Commission of Inquiry in Burma

C A M P A IG N C O N C E P T P A P E R

30 March 2011

Campaign Goal: Achieve a United Nations Commission of Inquiry (CoI) with a

specific fact-finding mandate to investigate crimes against humanity and war
crimes in Burma in order to end ongoing human rights violations in Burma.

Objectives:

• For more governments to support a CoI; and

• For those governments that have already expressed support to take
concrete steps to bring about the establishment of a CoI.
• A UN resolution to include language establishing a CoI.
• For governments that will not support a CoI to refrain from obstructing
the establishment of a CoI.
• Promote greater understanding and/or support amongst civil society,
the public and non-state armed groups for a CoI; participate in actions
to call for a CoI.
• For media to amplify the call for the establishment of a CoI, and to
communicate information and messages supporting a CoI.

Core Message:

Enough is enough. The people of Burma have faced widespread and

systematic violations of their rights for too long. Failure to investigate makes
further abuse inevitable and lasting change impossible. The UN must establish
a Commission of Inquiry to investigate crimes against humanity and war crimes
in Burma.

Key Messages:

The UN must establish a CoI with a fact-finding mandate to investigate crimes

against humanity and war crimes in Burma.

Extensive human rights documentation reveals a pattern of widespread and

systematic human rights violations over a period of many years, some of which
likely entail crimes against humanity or war crimes. All of these violations
continue to occur, some on a daily basis.

• Documented violations include: targeted and indiscriminate attacks

against civilians, on civilian food supplies and on humanitarian
assistance; arbitrary arrest; violence to individuals including torture,
killing and extrajudicial executions; rape and other forms of sexual
violence; conscription and enlistment of child soldiers; forced labor;
forced displacement; and others.

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 • Despite 41 UN resolutions on Burma since 1991, no concrete action has
been taken and human rights violations are ongoing. Civilians in ethnic
states are particularly at risk.

The documented pattern of widespread and systematic human rights

violations over a period of many years indicates that human rights violations
are the result of state policy and practices involving authorities at all levels,
reinforced by a culture of impunity.

Burma’s military regime lacks the willingness and ability to investigate these
crimes.

• The military regime has never adequately investigated these violations,

and has repeatedly denied and ignored these claims. In a September
2010 letter to UN Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana, the regime
claimed, “Concerning allegations of committing crimes against
humanity and war crimes, there is no occurrence of such crimes […].”

• Article 445 of the 2008 Constitution enshrines impunity by granting

immunity from prosecution for state and military personnel.

• There is a lack of rule of law in Burma. Under Burma’s military regime,

law enforcement and judicial bodies are unwilling and unable to
interpret and implement the law evenly in an accessible and
nonpartisan way. Further, certain laws and several provisions in the
Constitution subvert the rule of law by guaranteeing impunity for the
military regime.

• The military regime uses the judiciary as a tool to suppress political

dissent with no regard for due process of law, evidence, and
guarantees for fair trial. Under the 2008 Constitution, the judiciary will
remain a non-independent tool and will be open to corruption and
manipulation from authorities.

• The domestic judicial system is unwilling and unable to adequately

investigate and prosecute the military regime for crimes committed
throughout Burma. Recent changes in domestic politics, including the
new Constitution and parliament, have not equipped civilian institutions
with the ability to investigate, prosecute, or punish crimes by military
actors and will not provide the needed reforms in the foreseeable
future. Further, there is no independent human rights body to monitor
human rights violations or accept complaints.

The regime in Burma has the primary responsibility to address the problem of
gross and systematic human rights violations but has failed to investigate these
crimes. The international community must now assume this responsibility by
establishing a CoI.

• UN Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana, in his September 2010

report to the UN General Assembly report stated, “If the government
fails to assume this responsibility, then the responsibility falls to the
international community.”

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 • The United Nations system is based on justice, human rights, and
accountability.

• CoIs have been effective international mechanisms in various countries,

including Sudan and East Timor, to combat impunity and advance
human rights.

• In 1997, the International Labor Organization (ILO) conducted a CoI in

Burma, which successfully led to law reform on forced labor and the
formalization of the ILO’s presence in the country. This proves that
international investigations into crimes in Burma are possible, and can
achieve positive results that advance human rights.

