Dear New Yorkers for Burma,
Tomorrow, Friday, September 26th, join some of the monks who took to the streets in last year's peaceful uprising to mark the Saffron Revolution's first anniversary. The event will take place in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 47th st. & 1st Ave.
Schedule:
12:00 noon, Interfaith Gathering with spiritual leaders, testimony of Burmese monks who took part in the Saffron Revolution, video from the Saffron Revolution, and prayers
1:00pm, Peace Walk to UN & return to Plaza
2:00-4:00pm, Meditation & prayers
This event is being organized by the International Burmese Monks Organization. For more information call 718-426-3959 or visit www.burmesemonks.org
Last September, 100,000 monks took to the streets. When the military cracked down, scores were killed, thousands were imprisoned and many monks remain unaccounted for or in hiding. We believe that the best way to honor the monks is to continue the struggle that they were marching for. Come, show your support!
Hope that you can make it.
Best,
Thelma Young and Mike Haack
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
AP: Myanmar 1990 election winners want junta's UN seat
Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gpi9eSFK6JZFeUEyHaO56CI94EmgD933H1J80
Myanmar 1990 election winners want junta's UN seat
By EDITH M. LEDERER – 1 hour ago
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The pro-democracy winners of Myanmar's 1990 elections asked the U.N. secretary-general Tuesday to recognize their own representatives in place of the current military rulers' United Nations mission.
A letter from candidates elected to parliament in 1990 challenged the legitimacy of the military government that refused to cede power after a landslide victory by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. The junta has ruled Myanmar, also known as Burma, ever since.
Daw San San, vice president of the Members of Parliament Union (Burma), said in the letter obtained by The Associated Press that the organization has set up a permanent mission to the United Nations and has appointed U Thein Oo as its permanent representative to the U.N.
"His excellency U Thein Oo is instructed to represent the people of Burma and the legitimate, democratically elected members of parliament in all organs of the United Nations," San said.
Oo was identified as an elected representative from Mandalay.
Brendan Varma, a U.N. spokesman, said the letter had been received by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's office and would be studied.
Myanmar's U.N. Mission said Ambassador Kyaw Tint Swe was not in his office to comment.
The 63rd session of the General Assembly will open on Sept. 16, a week before world leaders arrive for their annual ministerial meeting, and San's letter could be referred to the assembly's credentials committee.
The military has ruled Myanmar since 1962 and has been widely criticized for suppressing basic freedoms. The current junta, which took power in 1988 after crushing pro-democracy demonstrations, held general elections in 1990 but refused to cede power to Suu Kyi's NLD. Since then, the country has been in political deadlock.
Suu Kyi has been in prison or under house arrest for more than 12 of the past 18 years. For about the last three weeks, the 63-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner has refused daily food deliveries to her home to protest her ongoing detention, her party said.
Myanmar 1990 election winners want junta's UN seat
By EDITH M. LEDERER – 1 hour ago
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The pro-democracy winners of Myanmar's 1990 elections asked the U.N. secretary-general Tuesday to recognize their own representatives in place of the current military rulers' United Nations mission.
A letter from candidates elected to parliament in 1990 challenged the legitimacy of the military government that refused to cede power after a landslide victory by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. The junta has ruled Myanmar, also known as Burma, ever since.
Daw San San, vice president of the Members of Parliament Union (Burma), said in the letter obtained by The Associated Press that the organization has set up a permanent mission to the United Nations and has appointed U Thein Oo as its permanent representative to the U.N.
"His excellency U Thein Oo is instructed to represent the people of Burma and the legitimate, democratically elected members of parliament in all organs of the United Nations," San said.
Oo was identified as an elected representative from Mandalay.
Brendan Varma, a U.N. spokesman, said the letter had been received by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's office and would be studied.
Myanmar's U.N. Mission said Ambassador Kyaw Tint Swe was not in his office to comment.
The 63rd session of the General Assembly will open on Sept. 16, a week before world leaders arrive for their annual ministerial meeting, and San's letter could be referred to the assembly's credentials committee.
The military has ruled Myanmar since 1962 and has been widely criticized for suppressing basic freedoms. The current junta, which took power in 1988 after crushing pro-democracy demonstrations, held general elections in 1990 but refused to cede power to Suu Kyi's NLD. Since then, the country has been in political deadlock.
Suu Kyi has been in prison or under house arrest for more than 12 of the past 18 years. For about the last three weeks, the 63-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner has refused daily food deliveries to her home to protest her ongoing detention, her party said.
IBMO Fundraiser: September 23, 2008
For Immediate Release For More Information contact:
September 8, 2008 Elizabeth Weinstein
(212) 334-1660, ext. 120
Reading Burma:
A Benefit for Cyclone Relief
and Freedom of Expression in Burma/Myanmar
With:
Nobel Prize laureate Orhan Pamuk, Booker Prize winners Salman Rushdie
and Kiran Desai, the Venerable U Gawsita, Siri Hustvedt, Joseph Lelyveld, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, George Packer, and other special guests
New York City—On September 23rd, the first anniversary of the monks' uprising in which thousands of Buddhist monks protested against Burma's military dictatorship and the 20th Anniversary of the 1988 pro-democracy protests by millions of ordinary civilians will be commemorated. PEN, the Burma Project of the Open Society Institute and the New York Review of Books will join together to honor Burmese writers whose work has been suppressed by the military regime and to support the victims of the recent cyclone. This event will also pay tribute to the thousands of monks who are missing or lost their lives last year and to those who continue to speak out against injustice for the past twenty years.
