Burma Theme

The Situation: Burma (or Myanmar as it is officially called) is currently ruled by one of the most callous regimes on the planet. A military junta has controlled the country since 1962, relying heavily on a policy of fear and intimidation to rule. The military regularly conscript children to fight as soldiers, and crushed democratic elections in 1988. Just this past year, the 'Saffron Revolution' occurred, with thousands of Buddhist monks protesting the regime. In the resulting crackdown, the monks were slaughtered.
Like Sudan, Burma has very little international credibility. And like Sudan, one of the few governments with a good relationship with Burma is China. China, as of yet, has not brought its significant political/economic power to bear on its client state.

What We're Doing: DHRC is working to create an event where Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the democratic opposition in Burma, does not come to speak. You read that last sentence right. Aung San Suu Kyi, a national symbol of hope to Burma, has been under house arrest for years, imprisoned by the military junta. Our un-event will instead feature a documentary and discussion about Ms. Suu Kyi and Burma.

What YOU Can Do (Right Now!): The following links all have actionable campaigns. Many should take only moments to complete.

http://www.freeburmacoalition.org/ (Free Burma Coalition): This site has a debate as to the efficacy of sanctions on Burma and advises how to ethically buy Burmese products, or how to be an ethical tourist.

http://www.ncgub.net/ (National Coalition Government of of the Union of Burma): The official site of the Burmese government-in-exile. The site has several actionable campaigns, including how to help free Ms. Suu Kyi.

http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/ (Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity): Founded by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, this site has a letter protesting the abuses in Burma. It's signed by 72 Nobel Prize recipients. Read it!

http://uscampaignforburma.org/ (US Campaign for Burma): This site has a "Take Action" section, with several easy actions, such as signing petitions online. Occasionally the site does not work; if so, try Googling the UK Campaign for Burma instead.