• Inaction risks emboldening perpetrators of international crimes in Burma

and around the world.

• A CoI is a necessary and proportionate response considering the scale

of rights violations in Burma.

A CoI in Burma already has significant support in and outside Burma.

• Burma’s democracy and ethnic organizations, including the National

League for Democracy, 88 Generation Students, All Burma Monks’
Alliance, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners - Burma, Burma
Lawyers Council, Karen National Union, Karenni National Progressive
Party and Women’s League of Burma have supported a CoI.

• Sixteen governments have already endorsed the establishment of a CoI

(Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
France, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Slovakia, United Kingdom, and United States of America).

• In December 2009, 442 Parliamentarians worldwide signed a letter

supporting a CoI.

• In May 2010, the European Parliament passed a resolution that

supported the establishment of a CoI in Burma.

• The current UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Tomás

Ojea Quintana, and two former Special Rapporteurs, Paulo Sérgio
Pinheiro, and Yozo Yokota, have supported or called for a CoI.

• Fifteen Nobel laureates, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, President

Mikhail Gorbachev, President Jose Ramos Horta, Amartya Sen, and
Jody Williams have supported a CoI.

• Numerous international non-governmental organizations have

expressed support for a CoI, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty
International, the International Center for Transitional Justice and the
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).

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Potential value of a CoI:

Facilitate truth-seeking

Establishing the facts is a vital step towards properly addressing these crimes,
as well as a powerful process in itself. The military regime has refused to
acknowledge past and present crimes, despite overwhelming evidence to the
contrary. A commission that pursues the truth provides survivors and
communities an opportunity to challenge the regime’s claims. This can serve
to empower individuals and groups and validate their grievances. Verification
of the facts is also a necessary first step towards recommending appropriate
means to seek justice.    

Prevent future human rights violations

The establishment of a CoI will draw increased attention to decades of human

rights violations in Burma, including ongoing cases. This can serve to facilitate
awareness of human rights norms and standards among communities and
institutions in Burma, including individuals at all levels of Burma’s military
regime. It places perpetrators and potential perpetrators on notice that the
world is watching, and their actions have consequences. In addition, the
commission’s recommendations would likely include steps to develop and
enhance domestic protection mechanisms, including the rule of law.

Support efforts to bring about peace and national reconciliation

The regime routinely carries out attacks on ethnic communities in order to

assert their political control and oppress these communities. These attacks
have resulted in deep divisions and lack of mutual trust in Burma’s multi-ethnic
society. This leaves Burma at risk of continued tension and conflict.

Genuine and sustainable national reconciliation requires open and honest

dialogue and a commitment by all parties to acknowledge the truth of the
past and address issues of the present. After years of authoritarian military rule
where freedoms of expression and press have been severely curtailed, any
reconciliation efforts that do not include a truth seeking component will be
severely flawed. A CoI will help ensure that acknowledgement of the
violations that people in Burma have suffered is included in national
reconciliation efforts.

Promoting the rule of law also adds to the development of strong democratic
institutions, which are necessary for lasting peace and stability.

Address the lack of accountability and end impunity

Domestic institutions will not address these crimes and take appropriate
measures against perpetrators. The necessary willingness and capacity are
both absent in Burma’s military regime. This not only denies survivors the
opportunity for acknowledgment of crimes as well as justice, but perpetuates
a culture of impunity in which more human rights violations and crimes are
likely to occur. An independent international investigation that conclusively
determines the nature and scope of crimes can lead towards
recommendations on, and implementation of, appropriate means of
accountability for perpetrators and justice for survivors. It also contributes to

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the development of a judicial system that better deters violators of human
rights.

Our Calls:

Firstly, we call on governments around the world to publicly express support for
a Commission of Inquiry, and take concrete steps to bring about the
establishment of the commission.

Secondly, we call on the United Nations to establish a Commission of Inquiry

into crimes against humanity and war crimes in Burma.

Thirdly, we call on the current regime and all non-state armed groups to
cooperate with the international community and the United Nations in the
establishment of a Commission of Inquiry.

