Burma Update: November 26, 2008

Highlight

Open Heart Report

"The Burma Fund, Policy Think Tank of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma ( Burmese Government in Exile), has launched a new report, "The Findings in the Open Heart Letter Campaign" compiled by the 88 generation student leaders before they were arrested by the military regime in August, 2007.

The Burma Fund published this report on 22 November, 2008 - the 88th Anniversary of the first historic boycott against British colonial rule by Rangoon University students.

This report honors all members of the 88 Generation students Group who had already served long prison terms but were recently subjected to 65 years prison sentences."

News from Burmese Media

• The Irrawaddy: Trials and Prison Transfers Continue in Rangoon
• Mizzima News: Mine casualties in Burma nearly double
• Democratic Voice of Burma: MWAF member says women lack protection
• Mizzima News: Rangoon-Bangkok flights suspended
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Thousands at risk from lack of HIV/AIDS treatment
• The Irrawaddy: Drug-Dealing Junta Crony Gets 15 Years
• Independent Mon News Agency: KNU says delays at Zemi River checkpoint for safety; travelers skeptical
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Betancourt urges more action to free Daw Suu
• Shan Herald Agency for News: Shans spinning multiple rings of web
• Mizzima News: Offensive by separatist rebels kills two soldiers
• Kachin News Group: China's mini-great wall on northern Burma border
• Kaladan Press Network: Police drug dealers' nexus
• Mizzima News: Blaze destroys church in Chin state
  

News from Regional/International Media

• VOA: Netherlands' FM Condemns Burma Prison Sentences
  
• Asian Tribune: A New Approach: Incorporating civilian resistance strategies within aid to Burma
• VOA: Doctors Without Borders Issues Alert on AIDS in Burma
• Relief Web: Myanmar pledges continued engagement with post-Nargis relief efforts
  
• IRIN: Myanmar: Thousands dying for lack of treatment
• Borneo Bulletin: Yangon faces 24,000 AIDS deaths for lack of antiretroviral drugs
• China Daily: Myanmar appeals for donation to rural libraries
• Xinhua Online: Indian puppet show launched in Myanmar former capital

Opinion/Other

• Kaowao News Group: Toward A Democratic Change in Burma [Analysis] - Siri Mon Chan
• The Irrawaddy: Can Asean Learn to Put People First? [Contributor] - Pokpong Lawansiri
• Mizzima News: Abandoning Burma's HIV/AIDS afflicted community - Larry Jagan
  

Statement/Press Release

• Association of Southeast Asian Nations: High Level Roundtable on Post Nargis Relief and Recovery Efforts in Myanmar
• New Zealand Law Society: Lawyers imprisoned in Myanmar
  

Report/Briefer

• Shan Herald Agency for News: SHRF Monthly Report (November 2008)
• Karen Human Rights Group: SPDC and DKBA extortion and forced labour in Thaton District [Field report]
  

Event

• 24-hour hunger strike for Burmese political prisoners, London, November 26 ... Details »»»