Burma Update: March 21, 2008

Highlight

International Lobour Organization: ILO Governing Body Concludes 301st Session - Considers Labour Situation in Myanmar, Colombia and Other Countries, Welcomes Growing Links with World Bank

"...In the case of Myanmar, the Committee examined the arrest of six labour activists sentenced to from 20 to 28 years of imprisonment after they had tried to organize celebrations and a seminar on labour issues for International Labour Day on 1 May 2007.

The Committee concluded that that the six persons referred to in the complaint were punished for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. While noting that appeals were pending before the Supreme Court, the Committee urged the Government to take the necessary measures for the release of Thurein Aung, Wai Lin, Nyi Nyi Zaw, Kyaw Kyaw, Kyaw Win and Myo Min.

In examining this case, the Committee was obliged to recall earlier cases before it and the overall conclusion of a total absence of a legislative framework and climate sufficient to enable trade unions to exist in Myanmar. It once again requested the Government to refrain from any acts preventing the free operation of any form of organization of collective representation of workers, including organizations which operate in exile since they cannot be recognized in the prevailing legislative context of Myanmar."



News from Burmese Media

Democratic Voice of Burma: Htin Kyaw Appears in Court
Democratic Voice of Burma: Detained Poet in Hospital with Hernia
Democratic Voice of Burma: Censors Allow Ludu Sein Win to Publish Again
Mizzima News: Immigration Officials Mobilize Locals to Support New Constitution
Mizzima News: Monks in Exile Urge People to Boycott and Rise against Junta
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Burmese Balk at Immutable Constitution
Irrawaddy News Magazine: ILO Urged to Take Action on Forced Labor Issues in Burma
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Junta Increases Security at Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon



News from Regional/International Media

Xinhua Online: Thailand Opposes U.S. Sanction against Myanmar
Xinhua Online: Myanmar, Brunei to Promote Trade Ties
Channel News Asia: Thailand to Use 'Quiet Diplomacy' to Make Myanmar Democratic



Opinion/Other

Mizzima News: Splits Emerge in Burma's Army over Country's Roadmap [Analysis] - Larry Jagan
Mizzima News: Revelations in the Absurd [Commentary] - Christopher Smith
Mizzima News: Regime in No Mood to Change [Editorial]
Bangkok Post: Samak Ignores the Other Side of the Coin - Kyaw Zwa Moe