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 Commission of Inquiry in Burma
C A M P A IG N M A TR IX O R G A N IZ E D B Y TA R G E T A U D IE N C E

AUDIENCE OPPORTUNITIES OBJECTIVES CURRENT PERSPECTIVE ACTIVITIES ACTOR TOOLS

Governments Policy makers who Public statements 16 countries in support; Hold meetings with FACT, ND- Distribute
and UN support a CoI in support of CoI limited action policy makers Burma, WLB, campaign
institutions BLC, briefers,
Gather MP International reports
Overall goals: endorsements advocacy
and solidarity
For more
governments to groups
support of a CoI; Mongolia, South At least one Asian Zero Asian countries in Hold meetings with FACT, ND- Distribute
and
Korea, Philippines, or ASEAN support; generally policy makers Burma, WLB, campaign
For those Indonesia, Japan, government public opposed, concerned over BLC, BP, briefers,
governments that Timor Leste, statement of national and regional AIPMC, reports;
have already Maldives support impacts ASEAN people’s Altsean, BP, Corporate
expressed support
to take concrete tribunal on CSR SAPA, Shwe impunity doc
steps to bring Policy makers who Gas
about the support a CoI
establishment of a ASEAN People’s Altsean, Campaign
CoI Tribunal on Burma SAPA/TFAB, briefers,
SEACA, AIPMC, banners,
A UN resolution to CICC, SIB, ND-
include language
leaflets,
Burma, FBC-
establishing a CoI Phils, FACT,
video
WLB, BLC,
survivors
EU resolution Maintain strong EU 12 EU member states in Lobby EU member FIDH, BCUK, campaign
drafting team common position support; EU moving states, particularly those NCGUB, briefers, CoI
Policy makers who towards increased with potential to swing FACT, briefing on
support a CoI engagement with regime the decision FORUM-ASIA political
prisoners,
reports

Lobbying targeted Letters to

countries before April: EBN, EPCB ambassadors
Denmark, Latvia, (EBN), foreign
Luxemburg, Sweden ministers
(EPCB)
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Global Civil High profile High profile Desmond Tutu (the Elders), High-profile individuals USCB, BCUK, Leaflet
Society and individuals already individuals’ public Shirin Ebadi, NWI, Ramos make statements, op- BP
individuals expressing support support of CoI Hortas, Vaclav Havel eds, interviews, etc. FAQs,
have already expressed supporting CoI International including
Overall goal: BCUK has support for CoI and regional international
Promote greater
upcoming project Heroes’ Gallery solidarity and regional
understanding
and/or support with BCSA. Possible groups language
amongst civil tie in with Desmond Public speaking and ASEAN-
society, public, Tutu seminars ASEAN: TFAB, tailored
state and non-state
FORUM-ASIA, campaign
armies for a CoI;
participate in Adelle Lutz, actress SEACA, materials
actions to call for a in role of Daw TFAHR, SIB,
CoI Aung San Suu Kyi; AIPMC, FBC Videos,
Manny Pacquiao Philippines photos

Logo/symbol
for CoI, T-shirt
Cambodia’s Meetings Limited knowledge of High-profile individuals USCB, BCUK, Leaflet
tribunal experience with/pressure on crimes against humanity, make statements, op- BP
High profile governments to CoI among global civil eds, interviews, etc. FAQs,
Individuals already support CoI society supporting CoI International translated
expressing support and regional into
No action towards CoI Raise awareness in solidarity international
International among solidarity groups in ACSC and other groups and regional
experts, ICTJ Asia regional forums languages
- workshops on CoI ASEAN: TFAB,
Some action towards CoI FORUM-ASIA, ASEAN-
among Western solidarity Petition SEACA, tailored
groups TFAHR, SIB, campaign
Signatures of 80,000 AIPMC, FBC materials
Karen villagers already Philippines
collected by KNU Videos,
photos

Logo/symbol
for CoI, T-shirt

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High profile Public action to Connect with civil USCB, BCUK Leaflet
Individuals already raise public society involved in BP, Altsean-
expressing support awareness in advocacy and Burma FAQs,
communities implementation of translated
Cambodia’s tribunals International into
tribunal experience and regional international
Getting involvement solidarity and regional
with ASEAN people’s groups languages
tribunals
ASEAN: TFAB, ASEAN-
Raise awareness in FORUM-ASIA, tailored
ACSC and other SEACA, campaign
regional forums TFAHR, SIB, materials
AIPMC, FBC
Philippines Videos,
photos

