London, UK – On this 70th Human Rights Day, the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) condemns the sentencing of Kachin anti-war activists Nang Pu, Lum Zawng and Zau Jat for speaking out against the Burmese military’s crimes. BHRN calls on the National League for Democracy (NLD) government to authorise their immediate release from prison.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948 — a landmark document to which Burma is a signatory. BHRN implores international donors and governments to recognise that the Burmese state continues to violate the fundamental rights promised to all people through this charter.

This is most recently apparent in Friday’s conviction of three Kachin youth leaders for “defaming” the army. Charges were bought against them by a military officer after they spoke publicly about the need to protect displaced civilians in Kachin State’s war zones and called for an end to aerial bombing campaigns. For this, they have begun a six-month prison sentence and have been ordered to pay a 500,000-kyat fine.

“This court decision exemplifies—yet again—Burma’s failure to establish an independent judiciary, to protect freedom of expression, and to stop its oppression of ethnic and religious minorities,” said BHRN Executive Director Kyaw Win. “The rights we should be celebrating today are being abused by both the NLD administration and the military. It is time for them to be held accountable, through sanctions and international legal action.”

Background on the Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.

Media Enquiries
Please contact:

Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
E: [email protected]
T: +44(0) 740 345 2378

Download this press release HERE.