A letter written by Burma’s prominent activist-in-hiding Htay Kywe that urges the UN Security Council to take up the Burma issue has been hand-delivered to the UN.
Similar letters written by other members of the 88 Generation Students group and international celebrities have also urged UN action.
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Htay Kywe |
UN diplomatic sources told The Irrawaddy that the issue of unrest in Burma could be taken up for discussion by the Security Council this month, but it is unlikely that any resolution against Burma would be passed because of the previous stand taken by China in support of the junta.
Dated September 6, Htay Kywe's letter was written on behalf of the ‘88 Generation Students group.
Writing from an undisclosed location in Burma, Htay Kywe said: “We request that you use your good offices to support the adoption of a resolution that ensures protection for Burmese people who express economic and social concerns as well as political opinions.”
The letter was delivered by the Washington-based Burmese activist Aung Din, who is with the US Campaign for Burma.
“He respectfully asks you to bring to the attention of the UN Security Council the situation in Burma and to send your special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Burma as soon as possible,” Aung Din wrote in a cover letter to the UN secretary-general.
There was no immediate response from the UN.
Htay Kywe said more than 150 protestors have been arrested or detained during the current crackdown.
“We, the 88 Generation Students leaders, initiated these peaceful marches not only to protest against the hike in fuel prices, but to bring attention to the immense suffering of the people of Burma. Our goal has always been, and will remain, peaceful transition to a democratic society and national reconciliation through substantive dialogue that is also the objective of the United Nations.”
Htay Kywe noted that recent protests against fuel price increases have been suppressed—at times brutally—by government security forces and government-backed groups, such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Swan Arr Shin.
“Those of us in hiding are under constant threat of arrest and unlawful imprisonment. In addition, our families, friends and relatives are being harassed and threatened constantly. Many of our colleagues and fellow activists have been detained, and we are concerned for their well being. Lately, the Buddhist monks have also come under attack,” the letter said.
Observing that these were early warning signs of more brutal violence, Htay Kywe said the security forces may spark widespread unrest and violence.
“As you are aware, demonstrations are growing in many parts of the country in spite of the violent crackdowns and continuing abduction of protesters by the authorities. Therefore, we urgently need your practical support to prevent the real possibility of further violence and urge you as head of the United Nations to take prompt actions and preventive measures in light of these early warning signs,” Htay Kywe wrote.
Dated September 6, Htay Kywe's letter was written on behalf of the ‘88 Generation Students group.
Writing from an undisclosed location in Burma, Htay Kywe said: “We request that you use your good offices to support the adoption of a resolution that ensures protection for Burmese people who express economic and social concerns as well as political opinions.”
The letter was delivered by the Washington-based Burmese activist Aung Din, who is with the US Campaign for Burma.
“He respectfully asks you to bring to the attention of the UN Security Council the situation in Burma and to send your special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to Burma as soon as possible,” Aung Din wrote in a cover letter to the UN secretary-general.
There was no immediate response from the UN.
Htay Kywe said more than 150 protestors have been arrested or detained during the current crackdown.
“We, the 88 Generation Students leaders, initiated these peaceful marches not only to protest against the hike in fuel prices, but to bring attention to the immense suffering of the people of Burma. Our goal has always been, and will remain, peaceful transition to a democratic society and national reconciliation through substantive dialogue that is also the objective of the United Nations.”
Htay Kywe noted that recent protests against fuel price increases have been suppressed—at times brutally—by government security forces and government-backed groups, such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Swan Arr Shin.
“Those of us in hiding are under constant threat of arrest and unlawful imprisonment. In addition, our families, friends and relatives are being harassed and threatened constantly. Many of our colleagues and fellow activists have been detained, and we are concerned for their well being. Lately, the Buddhist monks have also come under attack,” the letter said.
Observing that these were early warning signs of more brutal violence, Htay Kywe said the security forces may spark widespread unrest and violence.
“As you are aware, demonstrations are growing in many parts of the country in spite of the violent crackdowns and continuing abduction of protesters by the authorities. Therefore, we urgently need your practical support to prevent the real possibility of further violence and urge you as head of the United Nations to take prompt actions and preventive measures in light of these early warning signs,” Htay Kywe wrote.