All proceeds of this benefit will be donated to the International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO), a network of Burmese Buddhist monks collecting relief aid for the victims of Cyclone Nargis. Audience members can purchase a $100 ticket, which includes a post-event reception, or $20 and $15 tickets at www.smarttix.com.
In addition to the readings of Burmese writers' work, some of which includes unpublished accounts from the cyclone-affected areas of Burma, The New Yorker's George Packer will join the Venerable U Gawsita, one of the leaders of the 2007 Monks' Uprising, in conversation.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear from the monks who stood up to the Burmese regime in 1988 and again in 2007, and from those men and women whose lives have been changed forever by the recent cyclone.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
The Great Hall at Cooper Union
7 East 7th Street
Subway: 6 to Astor Place; N/R/W to 8th Street-NYU
New York, New York
$20 (general admission) and $100 (includes post-event reception)
$15 for students and PEN members (with valid ID)
For Donations or Tickets: www.smarttix.com or call 212-868-4444
Co-sponsored by the Burma Project of OSI, PEN American Center, The New York Review of Books and Cooper Union.
September 8, 2008 Elizabeth Weinstein
(212) 334-1660, ext. 120
Reading Burma:
A Benefit for Cyclone Relief
and Freedom of Expression in Burma/Myanmar
With:
Nobel Prize laureate Orhan Pamuk, Booker Prize winners Salman Rushdie
and Kiran Desai, the Venerable U Gawsita, Siri Hustvedt, Joseph Lelyveld, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, George Packer, and other special guests
New York City—On September 23rd, the first anniversary of the monks' uprising in which thousands of Buddhist monks protested against Burma's military dictatorship and the 20th Anniversary of the 1988 pro-democracy protests by millions of ordinary civilians will be commemorated. PEN, the Burma Project of the Open Society Institute and the New York Review of Books will join together to honor Burmese writers whose work has been suppressed by the military regime and to support the victims of the recent cyclone. This event will also pay tribute to the thousands of monks who are missing or lost their lives last year and to those who continue to speak out against injustice for the past twenty years.
All proceeds of this benefit will be donated to the International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO), a network of Burmese Buddhist monks collecting relief aid for the victims of Cyclone Nargis. Audience members can purchase a $100 ticket, which includes a post-event reception, or $20 and $15 tickets at www.smarttix.com.
In addition to the readings of Burmese writers' work, some of which includes unpublished accounts from the cyclone-affected areas of Burma, The New Yorker's George Packer will join the Venerable U Gawsita, one of the leaders of the 2007 Monks' Uprising, in conversation.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear from the monks who stood up to the Burmese regime in 1988 and again in 2007, and from those men and women whose lives have been changed forever by the recent cyclone.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
The Great Hall at Cooper Union
7 East 7th Street
Subway: 6 to Astor Place; N/R/W to 8th Street-NYU
New York, New York
$20 (general admission) and $100 (includes post-event reception)
$15 for students and PEN members (with valid ID)
For Donations or Tickets: www.smarttix.com or call 212-868-4444
Co-sponsored by the Burma Project of OSI, PEN American Center, The New York Review of Books and Cooper Union.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Action tomorrow, June 19
Dear Friends and Family,
June 19, 2008 Thursday is our national hero Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's 63rd birthday. The Burmese people are very grateful for her leadership, vision, and tireless effort in the democratic movement in the past almost 20 years. Meanwhile, the junta has illegally extended the house arrest of the Noble Peace Prize winner. This is the time the Burmese people to collectively stand up and demand the junta the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
We are scheduled to hold a protest in front of Burmese Consulate in New York demanding the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi followed by candlelight vigil to pray for the good health of our hero. You are cordially invited to join us protesting against the illegal, cruel, and inhuman Burmese military government.
Date : June 19, 2008 Thursday
Time : 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location : Burmese Consulate (New York)
10 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10021
Long Live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi!!!
Best Regards,
Int'l Burmese Monks Organization
88 Generation Students (Exile)
NLD (Liberated Area, USA)
Int'l Campaign for Burma, New York
Women on the Move for Burma
p.s. Forwarding this invitation to your contacts is greatly appreciated.
The information in this email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this message in error, please immediately notify us by telephone 202-408-9450 or by replying to this e-mail.
June 19, 2008 Thursday is our national hero Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's 63rd birthday. The Burmese people are very grateful for her leadership, vision, and tireless effort in the democratic movement in the past almost 20 years. Meanwhile, the junta has illegally extended the house arrest of the Noble Peace Prize winner. This is the time the Burmese people to collectively stand up and demand the junta the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
We are scheduled to hold a protest in front of Burmese Consulate in New York demanding the immediate release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi followed by candlelight vigil to pray for the good health of our hero. You are cordially invited to join us protesting against the illegal, cruel, and inhuman Burmese military government.
Date : June 19, 2008 Thursday
Time : 6:30 - 8:00pm
Location : Burmese Consulate (New York)
10 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10021
Long Live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi!!!
Best Regards,
Int'l Burmese Monks Organization
88 Generation Students (Exile)
NLD (Liberated Area, USA)
Int'l Campaign for Burma, New York
Women on the Move for Burma
p.s. Forwarding this invitation to your contacts is greatly appreciated.
