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Peaceful demonstrators in Myanmar need your support

26 September 2007, 07:15PM

Immediate action is vital to stop the Myanmar Government from using violence. Public rallies to help protect thousands of peaceful protesters in Myanmar will be held across Australia on Thursday, 27 September 2007.

Myanmar is now witnessing mass demonstrations comparable in scale to those in 1988, when security forces violently broke up large-scale pro-democracy demonstrations killing thousands.

Amnesty Internationals Secretary General Irene Khan says the United Nations Security Council must urgently send a mission to Myanmar to take immediate steps to resolve the human rights crisis in Myanmar and stop the violence and bloodshed.

The mission should also discuss with Myanmar authorities how to resolve the countries long-standing human rights problems including the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

The peaceful demonstrations, sparked by sharp increases in fuel prices, have been led by Buddhist monks and have grown in size and number.

"The high risk of a crackdown against the demonstrators makes it imperative for the international community to act urgently. The military government must be told there will be dire costs if they repeat the violent repression as in 1988," says Irene Khan.

"The demonstrators have the right to peacefully express their opinion and the Government of Myanmar has a duty to fully respect this right."

Amnesty International has documented Myanmar's appalling human rights record. More than 1,160 political prisoners are held in deteriorating prison conditions. Child soldiers and forced labour continue to be used. The use of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment are common, especially during interrogation and pre-trial detention.

Demonstration details:

Please wear brown, maroon or saffron clothes, colours worn by the monks who are currently at risk of violence in Myanmar. Avoid wearing full robes as worn by monks as this may be considered inappropriate. Placards will be available to hold.

QLD

Where: Reddacliffe Place, Brisbane (the new Council Building at the top of the mall
When: 27th September 5pm - 6pm
What: Placarding action. (Please wear maroon, saffron or black)
More info: Lilian on 0434007687

ACT

Where: Outside Embassy of Myanmar, 22 Arkana Street, Yarralumla, Canberra
When: 27th September 4pm - 6pm
What: Placarding action
More info: Athena 0434 676 204

NSW

Where: Martin Place, Sydney
When: 27th September 5pm - 6pm
What: Placarding action
More info: Karen 02 8396 7671

TAS

Where: In front of The Treasury Building, 21 Murray Street, Hobart
When: 27th September 5pm - 6:30pm
What: Placarding action encouraging people to honk for human rights in Myanmar
More info: Annalisa 03 6221 1002

SA

Where: Outside the Amnesty International Australia office [80 South Terrace, Adelaide]
When: 27th September 5pm - 6pm
What: Placarding action
More info: Naomi 08 8110 8103

WA

Where: Wesley Church, cnr William and Hay Sts
When: 27th September 3pm - 5pm (to coincide time with other states)
What: Placarding action and encouraging people to honk for human rights in
Myanmar More info: Wendy 08 9476 4802

VIC

Where: Parliament House steps (Spring St, Melbourne)
When: 27th September 5:15pm- 6:30pm
What: Placarding public action - please wear black, maroon or saffron, placards will be provided.
More info: Mirinda 03 9412 0700

Further Information

UN Security Council must deploy urgent mission to Myanmar, 26 September

Comments

Comments are submitted by members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Amnesty International Australia. If you find a comment objectionable please contact the web editor.

6

brad
27 September 2007, 11:16AM Notify the web editor

I agree - any info on a QLD march?

5

kelly
27 September 2007, 10:46AM Notify the web editor

why is there no march in qld??

4

Andrew Graham
27 September 2007, 08:33AM Notify the web editor

Hi, I’m unable to make the rally tonight but would like to take some action to support the monks and the people of Myanmar. What would you suggest as the best possible course of action?
Regards,
Andrew

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