Logo/symbol
for CoI, T-shirt
Academic More academic Harvard Law School Connect with BP, USCB Attending
resources: RCSD @ support and “Crimes in Burma” report academics and events at
Chiang Mai exposure for CoI calls for CoI; not a universities International universities
University, Professor through frequently discussed or and regional
Decha Tangseefa, publications and researched issue Specifically try to solidarity Dialogue and
Kavi seminars connect with ASEAN groups meetings
Chongkittavorn, Dr. universities and think
Vit Suvanvanichkij tanks, e.g. CMU, Joint
Mahidol University, etc. publications

Speak at Campaign
panels/seminars, briefers,
presentations with reports
university students

Proposed FCOB report

on humanitarian crisis
on border

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Burma Groups CICC, ICTJ, HRW, Consultation, input, Limited understanding, Petition BP, Burma Leaflets, also
and individuals AI. FIDH, Conectas and endorsement, some support groups on in ethnic
especially from Consultations, meetings the border languages
Overall goal: individual survivors, and abroad
Promote greater
on COI substance Workshops: messaging, FAQs, talking
understanding
and/or support and campaign public speaking, CoI International points,
amongst civil knowledge, and regional presentation
society, public, solidarity tools
state and non-state
Videos groups
armies for a CoI;
participate in BLC/HREIB
actions to call for a Collaboration with past work as
CoI environment groups for examples
APT
CICC, ICTJ Consultation and Limited understanding, Consultations and List of media
endorsement from some agreement, some meetings contacts
ethnic armed concerns
groups
Media Link to well known Features, articles, Large number of journalists Develop stronger USCB, BCUK Documentary
term: “crimes and editorials that and media figures support relationships with BP, ALTSEAN, (BPHWT,
Overall goal: For against humanity” facilitate or support the Burma movement journalists and media BCD Burma Issues),
media to amplify
a CoI, including figures via press photos, op-
the call for the
establishment of Emerging/new human interest General lack of conferences, one on eds
CoI, and to cases stories/personal understanding and interest one meetings,
communicate accounts, in CoI researching and Media
information and
“Impunity”- popular including child reaching out to media package:
messages
supporting CoI term in ASEAN soldiers (Cheery, press
Maung Maung releases,
international statements,
editorial boards Features on crimes briefings etc.
against humanity Facilitate exposure trips BP, BCUK, Leaflets
Friendly regional to the Thai-Burma USCB
editorial boards Border Lists of media
contacts
ASEAN people’s
tribunals List of orgs in
touch with
ACSC, ASEAN survivors
summit (internal)
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All Groups Organizations with Liaise with Support for CoI Meetings, consultations, BP, Altsean- Listserv
expertise – CICC, individuals and workshops Burma as
ICTJ, HRW, AI, FIDH organizations with connectors Dialogue and
expertise on CoI, meetings
UN, etc. to
strengthen calls Reports

Ensure information Resource sharing, BP, Altsean- Listserv

sharing and including websites Burma, BCUK,
collaboration USCB, BLC, Websites
amongst groups FORUM-ASIA,
involved in the etc.
campaign

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 N O T E S O N E V E N TS A N D M A TE R IA L S

E v e n ts

W o m e n o f B u rm a D a y a n d D a w A u n g S a n S u u K y i’s B irth d a y – 1 9
June

F ro m 1 8 to 1 9 J u n e , th e W o rk in g G ro u p o f th e A S E A N C o m m issio n
o n W o m e n a n d C h ild re n w ill m e e t in In d o n e sia . Th is d a te
c o in c id e s w ith W o m e n o f B u rm a D a y a n d D a w A u n g S a n S u u K y i’s
b irth d a y o n 1 9 J u n e . W e h o p e to lin k th e s e th re e e v e n ts to p u t th e
s p o tlig h t o n th e liv e s o f w o m e n a n d c h ild re n in B u rm a , in
p a rtic u la r th e h u m a n rig h ts v io la tio n s th e y fa c e u n d e r th e m ilita ry
d ic ta to rs h ip .