The information in this email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this message in error, please immediately notify us by telephone 202-408-9450 or by replying to this e-mail.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Press Release - Tribute to Daw Suu - Honor Burma's Seniors
Press Release
June 15, 2008
Tribute to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her 63rd Birthday
Honoring Burma’s Prominent Seniors
June 19th will be Burma national leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 63rd birthday. We are saddened by the fact that military leaders in Burma continue to resist the international calls to release her until today.
However, it does not stop people from celebrating the birthday of their beloved leader, who won numerous international awards including Nobel peace prize in 1991.
“We feel grateful to celebrate her birthday although she is still under house arrest in Burma. We are not happy though because we can not be with her.”, said Ni Ni We, who is leading the honoring event on June 15th in Nopoe refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Burma.
In New York, where another celebration will also take place on Sunday, a community based group Burma Point is sponsoring the event to honor Burma’s prominent seniors, who have been in the United States.
Burma’s prominent seniors are: the President of International Burmese Monks Organization, Venerable U Pannya Vamsa; a long time Kachin ethnic leader Duwa Zau Aung; a great artist Win Pe; a professor Dr. Salai Tun Than; a great Burmese literature critic Maung Swan Yi; a famous writer Maung Thara; an academic Dr. Khin Maung Gyi; a member of parliament Peter Limbin, and a community activist U Kyaw Win.
Emerald Soe, who is one of the coordinators for New York event, says “It is illegal for the SPDC to continue arresting the people’s leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We feel outraged by it. The people of Burma are not happy and certainly the prominent seniors are distressed about it. We are extremely afraid to lose our leader in the hands of the military regime. But at least we need to let the world know that she is on our minds.”
Contact: Emerald Soe – 1-917-797-2134, 1-646-643-8689
Ni Ni Wai – (66) 02 402 7224
June 15, 2008
Tribute to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on her 63rd Birthday
Honoring Burma’s Prominent Seniors
June 19th will be Burma national leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 63rd birthday. We are saddened by the fact that military leaders in Burma continue to resist the international calls to release her until today.
However, it does not stop people from celebrating the birthday of their beloved leader, who won numerous international awards including Nobel peace prize in 1991.
“We feel grateful to celebrate her birthday although she is still under house arrest in Burma. We are not happy though because we can not be with her.”, said Ni Ni We, who is leading the honoring event on June 15th in Nopoe refugee camp on the border of Thailand and Burma.
In New York, where another celebration will also take place on Sunday, a community based group Burma Point is sponsoring the event to honor Burma’s prominent seniors, who have been in the United States.
Burma’s prominent seniors are: the President of International Burmese Monks Organization, Venerable U Pannya Vamsa; a long time Kachin ethnic leader Duwa Zau Aung; a great artist Win Pe; a professor Dr. Salai Tun Than; a great Burmese literature critic Maung Swan Yi; a famous writer Maung Thara; an academic Dr. Khin Maung Gyi; a member of parliament Peter Limbin, and a community activist U Kyaw Win.
Emerald Soe, who is one of the coordinators for New York event, says “It is illegal for the SPDC to continue arresting the people’s leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. We feel outraged by it. The people of Burma are not happy and certainly the prominent seniors are distressed about it. We are extremely afraid to lose our leader in the hands of the military regime. But at least we need to let the world know that she is on our minds.”
Contact: Emerald Soe – 1-917-797-2134, 1-646-643-8689
Ni Ni Wai – (66) 02 402 7224
Monday, June 2, 2008
Event at Asia Society 'Burma's Agony: The International Humanitarian Response'.
The Asia Society and the Open Society Institute
invite you to a panel discussion:
Burma’s Agony:
The International Humanitarian Response
Monday, June 9, 2008
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.: Registration and Breakfast
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.: Panel Discussion / Q & A
FREE Admission
Limited Seating
Registration Recommended
Asia Society will stream a live webcast of this event starting at 8:30am EST
E-mail your questions to moderator@asiasociety.org
Asia Society
725 Park Avenue at 70th Street
New York, NY
On May 2 and 3, Cyclone Nargis devastated large swathes of Burma stretching from the Irrawaddy Delta to the city of Rangoon, leaving more than 134,000 people dead or missing and creating a humanitarian crisis affecting an estimated 2.5 million survivors. Immediately following the disaster, offers of assistance from the international community poured in, but Burmese military leaders largely barred foreign aid workers from reaching the hardest hit areas for three weeks. After UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon received assurances that the government would grant access to all international aid workers, relief agencies are slowly being permitted to move into the cyclone-ravaged delta. As this humanitarian tragedy was unfolding, Burmese generals moved forward with a national referendum to approve a new constitution which consolidated their power and extended the house arrest of pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leaving many to question whether the junta will keep its promise to allow a major relief and reconstruction effort to move forward. International relief officials have warned that thousands more could die of disease or famine unless the Burmese government opens its doors to more help.
Join us as the Asia Society and the Open Society Institute convene a panel discussion to assess the situation in Burma, including the international humanitarian response to meet the most urgent challenges as well as longer-term recovery efforts.
Sir John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
The Hon. Henrietta Fore, Administrator, US Agency for International Development and Director of US Foreign Assistance (via teleconference)
Amb. Vanu Gopala Menon, Permanent Representative of Singapore to the UN
A local volunteer relief worker in Burma will join the discussion via teleconference to provide an on-the-ground report.
As seating is limited, advance registration is suggested.
