always wanted to do something for my country, but I don’t know what the right way is for me to do this. Before, I believed we needed international help for Burma, but I haven’t seen any help from the world. There are only two choices left for every life in Burma, become a fugitive and rebel against their law, or obey their rules and stay with their ruling one-power government.
I already donated my life for my country, and now I have decided to do something that nobody else would do. Maybe someone has already done this, maybe this is the first time, but I am not crazy and I am going to do this until my job is done. I have decided to march to New York from my city.
I live in Portland, Oregon, about 2,500 miles east of New York by plane. Walking this journey will be at least 3,000 miles. It won’t be easy to get there like sitting on a plane is, I know and understand that I will be walking for more than six months, and I don’t know what I will have to face on my journey.
-Athein
A world away from America, the Southeast Asian nation of Burma made headlines in 2007 when Buddhist monks rose up in protest against the ruling military junta. The Burmese junta responded with violence and thousands of monks have since disappeared. While some fled for their lives, many others have been tortured, jailed, or killed.
Oppression in Burma began long before last year’s protests, though. The military took over the government in 1962 and has ruled with an iron fist ever since. Over 650,000 people have been displaced and 3,000 villages have been destroyed by the junta, which targets civilians in fighting against rebel groups.
Army battalions routinely confiscate land from locals to use for their own profit. Soldiers rape women with impunity and forced labor is common. The junta has been destroying the environment to mine gold, jade, rubies, and to build oil pipelines and dams. They are destroying the peoples’ lives and land and keeping the profit for themselves.
With an estimated 450,000 soldiers, Burma has one of the largest military forces in the world, and more than one-third of the national budget is spent on it. The government only uses this force against its own citizens. Nonetheless, countries like Russia and China continue to sell the Burmese junta the weapons that are the tool of their oppression.
In 1988, Athein was just 15 years old. After participating in the August ‘88 protests, he found himself marked by the military government and in danger. With no other choice, he left his home and his family in northeast Burma and joined the multitude of student leaders who were fleeing for their lives. He traveled on foot through the jungles of Burma to the Thai border, where he joined other students and found shelter with the Karen National Union, an ethnic rebel group.
The students formed the All Burma Students Democratic Front, and continued their struggle against the junta from the border regions of Burma. Like many other students, Athein eventually made his way to the United States as a refugee - where he continues to struggle for change in his homeland, and works tirelessly to raise awareness about the atrocities the Burmese junta is committing against its own people.
In March, 2008, Athein will step out from Portland on a journey to the United Nations offices in New York. Like thousands of Burmese who have traveled on foot through mountains and jungles in search of refuge, Athein will walk across the United States in a call to action to save Burma. Along the way he will speak to people in towns across America, telling the story of millions of oppressed Burmese, and collecting signatures on a petition to present to the United Nations.
On August 8, 2008, China will hold the opening ceremony of the Beijing winter olympics, an event symbolic of global cooperation and peace. Athein will present his petition to the UN on this day - 20 years to the date that the Burmese military gunned down 3,000 demonstrators in the now infamous 8-8-88 protests.
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1988 Generation Burma Government is Terrorist - People Need Human right , People Need Democracy , People Need Help Posted at 12:18 AM Mar 9, 2008 view more
Who I'd like to meet: On August 8, 2008, Athein will present the following petition to the offices of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, and the UN Security Council. As the Burmese military junta is preparing to consolidate its power through a new constitution and referendum, it is essential that the international community and the United Nations act to protect the lives and liberty of the Burmese. Please sign the petition and add your voice to those calling for freedom and human rights in Burma.
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Zaw Min Htwe is one of the 88 students new generation ,now he is 27 years old and his father was joined to A.B.S.D.F in 1988. When 1988 he was just 7 years old and he didn’t know about the whole story of Burma but he knew students and people were died at that time. He has not completed his school, he studied at high school in year 7 and left the country because of the political situation. He was joined most of active freedom for Burma and hunger strike. Now this time he wanted to join on this walk and want to write his history for Burma people.
Ko Kyaw Khaing supported ______________________________$100 U Maung supported ___________________________________$100 and medicine Ko Moe Kyaw supported ________________________________$20 Ko Tin Lwin supported _________________________________$10 Ko pan Thu supported _________________________________$50 and medicine Ko Htun Htun supported ________________________________medicine Ko Thar Nge who supported _____________________________$50 Ko Tin Shane Oo+Ma Mu Mu Htwe supported _________________$50 Master U Kyaw Shwe supported __________________________$70 Ma Aye Mar supported _________________________________$25 Ko Aung Aung + Ma Mu Nyo supported _____________________$20 Ma Moe supported ____________________________________$20
From La Grande city who supported 1 rain coats, 4 boiled eggs and rice (Appreciate to La grande City)
Zaw Min Htwe and Athein left from Pendleton this morning at 8 AM. They have been crossed along the rock land and Hood river . Today they had to climb along the road I-84-E ( Old trail high way route 84 ) they are getting cold weather at the moment and it’s snowing, tonight they will have to sleep on the road. They walked almost 25 miles for today. Athein sent the latest news and just recieved the location.They expected next 7 days they can step on Oregon and Idaho border.
