London, UK — To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights the world celebrates International Human Rights Day. In this spirit, Burma Human Rights Network calls upon the world to reflect and respond to the ongoing human rights abuses in Burma. With the genocide of the Rohingya, the degradation of the rights of Burmese Muslims, the abuses against civilians in the Kachin Region, the detention of journalists, and several other ongoing issues, it is vital that the world fulfills the obligations it committed to 70 years ago.

“While we celebrate the anniversary of the UN’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the achievements thereafter, we must also take a sober and honest look at the work that remains ahead. In Burma, this work is needed desperately for the marginalized and the vulnerable. The victory of human rights in the world remains incomplete as long as these issues are unresolved,” said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.

While human rights abuses in Burma have drastically increased over the past 5 years, the world has been unfortunately slow to respond. Some have seemed to hold out hope that a democratic transition would succeed and benefit all equally, while others may have turned a blind eye to increasing abuses to further investment into Burma. In either case, the world is overdue to acknowledge and address the serious issues which remain in the country. In the memory of those who first adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the world must recall its duty to the most vulnerable among them who suffer under tyranny and unchecked abuses.

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.