To register, call 212-517-2742 or online at: https://tickets.asiasociety.org
For more information, visit our website at www.asiasociety.org
This is the first public forum since the cyclone -- please attend!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Seminar tomorrow!
Seminar on Burma
featuring Nay Tin Myint - 88 Generation Activist and NLD Leader
Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Vox Pop
1022 Cortelyou Rd.
Brooklyn
(Q train to Cortelyou Rd)
Burma (also known as Myanmar), a country in Southeast Asia bordering
Thailand, China, and India, has been under brutal military rule since
1962.
On May 2, Cyclone Nargis struck Burma. Since then, an estimated
100,000 people have died. The public health problems caused by the
cyclone have been compounded by the military's refusal to accept aid.
Therefore, the current humanitarian crisis cannot be addressed without
attention to the political crisis that has dominated Burma for several
decades.
Come and learn about the current situation in Burma, how it got to be
this way, and what you can do to help.
Main Speaker:
Nay Tin Myint is a well-known activist from the 88 Generation student
group and a leader of Burma's National League for Democracy. He was
arrested in 1989 for making a public speech against the military
regime and was held as a political prisoner for 15 years. He was
released from prison in 2005 and fled the country in 2007. He now
lives in Brooklyn and continues his activism in support of Burmese
democracy and human rights.
Other members of the 88 Generation student activist group will also be
present to answer questions.
featuring Nay Tin Myint - 88 Generation Activist and NLD Leader
Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Vox Pop
1022 Cortelyou Rd.
Brooklyn
(Q train to Cortelyou Rd)
Burma (also known as Myanmar), a country in Southeast Asia bordering
Thailand, China, and India, has been under brutal military rule since
1962.
On May 2, Cyclone Nargis struck Burma. Since then, an estimated
100,000 people have died. The public health problems caused by the
cyclone have been compounded by the military's refusal to accept aid.
Therefore, the current humanitarian crisis cannot be addressed without
attention to the political crisis that has dominated Burma for several
decades.
Come and learn about the current situation in Burma, how it got to be
this way, and what you can do to help.
Main Speaker:
Nay Tin Myint is a well-known activist from the 88 Generation student
group and a leader of Burma's National League for Democracy. He was
arrested in 1989 for making a public speech against the military
regime and was held as a political prisoner for 15 years. He was
released from prison in 2005 and fled the country in 2007. He now
lives in Brooklyn and continues his activism in support of Burmese
democracy and human rights.
Other members of the 88 Generation student activist group will also be
present to answer questions.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Demonstration in front of French consulate, 05/24/08
Please support the International Campaign for Burma, which has organized a protest to urge France to push for humanitarian intervention in Burma:
Place : Consulate General of France, 934 Fifth Avenue (between 74th and 75th Streets), New York, NY 10021
Date : May 24, 2008 Saturday
Time : 2 – 4pm
Take "6" Train and get off 77th street.
"France, along with United Kingdom, has played an active role to help Nargis victims in a very large scale. Humanitarian intervention in Burma with or without the approval of United Nations is proposed to international community. The humanitarian intervention is the most effective way to save the lives of millions of the cyclone survivors.
We, as ordinary citizens of Burma, welcome French government for immediate humanitarian intervention on behalf of millions of starving cyclone survivors." (International Campaign for Burma)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
TONIGHT 5/18/08: Burma Talk @ Blue Stockings Book Store
BURMA - THE CLOCK IS TICKING!
Informational discussion with Cristina Moon & Karen Zusman
7pm, Sunday May 18, 2008
Bluestockings Bookstore
172 Allen Street between Stanton and Rivington
212.777.6028
UN estimates cyclone Nargis death-toll over 100,000 and growing, yet
aid is being confiscated and diverted by the military junta.
How could this happen and what can we do?
Join Burma activists Cristina Moon, exec director of 8808forBurma.org,
and writer Karen Zusman, for conversation/Q&A. Better understand the
mind of the junta, where to donate and how to pressure China to use
influence with Burma's military to accept aid and bring about dialog
between the military, the democracy movement, and ethnic nationalities.
Informational discussion with Cristina Moon & Karen Zusman
7pm, Sunday May 18, 2008
Bluestockings Bookstore
172 Allen Street between Stanton and Rivington
212.777.6028
UN estimates cyclone Nargis death-toll over 100,000 and growing, yet
aid is being confiscated and diverted by the military junta.
How could this happen and what can we do?
Join Burma activists Cristina Moon, exec director of 8808forBurma.org,
and writer Karen Zusman, for conversation/Q&A. Better understand the
mind of the junta, where to donate and how to pressure China to use
influence with Burma's military to accept aid and bring about dialog
between the military, the democracy movement, and ethnic nationalities.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Demonstrations
May, 17, 2008 UN PROTEST: 2.5 MILLION LIVES IN BURMA IN THE BALANCE. UN ACT NOW!
==============
WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 12pm
WHERE: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
WHO: NY Burma activists -- NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition, 8-8-08 for Burma
CONTACT: Farheen Malik, newyork@uscampaignforburma.org // Cristina Moon, 347-756-4088, info@8808forburma.org
==============
Join an urgent Global Day of Action for Burma's cyclone survivors!
Over 100,000 people are dead or missing - as a second cyclone approaches Burma and the military regime continues to block relief workers and steal donated supplies from the 2.5 million people already affected by the first cyclone, the present humanitarian tragedy playing out in Burma could be only the beginning.