Th e p ro p o se d e v e n t w o u ld b e a so lid a rity n ig h t fo r th e w o m e n
a n d c h ild re n o f B u rm a , a n d m a y in c lu d e a m u ra l a n d / o r b a n n e r
fo r m e s s a g e s , im a g e s a n d p h o to s o f s u b je c ts in c lu d in g D a w A u n g
S a n S u u K y i, w o m e n fro m e th n ic c o m m u n itie s, a n d h u m a n rig h ts
v io la tio n su rv iv o rs. Th e e v e n t w o u ld d e m o n stra te b o th th e stre n g th
a n d fra g ility o f w o m e n a n d c h ild re n in B u rm a .

E n d o rs e m e n t D riv e

Th e o v e ra rc h in g g o a l o f th e e n d o rse m e n t d riv e is to so lic it

e n d o rse m e n ts fro m M P s a n d th e U N (B a n K i-m o o n ) fo r a
c o m m issio n o f in q u iry in B u rm a . Th is p ro je c t w ill b e tw o p ro n g e d :
o n e a sp e c t w ill in v o lv e e n c o u ra g in g in te rn a tio n a l a n d re g io n a l
s o lid a rity g ro u p s a n d in d iv id u a ls a ro u n d th e w o rld to w rite to th e ir
M P s c a llin g o n th e m to p u b lic a lly su p p o rt a c o m m issio n o f in q u iry
in B u rm a , a n d fu rth e r to ta k e c o n c re te a c tio n to h e lp b rin g a b o u t
th e in q u iry ; th e o th e r w ill in v o lv e b rin g in g to g e th e r in d iv id u a ls
fro m B u rm a , th e b o rd e r-b a s e d c o m m u n itie s a n d th e d ia s p o ra to
ta rg e t th e U N a n d B a n K i-m o o n to c a ll fo r a C o I.

A S E A N P e o p le ’s T rib u n a l (A P T)

A S E A N P e o p le ’s T rib u n a l w ill te n ta tiv e ly ta k e p la c e tw ic e d u rin g

2 0 1 1 ; o n e w ith a fo c u s o n C o rp o ra te S o c ia l R e sp o n sib ility (C S R ),
a n d a n o th e r o n B u rm a .

Th e A P T o n C S R te n ta tiv e ly w ill ta k e p la c e o n 2 M a y , th e d a y
b e fo re th e A S E A N C iv il S o c ie ty C o n fe re n c e (A C S C ), in v o lv in g
re g io n a l c iv il so c ie ty , a n d fo c u sin g o n th e e le m e n t o f c o rp o ra te
im p u n ity in v o lv e d in h u m a n rig h ts v io la tio n s. Th is w ill lik e ly in c lu d e
te s tim o n ia ls fro m s u rv iv o rs , re c o m m e n d a tio n s fro m N G O
p e rs o n n e l, a n d v e rd ic ts fro m e m in e n t p e rso n s fro m th e A S E A N
re g io n .

Th e A P T o n B u rm a w ill lo o k sp e c ific a lly a t ra p e a s a w e a p o n o f

w a r a n d th e re c ru itm e n t o f c h ild so ld ie rs, a s th e y a re h u m a n rig h ts

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v io la tio n s sp e c ific to B u rm a ra th e r th a n th e w h o le A S E A N re g io n .
Th is w ill se rv e to h ig h lig h t th e g ra v ity a n d e x c e p tio n a lity o f h u m a n
rig h ts v io la tio n s in B u rm a .

ASEAN Day/8888

Th e a n n iv e rs a ry o f th e u p ris in g o f 8 A u g u st 1 9 8 8 h a s a lw a y s b e e n
a n im p o rta n t d a y fo r c iv il s o c ie ty in B u rm a . G ro u p s o fte n
c o m m e m o ra te th is sig n ific a n t m o m e n t in B u rm a ’s h isto ry .
H o w e v e r, th is d a y a ls o c o in c id e s w ith “ A S E A N D a y ,” a n d a s s u c h is
a n im p o rta n t d a y fo r re g io n a l c iv il so c ie ty a s w e ll. Th e p ro p o se d
a c tio n w ill c o n tra s t th e im a g e o f th e g lo rifie d a n d fa n ta s tic a l
“ A S E A N c o m m u n ity ” w ith th e re a lity o f h u m a n rig h ts v io la tio n s a n d
re p re ssio n in B u rm a . S e e th e fo llo w in g v id e o p re se n tin g a h ig h ly
id e a lize d a n d in a c c u ra te im a g e o f th e A S E A N c o m m u n ity :
h ttp :/ / w w w .y o u tu b e .c o m / w a tc h ? v = a iQ h q N -N d Q c

