Interactive Session on Changing Policies in Burma: Opportunities and Challenges
- at Press Club, Guwahati, 9th March 2012 -

Guwahati, 9th March 2012

Series of reforms were observed in Burma since the general elections in November 2010 and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest for almost 15 of the past 21 years. The year 2011 witnessed the most fascinating and historic moment in Burma after the new government took office in March.

Significant political developments include negotiation between the new government and pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, ceasefire agreements with ethnic armed groups, the suspension of the unpopular Myitsone dam, release of political prisoners, formation of the NHRC, relaxation of media censorship, developments in parliament such as enactment of a new labor law that allows formation of labor unions, the passage of a bill permitting peaceful protest, and amendments to Political Party Registration and Election Laws that allows Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy to register as a party to contest in the upcoming by-election on 1 April 2012.

Continuing waves of reforms in 2011 and 2012 including the release of several prominent political prisoners by the Burmese government in January give optimism to many international observers, people in the country and governments around the world that Burma is finally on the track to irreversible reforms. Nevertheless, it will be too early to assume that the reform is irreversible when there are many serious questions still to answer and challenges to be addressed in the country. The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Burma, Tomás Ojea Quintana during his visit to the country in February 2012 cautions that “There is a risk of backtracking on the progress achieved thus far." He said "At this crucial moment in the country’s history, further and sustained action should be taken to bring about further change."

The UN human rights expert said that the upcoming by-elections on 1 April will be a key test of how far the Government has progressed in its process of reform. “It is therefore essential that they are truly free, fair, inclusive and transparent.” The elections held in November 2010 were discredited in the course of controlled advanced votes and frauds.

In light of political reforms in Burma ethnic issues should be a key example in probing whether Burma is making continued progress towards genuine democracy and national reconciliation. Emphasizing on broader national reconciliation, Tomás Ojea Quintana affirmed to address the root causes of the conflict, including systematic discrimination, displacement and economic deprivation affecting ethnic minorities. “I therefore renew my call to the Government to develop a comprehensive plan to officially engage ethnic minority groups in serious and inclusive dialogue to resolve long-standing grievances and deep-rooted concerns.”

In the current situation it is essential for international community and neighboring countries especially India to support and encourage Burma in its effort to reform for genuine democratization and national reconciliation in the country.

Burma Centre Delhi (BCD) in collaboration with Journalist Forum Assam (JFA) is organizing “Interactive Session on Changing Policies in Burma: Opportunities and Challenges” at the Press Club, Guwahati, Assam on 9th March 2012 at 10 am. The purpose of this discussion is to update the current situation in Burma, to assess the challenges and opportunities of political reforms, and to come up with appropriate strategy to respond in a constructive approach.

We are pleased to invite you to be part of our upcoming discussion as your participation will be very important to further encourage Burma in its ongoing reforms.

See the report on India-Burma Relations : Trends and Development 1990 - 2011

Warm regards,

Alana Golmei
Coordinator, Burma Centre Delhi

Nava Thakuria
Secretary, Journalist Forum Assam

Burma Centre Delhi (BCD)
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Vikas Puri, New Delhi -110018, India
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