The international community must take decisive action to save millions of lives that are currently hanging in the balance, with or without the consent of the Burmese military regime.
As a compassionate New York resident, please wear white on Saturday and join us to hold vigil with 15 Burmese Buddhist monks who will fast and demonstrate in front of the United Nations.
The clock is ticking. Over two million lives are at stake. THE UN MUST ACT NOW!
More information on the Global Day of Action available at www.burma-network.org
===============
===============
May 15-16, 2008 UN PROTEST VIGIL & FAST BY BURMESE BUDDHIST MONKS
==============
WHEN: Thursday, May 15, 3pm-7pm // Friday, May 16, 9am-6pm
WHERE: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
WHO: Sasana Moli International Burmese Monks Organization, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, NY Burma activists
CONTACT: Margaret Howe, 707-360-8452, margaret@bpf.org // Sasana Moli, 718-426-3959, ibmohq@gmail.com
==============
Members of Sasana Moli International Burmese Monks Organization and Buddhist Peace Fellowship, and senior Buddhist teachers such as Sharon Salzberg will hold vigil and fast to send a message to the international community that action must be taken NOW to save the over two million lives in Burma affected by Cyclone Nargis.
As a compassionate New York resident, please wear white and join us to hold vigil, fast, and demonstrate in front of the United Nations on Thursday and Friday.
###
==============
WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 12pm
WHERE: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
WHO: NY Burma activists -- NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition, 8-8-08 for Burma
CONTACT: Farheen Malik, newyork@uscampaignforburma.org // Cristina Moon, 347-756-4088, info@8808forburma.org
==============
Join an urgent Global Day of Action for Burma's cyclone survivors!
Over 100,000 people are dead or missing - as a second cyclone approaches Burma and the military regime continues to block relief workers and steal donated supplies from the 2.5 million people already affected by the first cyclone, the present humanitarian tragedy playing out in Burma could be only the beginning.
The international community must take decisive action to save millions of lives that are currently hanging in the balance, with or without the consent of the Burmese military regime.
As a compassionate New York resident, please wear white on Saturday and join us to hold vigil with 15 Burmese Buddhist monks who will fast and demonstrate in front of the United Nations.
The clock is ticking. Over two million lives are at stake. THE UN MUST ACT NOW!
More information on the Global Day of Action available at www.burma-network.org
===============
===============
May 15-16, 2008 UN PROTEST VIGIL & FAST BY BURMESE BUDDHIST MONKS
==============
WHEN: Thursday, May 15, 3pm-7pm // Friday, May 16, 9am-6pm
WHERE: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
WHO: Sasana Moli International Burmese Monks Organization, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, NY Burma activists
CONTACT: Margaret Howe, 707-360-8452, margaret@bpf.org // Sasana Moli, 718-426-3959, ibmohq@gmail.com
==============
Members of Sasana Moli International Burmese Monks Organization and Buddhist Peace Fellowship, and senior Buddhist teachers such as Sharon Salzberg will hold vigil and fast to send a message to the international community that action must be taken NOW to save the over two million lives in Burma affected by Cyclone Nargis.
As a compassionate New York resident, please wear white and join us to hold vigil, fast, and demonstrate in front of the United Nations on Thursday and Friday.
###
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
This Saturday, May 17 - GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION FOR BURMA!
May 17 Global Day of Action for Burma: Calling for a Critical Response to Burma's Humanitarian Disaster
On Saturday, May 17, 2008, a Global Day of Action for a critical response to the Burmese humanitarian disaster will take place in cities around the world. Demonstrations and vigils will be held to urge world governments and the United Nations to take action now and save countless lives at this crucial time for the people affected by Cyclone Nargis. Details of the times and locations of all Global Day of Action events around the world can be found at http://www.burma-network.org as soon as they become available.
Specifically, please join New York Burma activists in this significant Day of Action:
When: Saturday, May 17, 12pm
Where: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
Who: NY Burma activists -- NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition
Contact: Farheen Malik, newyork@uscampaignforburma.org
Despite the devastation and deaths wrought by the cyclone in the immediate aftermath of its landfall, the humanitarian tragedy playing out in Burma may only be beginning. Burma's military regime has blocked the international aid effort to such an extent that 1.5 million people are at risk of dying from starvation, dehydration and communicable diseases. The scale of the desolation is incomprehensibly huge: thousands of homes have been destroyed, Burma's rice-growing heartland has been rendered fallow due to flooding, and tens of thousands are already dead. It is, without a doubt, the worst natural disaster to strike Asia - perhaps the world - since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Burma's rulers have turned a wholly humanitarian concern into a political issue, neglecting the very real needs of their citizens to meet their own political ends. Disaster relief specialists are waiting for access to the country, and thousands of tons of aid are ready to be distributed. It is only due to the government's obstruction that a comprehensive relief effort is not currently underway. Burmese state television shows images of generals handing out packets of aid to cyclone victims and promoting the May 10 referendum, while denying the gravity of the situation in cyclone-affected areas and the thousands of remote villages that are still without food, potable water, shelter or medical help.
The international community must step up and take decisive action to save millions of lives that are currently hanging in the balance, with or without the consent of the Burmese military regime. It has been a positive step that the international community has discussed the option of critical intervention, however this is not enough. Decisive action needs to be taken. Governments around the world need to make the vital decision to save millions of lives, by whatever means possible. As well, it is imperative for the friends of Burma's military regime in the international community to initiate dialogue pressuring the junta to open the country's borders for an international relief effort to get underway. The clock is ticking. Over a million lives are at stake. The international community needs to act – now.
