Myanmar

Myanmar (Burma)

(Union of Myanmar)

10 January 2005

Statistics [R1] Population: 42,720,196 Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5% (Chin, Kachin, Karenni, Naga, Rohingya, etc)   Religions (estimated): Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2%   Government type: military junta   Chief of State: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Sr. Gen. Than Shwe (since 23 April 1992) Head of Government: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Sr. Gen. Than Shwe (since 23 April 1992); note - the appointed Prime Minister, Gen. SOE WIN (since 19 October 2004), is not the head of government Cabinet: State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); military junta, so named 15 November 1997, which initially assumed power 18 September 1988 under the name State Law and Order Restoration Council; the SPDC oversees the cabinet

 

A 1998 interim report by Jubilee Campaign described the country as a ‘vast concentration camp.’ The ongoing attacks by the Burmese army against the ethnic minorities have been characterised by mass relocation, forced labour, and destruction of villages. Rape against the ethnic women is prevalent. Many hiding in the jungle are in dreadful conditions without proper food, shelter and medical care. The Asian Human Rights Commission circulated a hunger alert in response to the military’s burning of rice in Karen state [Dec 29, 04]. Two other human rights groups, the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust and Christian Solidarity Worldwide, issued a report in December 2004 accusing the Burmese government of gross violation of human rights and its actions against the ethnic groups amounted to genocide [R2].

Government type: military junta   Chief of State: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Sr. Gen. Than Shwe (since 23 April 1992) Head of Government: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Sr. Gen. Than Shwe (since 23 April 1992); note - the appointed Prime Minister, Gen. SOE WIN (since 19 October 2004), is not the head of government Cabinet: State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); military junta, so named 15 November 1997, which initially assumed power 18 September 1988 under the name State Law and Order Restoration Council; the SPDC oversees the cabinet

 

The International Religious Freedom Report [R3] has described Burmese government as having highly repressive authoritarian military regime, which regards freedom of thought and expression, especially the practice of religion, as threat to the state ideology or power.   

“The Government generally infiltrated or monitored the meetings and activities of virtually all organizations, including religious ones. It systemically restricted efforts by Buddhist clergy to promote human rights and political freedom, discouraged or prohibited minority religions from constructing new places of worship, and in some ethnic minority areas coercively promoted Buddhism over other religions, particularly among members of ethnic minority groups. Christian groups in most regions continued to experience difficulties in obtaining permission to repair existing churches or to build new ones, while Muslims reported they essentially were banned from constructing new mosques or expanding existing ones anywhere in the country. Anti-Muslim violence continued to occur, Muslim activities were monitored, and the Government restricted the ability of Muslims to worship and travel freely.”

The 2004 UN human development index places Burma at 122 out of 177 countries surveyed.  The index measures achievements in terms of life expectancy, education attainment and adjusted real income. 

Political and Human Rights Development

Burma, world's second largest producer of illicit opium, has been ruled by successive military regime since General Ne Win seized power in a coup in 1962. The latest military government, now called the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has governed the country without a constitution or legislature since 1988.  The country was then renamed Myanmar, but it was not approved by any sitting legislature in Burma, nor recognised by the US Government. Despite the landslide victory of NLD – the main opposition party – in the multiparty elections in 1990, the ruling junta refused to hand over power.

Although there was an attempt in 1993 to reconvene the National Convention to draft a new constitution[1], the progress was stalled in 1996. The secret talks between the junta and NLD began in October 2000 to bring about democratic reform collapsed when NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi[2] was detained under "protective custody" in May 2003 following the arrest of many NLD members and death of supporters [New Straits Times, Jul 12, 03]. The junta refused to heed the Asean’s call for immediate release on grounds that it was to prevent political anarchy that could destroy the country. The annual human-rights report for 2004, released by Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office singled out the junta regime for suppressing political opposition groups [Asia Times Online, Nov 18 04].

Nevertheless, a roadmap to restore the democratisation process was announced by the Prime Miinister General Khin Nyunt in August 2003, following the call to support it by the country’s highest ranking leader Senior General Than Shwe, a hardliner [Far Eastern Economic Review, Nov 7 04]. Ironically, Gen. Khin Nyunt was unexpectedly placed under house arrest in October 2004 for alleged corruption.  This seemed to have effectively eliminated the so-called roadmap. Watchers concluded this as hardliners consolidating their grip on power and gobbling up their rivals’ business empires in the process [Asia Times Online, Nov 18 2004].

Despite protests at home, pleas from neighbours, and condemnation by the international community, the regime has not acted on its promises of democratic progress. Shattering economy does not seem to be able to threaten its grip on power. Analysts attribute junta’s reluctance to fears of losing its many privileges, political power and retribution for rights abuses [Far Eastern Economic Review, Issue cover-dated Sept 25, 03]. A system of governance that ensures the military supremacy or dictatorship in every aspect of life remains until today.

While there is tendency to view religious freedom as threats to national unity, the successive governments and military have to date associated themselves with Theravada Buddhism. Buddhist doctrine remains part of the curriculum in all elementary schools [R3]. Yet, meetings and activities of Buddhist monks are controlled and restricted. Members of minority religious are discriminated in many areas including their educational prospect, proselytising and places of worship.

The Rohingyan Muslims in Arakan State, who are denied citizenship status, have been experiencing systematic legal, economic, and social discrimination. Actions against Christians, e.g. arresting and physically abusing clergy, destroying churches, and prohibiting religious activities continue. It has also been reported that Christians are periodically coerced to convert to Buddhism with intention of ‘burmanising’ them, while repressive measures are exercised against those who refuse to conform. Other reports indicated that hundreds of Naga Christians have been forcibly converted to Buddhism by the junta. All publications, religious and secular, are subject to control and censorship.  Bibles in indigenous languages cannot be imported legally, but can be printed locally with government permission, which is difficult to obtain [R3].

Citizens and permanent residents are required at all times to carry government-issued identification cards that indicate their respective religious affiliation and ethnic background. Besides the preferential treatment in employment and other areas, social tension between the Buddhist majority and the Christian and Muslim minorities are made intricate by government’s attempts to instigate anti-Muslim violence and widespread prejudice against the ethnic minorities in the cities.

Internal displacement, refugee flight, mass killing, religious persecution, destruction of basic livelihoods and illnesses remain widespread.

Suggested prayer points:

1.       For a righteous government that fears God, exercises justice, loves mercy and has regards for the ethnic minorities and religious freedom. 

2.       For the head of government Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE and the appointed Prime Minister, Gen. SOE WIN, and the present regime be replaced by fair and just government system that respects democracy and human rights (Isaiah 10:1-2). God will change the hearts of the military regime and point them away from evil and toward His will.

3.       Courage and strength for Christians who suffer as a result of faith to take comfort in God of vengeance who judges the wicked and vindicates the godly (Psalm 94).  They may be empowered to show love and bring hope to those suffer oppression. Bibles, hymnals, and Christian literature will reach the people as God prepared their hearts for the gospel.

4.       Protection for children who are soldiers, orphans, refugees, trafficked to neighbouring countries and put into prostitution, or forced into labour by the military regime.

5.       The spiritual and physical needs of over 2 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs) be met: funding and supplies, including basic necessities such food, clothing, medicine, and security.

6.       Those who are unjustly imprisoned be released and that torture, starvation, and humiliation will end. 

7.       Protection for the ethnic women from rape and forced labour and murder.

Reference:

1.       CIA Factbook, December 16, 2004

2.       http://www.voanews.com/english/2004-12-17-voa56.cfm

3.       The International Religious Freedom Report (released September 15, 2004)