Rights Groups Call on UN Chief to Press Burma on Reforms

Human rights groups are calling on United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to further press Burma's military-backed civilian government to stick the course with reforms.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said upon his arrival that Burma has entered a critical moment against the backdrop of a sequence of political and economic reforms undertaken over the last year.

Ban, who's to satisfy with Burma's President Thein Sein Monday within the administrative capital Naypyidaw, had earlier acknowledged reform in Burma - sometimes called Myanmar - remained fragile with challenges ahead.

“Myanmar (Burma) is barely first and foremost of its transition. Many challenges lie ahead. Many concerns have not begun to be addressed," Ban said. "Yet i'm convinced that we have got an unprecedented opportunity to aid the rustic advance toward a greater future.”  

Ban can also be to fulfill with opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, on Tuesday. Her National League for Democracy (NLD) Party won a landslide victory in recent by-elections but boycotted the primary sitting of parliament last week over wording of the swearing-in oath. Mr. Ban says he's hopeful the difficulty shall be quickly resolved.

Ban's visit comes as European Union policy chief, Catherine Ashton, could also be on an official visit to Burma.  She says international business continues to be searching for further reform before making major investments in Burma.

The EU suspended economic sanctions in place over Burma's past human rights record. Several countries have eased sanctions, including Canada, Australia and Japan. However the U.S. says key sanctions will remain as a leverage to press the govt on reforms.

Debbie Stothard, spokesperson for rights group Alternative ASEAN Network, says substantive reforms are still required in areas equivalent to legislation, in addition to institutional and policy changes.

Stothard says Ban should press Burma's government to maneuver ahead with reform.

“It's extremely important that Mr. Ban Ki-moon just isn't swept up within the euphoria and he should actually be taking a look at the location with plenty of logic and stone-cold sober inspect whether there's indeed reform inside the country and what should be done; that Mr. Ban tells the Burmese authorities that this can be a good start but so much more must be done and far more quickly,” said Stothard.

Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPPB) joint secretary Bo Kyi says the U.N chief should demand the discharge of all political prisoners and an end to army operations in ethnic border areas.

“His visit is important. Maybe the necessity to refer to the solving the difficulty of Burma, especially to prevent the war at the Kachin state and the discharge of political prisoners and other human rights situations; those three issues are really important within the solving those problems Burma won't get peace,” said Bo.

The government has to this point released 659 political prisoners but as may as 900 remain detained.

Ban is usually set to travel to northern Shan state, a key opium growing region where a U.N. poppy eradication program was under way. Aid agencies also expect further international aid and donor funds to circulate the rustic following Ban's visit.

From WhatNewsToday.net

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