On Saturday, May 17, 2008, a Global Day of Action for a critical response to the Burmese humanitarian disaster will take place in cities around the world. Demonstrations and vigils will be held to urge world governments and the United Nations to take action now and save countless lives at this crucial time for the people affected by Cyclone Nargis. Details of the times and locations of all Global Day of Action events around the world can be found at http://www.burma-network.org as soon as they become available.
Specifically, please join New York Burma activists in this significant Day of Action:
When: Saturday, May 17, 12pm
Where: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
Who: NY Burma activists -- NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition
Contact: Farheen Malik, newyork@uscampaignforburma.org
Despite the devastation and deaths wrought by the cyclone in the immediate aftermath of its landfall, the humanitarian tragedy playing out in Burma may only be beginning. Burma's military regime has blocked the international aid effort to such an extent that 1.5 million people are at risk of dying from starvation, dehydration and communicable diseases. The scale of the desolation is incomprehensibly huge: thousands of homes have been destroyed, Burma's rice-growing heartland has been rendered fallow due to flooding, and tens of thousands are already dead. It is, without a doubt, the worst natural disaster to strike Asia - perhaps the world - since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Burma's rulers have turned a wholly humanitarian concern into a political issue, neglecting the very real needs of their citizens to meet their own political ends. Disaster relief specialists are waiting for access to the country, and thousands of tons of aid are ready to be distributed. It is only due to the government's obstruction that a comprehensive relief effort is not currently underway. Burmese state television shows images of generals handing out packets of aid to cyclone victims and promoting the May 10 referendum, while denying the gravity of the situation in cyclone-affected areas and the thousands of remote villages that are still without food, potable water, shelter or medical help.
The international community must step up and take decisive action to save millions of lives that are currently hanging in the balance, with or without the consent of the Burmese military regime. It has been a positive step that the international community has discussed the option of critical intervention, however this is not enough. Decisive action needs to be taken. Governments around the world need to make the vital decision to save millions of lives, by whatever means possible. As well, it is imperative for the friends of Burma's military regime in the international community to initiate dialogue pressuring the junta to open the country's borders for an international relief effort to get underway. The clock is ticking. Over a million lives are at stake. The international community needs to act – now.
Two videos from last Friday's protest
Last Friday, various New York Burma activists came together at the UN for a demonstration. We demanded that the junta "LET THE AID REACH BURMA CYCLONE VICTIMS NOW!"
Here are two notable videos:
CNN -- http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2008/05/09/roth.un.myanmar.pressure.cn
PBS-13 -- http://www.thirteen.org/newsandpublicaffairs/burma-let-the-aid-reach-the-people
Please watch.
Here are two notable videos:
CNN -- http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2008/05/09/roth.un.myanmar.pressure.cn
PBS-13 -- http://www.thirteen.org/newsandpublicaffairs/burma-let-the-aid-reach-the-people
Please watch.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Updated Announcement
**PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY***
UN DEMONSTRATION and CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: LET THE AID REACH BURMA CYCLONE VICTIMS!
UN Demonstration
When: Friday, May 9, 3-5 pm
Where: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
Who: NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition, Coalition or Regime Change
Contact: Cristina Moon, info@8808forburma.org
Candlelight Vigil
When: Friday, May 9, 7-9pm
Where: Union Square, 14th Street and Broadway
Who: NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition, Coalition for Regime Change
Contact: Cristina Moon, info@8808forburma.org
Join us THIS FRIDAY, May 9 from 3pm to 5pm for a demonstration outside the United Nations (Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations- 43rd St and 1st Avenue, NY, NY)!
A powerful cyclone from last Saturday struck Burma, leaving a rising death toll of 100,000 and more than 41,000 missing. Despite the growing urgency for aid towards the disaster, the Myanmar government has let in little aid and has restricted movement in the delta.
Inside the UN, the US Campaign for Burma will be doing a press conference with Anjelica Huston, pushing the need in the aftermath of the cyclone, TO ALLOW AID AGENCIES TO ACCESS BURMA'S WORST HIT AREAS. Some death toll estimates are pushing 100,000. Let's let everyone inside the UN - including the media sources who will be attending - know that the junta must listen: LET THE AID REACH BURMA CYCLONE VICTIMS NOW!
After the demonstration we will hold a candlelight vigil for the cyclone victims at UNION SQUARE @ 7pm, tentatively. We will use this space to raise awareness about the current devastating situation of the people of Burma and necessary funds for Thirst Aid (http://www.thirst-aid.org/), who is working in Burma NOW to provide water and shelter, the most pressing needs of the people of Burma.
UN DEMONSTRATION and CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: LET THE AID REACH BURMA CYCLONE VICTIMS!
UN Demonstration
When: Friday, May 9, 3-5 pm
Where: Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations, 43rd St and 1st Ave
Who: NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition, Coalition or Regime Change
Contact: Cristina Moon, info@8808forburma.org
Candlelight Vigil
When: Friday, May 9, 7-9pm
Where: Union Square, 14th Street and Broadway
Who: NY Burma Roundtable, US Campaign for Burma, Burma 88 Coalition, Coalition for Regime Change
Contact: Cristina Moon, info@8808forburma.org
Join us THIS FRIDAY, May 9 from 3pm to 5pm for a demonstration outside the United Nations (Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations- 43rd St and 1st Avenue, NY, NY)!