M a te ria ls

• FAQ
o A d o c u m e n t e x p la in in g in s im p le te rm s a b o u t C o I a n d
th e c a m p a ig n , in c lu d in g th e g o a l, th e m e th o d o lo g y ,
ta rg e ts , e tc .
• L e a fle t
o A d o c u m e n t fo r p u b lic c a m p a ig n in g . Q u ic k
in tro d u c tio n to th e c a m p a ig n a n d its g o a ls. In te n d e d
to d ra w a u d ie n c e s to le a rn m o re a n d b e c o m e
e n g a g e d in th e c a m p a ig n
• V id e o
o A v id e o w ith fo o ta g e d is p la y in g c rim e s a g a in s t
h u m a n ity a n d / o r w a r c rim e s in B u rm a . O rg a n iz a tio n s
th a t m a y h a v e e x te n s iv e u s e fu l fo o ta g e in c lu d e B a c k
P a c k H e a lth W o rk e r Te a m a n d B u rm a Issu e s .
o A n o th e r v id e o c o u ld in c lu d e v id e o te s tim o n ia ls fro m
s u rv iv o rs , e ith e r c o n c e a lin g o r re v e a lin g th e ir id e n tity ,
d e p e n d in g o n th e ir p re fe re n c e . Th is c o u ld b e u se d to
d ra w s u p p o rt fo r a C o I a n d / o r u se d d u rin g th e A S E A N
P e o p le Trib u n a ls .
• H e ro e s ' G a lle ry
o P rin t a n d w e b re s o u rc e w ith q u o te s fro m “ h e ro e s ”
v o c a liz in g su p p o rt fo r a C o I.
o Th is w o u ld in c lu d e q u o te s fro m in te rn a tio n a l fig u re s
s u c h a s D e s m o n d T u tu , e th n ic le a d e rs , h e a d s o f s ta te ,
e tc .
o W o u ld in c lu d e v id e o , q u o te s , p h o to s .
• R e p o rts
o A c o m p ila tio n o f s tro n g a n d c o m p re h e n s iv e re p o rts
d o c u m e n tin g c rim e s a g a in s t h u m a n ity a n d w a r c rim e s .
o C a n b e u se d a s a re so u rc e fo r o rg a n iz a tio n s w o rk in g
o n th e c a m p a ig n , a n d a lso fo r lo b b y in g p u rp o se s .

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 o 1 0 0 D a y R e p o rt: M a n y in te rn a tio n a l g o v e rn m e n ts h a v e
s ta te d th a t th e re is a n e e d to “ w a it a n d s e e ” if
c h a n g e d e v e lo p s in B u rm a fo llo w in g th e e le c tio n s. In
o rd e r to a d d re ss th is se n tim e n t, it w a s p ro p o se d th a t
g ro u p s c o m p ile a re p o rt o n th e first 1 0 0 d a y s a fte r th e
c o n v e n in g o f p a rlia m e n t, d o c u m e n tin g c o n tin u e d
h u m a n rig h ts v io la tio n s a n d p o litic a l re p re ssio n in th is
1 0 0 d a y p e rio d . T h is w ill s e rv e a s b o th a lo b b y in g a n d
c a m p a ig n in g d o c u m e n t.
• M e d ia P a c k a g e
o P re ss re le a se s a n d m e d ia a d v iso rie s
o F ly e r a b o u t th e c a m p a ig n
o B rie fe r o n h u m a n rig h ts v io la tio n s in B u rm a
• P o s te rs / L o g o , e tc .
o P o s te r a n d lo g o d e s ig n s fo r g ro u p s to u s e o n th e ir
w e b site s, p rin t m a te ria l, a n d p u b lic c a m p a ig n in g .
C a m p a ig n lo g o s:

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 Commission of Inquiry in Burma
C A M P A IG N T IM E L IN E F O R 2 0 1 1

