The ethnic minorities in Burma are "living in constant fear; fear of when the Burmese [SPDC authorities] are going to knock on the door," and the situation in Burma is at a "critical point," according to the General Secretary of the National Democratic Front (NDF), Zing Cung. No progress has been made in political reform or human rights, and therefore much greater international pressure is required. "The United Nations has passed resolutions every year since 1994, calling for tripartite dialogue and condemning human rights abuses, but it has taken no significant steps," Zing Cung said. "The UN and the international community must take stronger measures." One problem is the differences in approach between the European Union (EU) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The EU has taken a strong stand with sanctions, but ASEAN, and its dialogue partners China and India, have practiced "constructive engagement". There needs to be consistency. "The international community needs one voice, a voice for [greater] diplomatic pressure and sanctions."

While the release of Dr Salai Tun Than and 17 other prisoners of conscience on May 4 should be welcomed, it does not signal significant reform. Widespread systematic gross violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, the use of forced labour, the use of child soldiers, rape, looting, extortion and suppression of political and religious freedom continue to be carried out by the ruling military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)1, in Burma today, particularly among the non-Burman ethnic nationalities2 such as the Karen, Karenni, Shan and Chin.

No progress has been made on political reform since the release from house arrest of National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a year ago. Although her own freedom of movement is to be welcomed, the SPDC attempts to restrict people from meeting with her or attending rallies. Dialogue between the SPDC and NLD has stalled, and the regime appears to have rejected Thailand's offer to mediate between the SPDC and the ethnic groups. Although there have been some signs that the SPDC is interested in talking with the Karen National Union (KNU), the SPDC's pre-condition for talks, that the KNU surrender their arms prior to engaging in dialogue, is unacceptable to the KNU. The Karen rightly expect meaningful assurances that dialogue will lead to progress and that the SPDC will cease carrying out further human rights violations before they can surrender their arms. Evidence from those ethnic groups, such as the Kachin, which have signed ceasefire agreements is not encouraging – even after agreeing a ceasefire, the SPDC has continued to carry out human rights abuses.

This report documents a number of human rights violations, including the use of child soldiers, and extortion of food and alcohol from villagers by SPDC soldiers. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) interviewed a former child soldier who defected from the Burma Army and is being looked after by the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), and two child soldiers who are now in the care of the KNU. This is in addition to another former Burmese child soldier interviewed by CSW in November 2002.

Download full report (198kB PDF)