A powerful cyclone from last Saturday struck Burma, leaving a rising death toll of 100,000 and more than 41,000 missing. Despite the growing urgency for aid towards the disaster, the Myanmar government has let in little aid and has restricted movement in the delta.
Inside the UN, the US Campaign for Burma will be doing a press conference with Anjelica Huston, pushing the need in the aftermath of the cyclone, TO ALLOW AID AGENCIES TO ACCESS BURMA'S WORST HIT AREAS. Some death toll estimates are pushing 100,000. Let's let everyone inside the UN - including the media sources who will be attending - know that the junta must listen: LET THE AID REACH BURMA CYCLONE VICTIMS NOW!
After the demonstration we will hold a candlelight vigil for the cyclone victims at UNION SQUARE @ 7pm, tentatively. We will use this space to raise awareness about the current devastating situation of the people of Burma and necessary funds for Thirst Aid (http://www.thirst-aid.org/), who is working in Burma NOW to provide water and shelter, the most pressing needs of the people of Burma.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
UN Demonstration and Evening Vigil for Burma Cyclone Victims - This Friday!
Join us THIS FRIDAY, May 9 from 3pm to 5pm for a demonstration outside the United Nations (Ralph Bunche Park, United Nations- 43rd St and 1st Avenue, NY, NY)!
A powerful cyclone from last Saturday struck Burma, leaving a rising death toll of 22,500 and more than 41,000 missing. Despite the growing urgency for aid towards the disaster, the Myanmar government has let in little aid and has restricted movement in the delta.
Inside the UN, the US Campaign for Burma will be doing a press conference with Anjelica Huston, pushing the need in the aftermath of the cyclone, TO ALLOW AID AGENCIES TO ACCESS BURMA'S WORST HIT AREAS. Some death toll estimates are pushing 100,000. Let's let everyone inside the UN - including the media sources who will be attending - know that the junta must listen: LET THE AID REACH BURMA CYCLONE VICTIMS NOW!
After the demonstration we will hold a candlelight vigil for the cyclone victims at UNION SQUARE @ 7pm, tentatively. Please tell everyone to come and show their support for Burma!
The Burmese community in New York ask you to join us to show your support for the victims by lighting a candle and giving a donation, because the people of Burma need your help now more than ever.
Everyone is welcome!
Please check back here for updates to the information above.
A powerful cyclone from last Saturday struck Burma, leaving a rising death toll of 22,500 and more than 41,000 missing. Despite the growing urgency for aid towards the disaster, the Myanmar government has let in little aid and has restricted movement in the delta.
Inside the UN, the US Campaign for Burma will be doing a press conference with Anjelica Huston, pushing the need in the aftermath of the cyclone, TO ALLOW AID AGENCIES TO ACCESS BURMA'S WORST HIT AREAS. Some death toll estimates are pushing 100,000. Let's let everyone inside the UN - including the media sources who will be attending - know that the junta must listen: LET THE AID REACH BURMA CYCLONE VICTIMS NOW!
After the demonstration we will hold a candlelight vigil for the cyclone victims at UNION SQUARE @ 7pm, tentatively. Please tell everyone to come and show their support for Burma!
The Burmese community in New York ask you to join us to show your support for the victims by lighting a candle and giving a donation, because the people of Burma need your help now more than ever.
Everyone is welcome!
Please check back here for updates to the information above.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Public Cyclone Response Meeting @ 7PM, 5/6/08
New Yorkers will be meeting to discuss how we can respond to the recent cyclone disaster in Burma, which has claimed over 10,000 lives already. In Burma today, there is little health education about preventable diseases such as typhoid and cholera, diminishing supplies of safe drinking water, a leveled infrastructure, and staggering inaction by Burma's military junta to provide aid. Please join us in creating plans for events and activities to help Burma's people.
Please arrive before 7pm so we can start promptly!
Address: 18 W 27th Street, 10th floor
Nearby subway: 6 @ 28th street (& Park), R/W @ 28th street (& Bway)
When: 7pm, Tuesday, May 6 2008
Call 347-756-4088 when you're outside, or someone will be at the door to let you in. Take the elevator to the 10th floor and look for signs.
Please arrive before 7pm so we can start promptly!
Address: 18 W 27th Street, 10th floor
Nearby subway: 6 @ 28th street (& Park), R/W @ 28th street (& Bway)
When: 7pm, Tuesday, May 6 2008
Call 347-756-4088 when you're outside, or someone will be at the door to let you in. Take the elevator to the 10th floor and look for signs.
URGENT News Update
If you have not heard already...
Thousands More Deaths Expected in Myanmar
Hla Hla Htay/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
People who lost their homes took shelter in a Buddhist temple in Yangon on Monday. More Photos >
| |
The death toll from the devastating cyclone that struck Myanmar over the weekend escalated to nearly 4,000 people, the government said Monday, and the foreign minister told diplomats and United Nations officers that it could rise to 10,000....
Monday, April 7, 2008
Total Denial Screening
Total Denial Screening | |
| Host: | APAAM and Burma 88 |
| Date: | Wednesday, April 9, 2008 |
| Time: | 8:00pm - 10:00pm |
| Location: | Lerner East Ramp Lounge |
| City/Town: | New York, NY |
This is the story of two WESTERN CORPORATIONS, UNOCAL/TOTAL oil pipeline making business deals with a junta infamous for HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES. Fifteen plaintiffs who've never left the Burmese jungle will battle head-to-head with two corporate giants in a US courtroom, shocking the world with its revelations. As documented by wanted man Ka Hsaw Wa and award winning filmmaker, Milena Kaneva.