Timeline Activity Who

Ongoing
Lobbying governments FACT, AIPMC, Altsean, FBC-
Philippines/IID, COHRE, FIDH,
Lobbying the High Commissioner and the OHCHR in Geneva BP, FORUM-ASIA, ND-Burma,
WLB, BLC, USCB, BCUK, EBN
Reaching out to high profile people for statements/interviews etc. USCB, FIDH, Altsean, BCUK,
FORUM-ASIA, BP (Manny
Pacquiao and Michelle Yeoh)
Sharing materials, resources, information via listserv and websites
February
10 Consultation with Burma groups BP
12-13 EBN
14-15 EU Parliamentary Network meeting
Consultations with international and regional groups
Around 21-24 Lobbying trip to the Philippines (parliamentary hearings and public FACT
forums) – reach out to the MP Manny Pacquiao
Around 27-28 Trip to Jakarta (meeting with AIPMC & SIB; ACSC preparatory meeting) BP, TFAB
22 Circulate draft campaign proposal to BP WG members and groups from BP
BKK planning meeting
22 February-4 March UN Commission on the Status of Women (review theme: elimination of all
forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child)
24 Deadline for feedback on campaign proposal All groups to BP
28 February-25 March 16th session of the UN Human Rights Council BF-UPR, FORUM-ASIA, FIDH
March
8 International Women’s Day
9-12 Messaging / media strategy workshop for border based Burma groups
10 88 Generation Students leader Ko Mya Aye Birthday; Lobbying targeted BCUK

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 embassies with media support
13 Burma Human Rights Day
14 UN Human Rights Council to discuss Burma; UN Special Rapporteur on FORUM-ASIA, FIDH
human rights in Burma to issue report - Oral statements during the
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur
18 UNHRC to table resolution on Burma
Last week First draft of FAQs Altsean, BP to review

April
ASAP Set up listserv BCUK/BP
4 UN Mine Awareness Day
First week Outreach to organizations to officially endorse the campaign BP
Second week Draft of leaflet (circulate for others to review) BP
List of reports on CoI and crimes against humanity and war crimes BP
18 EU Foreign Affairs Committee to agree on Common Decision
Third week Deadline for feedback on leaflet All groups to BP
Translation of leaflet BP (regional and ethnic with
the help of WG); Altsean
(Thai); others (French, Spanish,
etc.)
22 Deadline for official endorsements of campaign BP to collect
Last week Proposed launch of MP/Foreign Ministry letter writing campaign (toolkit BP
to follow in coming weeks)
End of April 5th AICHR meeting TFAB/BP
Interface meeting with drafting team/AICHR for civil society input on
ADHR
Submit case submissions to AICHR demonstrating need for CoI
May
Lobbying and public pressure on African countries (focus on Botswana, Burma Campaign South
Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, and Sierra Leone) Africa, BCUK, EBN
2 ASEAN People’s Public Hearing on Corporate Social Responsibility SAPA

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3-5 ACSC
7-8 ASEAN Summit
Second week Report on crimes during first 100 days of parliament (to show the situation FIDH? ND-Burma?
has not changed)
Third week Ethnic groups to issue statements in support of CoI FACT, NCGUB
Video documentary on violations BPHWT, Burma Issues
29-30 National training on civil society engagement with ASEAN – raise CoI SAPA TFAHR
(Unconfirmed if inside Burma or outside)
30 Anniversary of Depayin Massacre
30 May – 17 June 17th Session of UNHRC and UPR Plenary Session on Burma (Oral FORUM-ASIA, BF-UPR, FIDH
statements, parallel event on CoI, etc) (to be followed by HRC Resolution
in June)
30 May – 17 June 57th Session of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
June
Discussions start on UNGA Resolution
TBC Briefing on European Parliament Resolutions on Burma BCUK
5-9 6th AICHR meeting
19 Women of Burma Day / DASSK Birthday
18-19 Working Group meeting of ACWC WLB, TFAB/BP
Statement linking ACWC w/ Women of Burma Day
Action – evening event commemorating women and children survivors
of human rights violations. Include a mural/banner for messages, images,
etc showing solidarity with women in Burma.
20 World Refugee Day
22 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture AAPP?
Global public actions to conclude letter writing campaign
July
Lobbying and public pressure on EU countries re: UNGA Resolution BCUK
TBC Report on the Responsibility to Protect and CoI Burma Justice Committee
4 Updated version of briefing on UNGA BCUK
August
8 Anniversary of 8.8.88 BP, Regional partners, Burma

