Burma Update: October 9, 2008

Highlight

UN General Assembly: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar

Recommendations:

• First core human rights element: review of national legislation in accordance with the new Constitution and international obligations
• Second core human rights element: progressive release of prisoners of conscience
• Third core human rights element: armed forces
• Fourth core human rights element: the judiciary

News from Burmese Media

• The Irrawaddy: UN Outlines Steps to Improve Burma’s Human Rights
• Mizzima News: Burmese tourism industry suffers from US financial crisis
• The Irrawaddy: Desertions, Assassinations Plague Burmese Armed Forces
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Rice prices down in Rangoon as sales slow
• Mizzima News: Nine trucks carrying contraband seized on Sino-Burma border
• The Irrawaddy: Appeal against Suu Kyi’s Detention Handed in at Naypyidaw
• The Irrawaddy: Asean Must Do More on Burma: Rice
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Army private killed after shooting officer
• Narinjara News: Arakanese Soldier Killed by Army in Retaliation for Murder
• Independent Mon News Agency: KNU encouraging logging free-for-all in advance of DKBA offensive
• Kaladan Press Network: Junta's new protection plan from cyclone in Arakan
• Kachin News Group: Two monks arrested for smuggling heroin
• The Irrawaddy: DKBA Plans Major Offensive against KNLA
• The Irrawaddy: Film Reveals Murder of Burmese Fishermen

News from Regional/International Media

• Xinhua Online: Myanmar leader's visit to Bangladesh opens new window of greater bilateral ties
  
• Asia News Network: Bangladesh, Burma vow to enhance trade ties
  

Opinion/Other

• Democratic Voice of Burma: Regional NLD branches laying low - Khin Hnin Htet
• The Irrawaddy: Ban Tries to Avoid a Fruitless Visit [Commentary] - Kyaw Zwa Moe
• The Korea Times: One Year After Saffron Revolution - James Rose
• Monsters and Critics: Grim headlines keep tourists away in Myanmar cyclone's wake - Kristina Rich
  

Statement/Press Release

• Asian Human Rights Commission: Burma: Police inaction on rape and murder of schoolgirl [Urgent Appeal]
• Training Press Releases: Impact International returns from relief operations in Myanmar
  

Report/Briefer

• Karan Human Rights Group: DKBA soldiers attack Karen village in Thailand
• ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus: Myanmar/Burma news update and a summary of the news (edition 100)
  

Petition

• US Campaign for Burma: Send a Message to UN Secretary General
• Burma Democratic Concern: Implement 1990 Elections Result in Burma