Burma’s military regime has officially declared that there is to be no more relief given to victims of Cyclone Nargis, a month after the storm devastated the country.
Displaced people sheltering in churches, monasteries, schools and other public buildings are being forcibly evicted, and ordered to return to their homes or to military-controlled camps.
Yet the death toll is estimated to be at least 130,000, and continues to rise. Over 2.5 million people are homeless. Aid is still only trickling in, and while there are some reports that more international aid workers have been allowed into the country, the regime is continuing to obstruct, restrict and delay access for most aid workers.
Bodies continue to float in the floodwaters and hang in trees uncollected, as there are reports that the military has forbidden the burial of bodies, which is spreading disease.
In the midst of the suffering, the country’s military leaders have taken action to further secure their position, driving through a vote on a new constitution, which ensures the cruel regime’s hold on power.
It was announced that the new constitution for the regime to remain in power was “overwhelmingly approved” by Burma’s people.
But it was a sham.
Millions of people were barred from voting. Those who did were intimidated or forced to say “Yes” ensuring all opposition was squashed.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide has been raising concerns about the widespread human rights abuses committed by this brutal regime for two decades.
The regime stands accused of gross human rights abuses, including the use of rape as a weapon of war, forced labour, the destruction of thousands of villages, the forcible conscription of child soldiers, and the use of human minesweepers.
The situation is indeed desperate. So what can we do?
We believe there are three clear steps that should be taken.
- The international community must dismiss the result of the vote on the new Burmese constitution.
- The international community must act by whatever means necessary to deliver aid to cyclone victims who are dying from disease and malnutrition.
- The United Nations Security Council should bring the Burmese Generals to justice before the International Criminal Court.