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 Worldwide protests (incorporate call for CoI) groups
ASEAN DAY (founding of ASEAN) – highlight Burma in regional protests
Contrast images of 8888, human rights violations in Burma to the idea of
“ASEAN Community”
September
TBC UN Security Council Resolution 1325
2nd ACWC meeting
6-7 Statement on child soldiers and rape as a weapon of war – introduce WLB
plans for ASEAN People’s Tribunal on Burma TFAB/BP
13 September - 28 66th Session of the UN General Assembly Lobbying: FACT, NCGUB, WLB,
December FIDH, Altsean, HRW
12-30 18th session of the UN HRC BF-UPR, FORUM-ASIA, FIDH
Mid-September Release of report and documentary video on torture ND-Burma
15 International Day of Democracy
18-24 AIPA AIPMC
21 International Day of Peace WLB
Local awareness raising in border areas
27 Anniversary of Saffron Revolution
Inspiring messages/op-eds from monks (Ashin Sopaka and King Zero)
October
UNGA lobbying NCGUB, FACT, FIDH, HRW,
USCB
ASEAN People’s Tribunal on Burma BP, CICC, FBC-Phils/IID
TBC ACSC TFAB
17-23 TBC ASEAN Summit Altsean-Burma, BP, TFAB
November
25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Local awareness raising in border areas WLB
December
10 International Human Rights Day

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 Commission of Inquiry in Burma
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS

Acronyms

AAPP Assistance Association for Political Prisoners - Burma

ACSC* ASEAN Civil Society Conference

ACWC* ASEAN Commission on Promotion and Protection of Rights

of Women and Children

ADHR ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights

AI Amnesty International

AICHR* ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission for Human Rights

AIPA* ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly

AIPMC** ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus

Altsean-Burma Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma

ASEAN * Association of Southeast Asian Nations

BCD Burma Centre Delhi

BCSA Burma Campaign South Africa

BCUK Burma Campaign UK

BF-UPR Burma Forum on the Universal Periodic Review

BLC Burma Lawyers’ Council

BP Burma Partnership

BPHWT Back Pack Health Worker Team

CICC Coalition for the International Criminal Court

CMU Chiang Mai University

EBN European Burma Network

EU European Union

FACT Foreign Affairs Coordinating Team (for FDB, NCGUB, NCUB,

NYF, SYCB, WLB)

FAT Foreign Affairs Training

FBC Philippines Free Burma Coalition-Philippines

FCOB Forum of Burma’s Community Based Organizations

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FDB Forum for Democracy in Burma

FIDH International Federation for Human Rights

FORUM-ASIA Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development

HREIB Human Rights Education Institute of Burma

HRW Human Rights Watch

ICTJ International Center for Transitional Justice

IID** Initiative for International Dialogue

KNU Karen National Union

NCGUB National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma

NCUB National Council of the Union of Burma

ND-Burma Network for Human Rights Documentation - Burma

NWI Nobel Women’s Initiative

NYF Nationalities Youth Forum

OHCHR Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

RCSD Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable

Development at Chiang Mai University

SAPA** Solidarity for Asian People's Advocacy

SEACA** Southeast Asian Committee for Advocacy

SIB Solidaritas Indonesia untuk Burma (Indonesian Solidarity for

Burma)

SYCB Students and Youth Congress of Burma

TFAB** Task Force on ASEAN and Burma

TFAHR** Task Force on ASEAN and Human Rights

UNGA United Nations General Assembly

UNHRC United Nations Human Rights Council

UPR Universal Periodic Review

USCB United States Campaign for Burma

WLB Women’s League of Burma

* ASEAN regional body

** ASEAN regional organization or network

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Burma Partnership Working Group Members

Burmese Alliance Organizations:

Forum for Democracy in Burma
Nationalities Youth Forum
Students and Youth Congress of Burma

Regional Solidarity Networks:

Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Asia Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC)

National Solidarity Coalitions:

Solidaritas Indonesia untuk Burma (Indonesian Solidarity for Burma)
Free Burma Coalition-Philippines
Burma Campaign Korea
Hong Kong Coalition for a Free Burma
People’s Forum on Burma (Japan)

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