Zaw min thwes body was adjusted after 12 days of the walking, but his feet in pain by the long walk, also Athein had adjusted body on walking, Athein had experience on walking last 15 years ago when he lived on the Thai-Burma border A.B.S.D.F and he grew up in jungle life. They will have to face the cold weather in Idaho state. Athein and Zaw min htwe send appreciate to everyone signed on The Petition page and soon he’ll send voice message to everyone supporting their steps .
Today Athein and Zaw min htwe had an interview with BBC and VOA Burmese Radio service while they are on the road marching along to the Hermiston city. The news might be announced on the radio service tonight.
The other two medias from the Oregon, United state, local news service and website will post the walk action on their web site. The sites URL address name will be posted on this blog soon after they contact to The Walk blog. One of local area news published on 9 of march , you can follow and read at , The East Oregonian , as shown below day 9 news .
Special thanks to continue taking front line duty of Northern Burma A.B.S.D.F ( All Burma Students Democratic Front) all members for the Cheer words and Agree on The Walk action .
Special thanks to everyone supporting the walk and every blogs spreading our news on the web to around the world.
The East Oregonian Click and follow “Arlington local area news about” The walk
Athein and Zaw Min Htwe left from Boardman this morning at 7AM . They are now heading to Hermiston City 30 miles away. Local Police and local public respond on their Marching to NY , they will help to their walk till cross Idaho border . Weather is hot in the day time so walking is slow down , they are marching on Hermiston high way and completely filled with rock land , there windy today for their walking . Expected they will reach Hermiston this evening , the latest news will up date later with day 9 Images.
How are you doing brother? We are OK. we will arrive soon next 10 miles to Arlington.
March,6th 08 Phil, who support a bottle of water while we walking protest.
March ,7 Mike Thin, Brao Keffn, Chris Evaws, who support $ 40 and pray for people of Burma to get peace.
They also took a video to show people to know and helping for Burma.
Jurrisah, who drove a car and came to supported lunch, blanket, pillow, tent, pain relief and fever reducer, rice, water, fruit, rice cooker…
I recieved Day 7 marching to NY images from the walk this evening , All images will be posted with Youtube video file on 14th of march 08 .Every week I’ll post one video file for the walk.
Thanks everyone for supporting this walk , by every way even on comments for the walk. Also I wish everyone to understand this walking is we are carrying the letter
Petition for the Freedom and Liberty of Burma
will send to Secretary-General of the United Nations New York .
We don’t want to confuse anyone on this walk.
Thanks for your support
The walk
March 8, 2008 Posted by 8888 | Protests | | 5 Comments | Edit Day Seven , 7th March 08
Athein and Zaw Left from Biggs Junction at 7 AM this morning. Today they have to walk along the river with completely rock mountain land, day 7 news will post in this evening.
I have a problem with posting my Image slide show on this blog so I decided to post Image video files every weeks . Every single day of walking, one image will be posted and all images will post as video file so you can also find us as Youtube Public video site.Please leave your comment. Your comment is important to us, your opinion, good or bad any suggestion that you can post feel free on this blog.
Day 6 of the walk 160 miles to Biggs junction. 6th March 2008
Athein and Zaw min htwe reached at 25 miles walked to Biggs Junction this evening at 7 PM ,they have already walked 160 miles in 6 days from Portland city to Biggs Junction. Tomorrow they will keep walking to Wallula city but between Biggs Junction and Wallula city they will have to sleep on the road because between these two city there 45 miles far way . They expected more than 25 miles tomorrow. Athein had a problem with his knee yesterday by walking so their marching slowed down yesterday afternoon, they will rest one day before they leave Hood river .
They were planning, in 20 days they are going to cross Oregon state to Idaho state in this month.
I am not tired for what I am doing because I don’t want to just stay home and thinking about people suffering from military government , every single day I am hearing from BBC or DVB news service about my country situation , I can’t stand this so I wanted to do something good and this is my choice. Every single day my sweats are for my people, how ever my body is getting pain from this walk, I’ll accept by the same as people in Burma . They are in pain enough more than I have.
one day I’ll reach the place that I want to be at , this is not a dream and till I’ll reach freedom for Burma .
This walk for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, this walk for Burmese people, this walk for Democracy, I expect nothing for my life famous or rich , till my last breath I’ll keep against this military government, 1988 Students generation, and history must be stood on Burma history page.
