"Peace and stability have been restored in Myanmar, and life has returned to normal all over the country." Thus spoke the UN envoy to Burma, Kyaw Tint Swe, to the United Nations Security Council on November 13. Unfortunately, Swe's comments do not reflect the reality of the situation on the ground in Burma, where AJWS is working closely with those fighting for democracy and human rights.
In August and September of 2007, mass demonstrations swept across Burma. The Burmese government had removed fuel subsidies, and the price of diesel and petrol quickly rose by 100 percent. Hundreds gathered on the streets of Rangoon, Burma's largest city, to speak out against the price hike. In defiance of government threats, thousands of Burmese monks joined the demonstrations, protesting not only the fuel hikes but also continued state oppression. A total of 246 demonstrations occurred in 66 towns and cities across the country. The powerful image of these highly revered monks captured the world's attention and led to the coining of the term the "Saffron Revolution."
The Burmese government cracked down violently on demonstrators, tear-gassing crowds, arresting hundreds and killing many. An estimated 4,000 monks were detained and deported to prison camps, and 52 monasteries were raided.
While the government stated that few people were killed, it is estimated that the death toll is significantly higher: AJWS' sources report that more than 200 activists were killed. Visits from a UN special envoy appointed especially to negotiate a solution to the protracted conflict in the country, as well as to highlight condemnation by the international community, offered hope for many. Unfortunately, following the initial wave of worldwide support, international efforts on behalf of the country's pro-democracy movement faded quickly. In addition, a media blackout banned or shut down almost all communications lines.Full_Report (pdf* format - 3.3 Mbytes)
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