I have no back ground support, your support is my one step to move on, so I would like you to help and support me. I am looking for my background support especially for the food and drink , till arrive to New York.
Free Burma
The walk
Day 6 of the walk 160 miles to Biggs junction. 6th March 2008
Athein and Zaw min htwe reached at 25 miles walked to Biggs Junction this evening at 7 PM ,they have already walked 160 miles in 6 days from Portland city to Biggs Junction. Tomorrow they will keep walking to Wallula city but between Biggs Junction and Wallula city they will have to sleep on the road because between these two city there 45 miles far way . They expected more than 25 miles tomorrow. Athein had a problem with his knee yesterday by walking so their marching slowed down yesterday afternoon, they will rest one day before they leave Hood river .
They were planning, in 20 days they are going to cross Oregon state to Idaho state in this month.
Athein and Zaw Min Htwe left from Boardman this morning at 7AM . They are now heading to Hermiston City 30 miles away. Local Police and local public respond on their Marching to NY , they will help to their walk till cross Idaho border . Weather is hot in the day time so walking is slow down , they are marching on Hermiston high way and completely filled with rock land , there windy today for their walking . Expected they will reach Hermiston this evening , the latest news will up date later with day 9 Images.
How are you doing brother? We are OK. we will arrive soon next 10 miles to Arlington.
March,6th 08 Phil, who support a bottle of water while we walking protest.
March ,7 Mike Thin, Brao Keffn, Chris Evaws, who support $ 40 and pray for people of Burma to get peace.
They also took a video to show people to know and helping for Burma.
Jurrisah, who drove a car and came to supported lunch, blanket, pillow, tent, pain relief and fever reducer, rice, water, fruit, rice cooker…
I recieved Day 7 marching to NY images from the walk this evening , All images will be posted with Youtube video file on 14th of march 08 .Every week I’ll post one video file for the walk.
Thanks everyone for supporting this walk , by every way even on comments for the walk. Also I wish everyone to understand this walking is we are carrying the letter
Petition for the Freedom and Liberty of Burma
will send to Secretary-General of the United Nations New York .
I have a problem with posting my Image slide show on this blog so I decided to post Image video files every weeks . Every single day of walking, one image will be posted and all images will post as video file so you can also find us as Youtube Public video site.Please leave your comment. Your comment is important to us, your opinion, good or bad any suggestion that you can post feel free on this blog.
Athein and Zaw min htwe reached at 25 miles walked to Biggs Junction this evening at 7 PM ,they have already walked 160 miles in 6 days from Portland city to Biggs Junction. Tomorrow they will keep walking to Wallula city but between Biggs Junction and Wallula city they will have to sleep on the road because between these two city there 45 miles far way . They expected more than 25 miles tomorrow. Athein had a problem with his knee yesterday by walking so their marching slowed down yesterday afternoon, they will rest one day before they leave Hood river .
They were planning, in 20 days they are going to cross Oregon state to Idaho state in this month.
Right now we are resting at Biggs Junction, tomorrow we will keep walking to 25 miles from Biggs Junction . Day 6 Images will send to page editor on tonight .
I am not tired for what I am doing because I don’t want to just stay home and thinking about people suffering from military government , every single day I am hearing from BBC or DVB news service about my country situation , I can’t stand this so I wanted to do something good and this is my choice. Every single day my sweats are for my people, how ever my body is getting pain from this walk, I’ll accept by the same as people in Burma . They are in pain enough more than I have.
one day I’ll reach the place that I want to be at , this is not a dream and till I’ll reach freedom for Burma .
This walk for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, this walk for Burmese people, this walk for Democracy, I expect nothing for my life famous or rich , till my last breath I’ll keep against this military government, 1988 Students generation, and history must be stood on Burma history page.
I have no back ground support, your support is my one step to move on, so I would like you to help and support me. I am looking for my background support especially for the food and drink , till arrive to New York.
How are you doing brother? I hope you very well. I already sent our pictures. The following name is who supported on the road while we are walking.
March 1st - 2008
Jurissah $ 100 ,lunch and coffee.
Tara, snack food.
we didn’t know the name who support $20 and water, while we run out of water.
U Tin Ngwe $50, when we hungry at night who came to support dinner box and fried chicken, 12 bottles of water.
Mg lwin oo, who support energy drink and vegetable meat can.
John M page Ltc USAFR,MC Hood river, who support $10.
Brother above the name and they supported us please post to our website and please write down for them how much we appreciate it. thank you brother , we going to talk each other soon on the phone .
Regard
Zaw
Thanks for your understanding of our aims and our journey because of your kind words and support our step more faster than we have .We really appreciated for any small thing of help, this is important for us to walking. How ever we can’t forget and we owe for you , Thanks for your help