Burma 88:
The Burma 88 Coalition is a Columbia University student group devoted to advocating for human rights in Burma. Last fall, when the Saffron Revolution took to the streets in Burma, demanding an end to military rule, we coordinated Columbia’s response.
Our work is not over.
Join us at this meeting to find out how you can fight for human rights in Burma.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=31632030581
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Event this Wednesday
Amnesty International NYU and Amnesty International Brooklyn present:
FACES OF MYANMAR (BURMA): A NATION IN CRISIS
Featuring: Khin Phyu Htway (Burmese activist) & Myra Dahgaypaw (Karen activist)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Kimmel Center for University Life
New York University
60 Washington Square South, room 804
New York, New York
Despite a landslide victory for the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 1990 the military junta of Myanmar (Burma) has maintained a stranglehold over government, suspending the constitution, persecuting ethnic minorities, imprisoning and torturing peaceful protesters and worse. Come and learn how the people of Myanmar are struggling for change in one of the most repressive regimes in the world, and how you too can help them.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Non-NYU visitors must present a valid photo ID upon entering the Kimmel Center for University Life.
Contact Amnesty International @ NYU for more info: amnesty.club @ nyu.edu
Food will be served.
Note: The Kimmel Center for University Life at NYU is walking distance from the W. 4th Street subway station (A,C,E,B,D,F,V trains), 8th Street subway station (R,W trains), and Astor Place subway station (6 train).
FACES OF MYANMAR (BURMA): A NATION IN CRISIS
Featuring: Khin Phyu Htway (Burmese activist) & Myra Dahgaypaw (Karen activist)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Kimmel Center for University Life
New York University
60 Washington Square South, room 804
New York, New York
Despite a landslide victory for the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi in 1990 the military junta of Myanmar (Burma) has maintained a stranglehold over government, suspending the constitution, persecuting ethnic minorities, imprisoning and torturing peaceful protesters and worse. Come and learn how the people of Myanmar are struggling for change in one of the most repressive regimes in the world, and how you too can help them.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Non-NYU visitors must present a valid photo ID upon entering the Kimmel Center for University Life.
Contact Amnesty International @ NYU for more info: amnesty.club @ nyu.edu
Food will be served.
Note: The Kimmel Center for University Life at NYU is walking distance from the W. 4th Street subway station (A,C,E,B,D,F,V trains), 8th Street subway station (R,W trains), and Astor Place subway station (6 train).
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Panel Discussion on March 25, 2008
The Asia Society and Open Society Institute invites you to a panel discussion:
The Crisis in Burma:
In Search of a Unified International Response
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
6:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Registration
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.: Panel Discussion / Q & A
8:00 – 8:30 p.m.: Reception
$5 members, NGOs, seniors, students (w/ID)
$7 non-members
Asia Society
725 Park Avenue at 70th Street
New York, NY
Six months have passed since the Burmese military government’s violent crackdown on thousands of monks who took to the streets of Rangoon in peaceful, pro-democracy demonstrations. While the brutality of the assault, subsequent mass arrests and heightened repression received an immediate burst of attention and media coverage around the world, the focus on Burma has waned steadily in recent months. After making a few initial concessions to the international community, such as allowing in a UN human rights investigator and permitting a government meeting with pro-democracy leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese junta continues to stand firm and political activists continue to be imprisoned.
Join us as the Asia Society and Open Society Institute convene a panel discussion to revisit the situation in Burma in light of the military government’s recently announced “roadmap to democracy,” including its intention to conduct a national referendum to approve a new constitution in May, followed by a multiparty general election in 2010. How credible is this development given that the new constitution would effectively bar independent political leaders from participating in the process? The panel will also assess recent efforts at the international and regional levels to advance national reconciliation in Burma. What role can and should international actors such as the United Nations and the United States play together with ASEAN and Burma’s influential neighbors?
Speakers:
Scot Marciel, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Thaung Htun, Representative for UN Affairs, National Coalition
Government of the Union of Burma
Asia Society will stream a live webcast of this event starting at 6:30pm EST
E-mail your questions to moderator@asiasociety.org
As seating is limited, advance registration is suggested.
To register, call 212-517-2742 or online at: https://tickets.asiasociety.org
For more information, visit our website at www.asiasociety.org
Monday, March 17, 2008
Open invite to the ....first NY Burma Roundtable meeting on March 28, 2008!
Hello all,
First, and most importantly, hope you are well!
Geoff, co-administrator on this mailing list, and I met the other day, and we realized how helpful it would be to NY Burma activism to begin holding meetings of all interested persons and organizations. We are all doing (and have done) such notable actions throughout the city, and it would be great to meet face-to-face to announce upcoming events and see how we can help each other!
In due course, a monthly meeting would be perfect for this forum. We would like to hold the first meeting on...
Friday, March 28, 2008, 5:30pm. Location TBA - but most likely near or at The New School
(Refreshments will be served!)
The agenda will include personal/organization introductions (which will be formed in part by the questions below), Burma situation updates, upcoming events from each of our organizations, and next steps for NYBRT.
In preparation for this meeting, we'd like to know the following from you and/or your organization:
(regarding meetings)
1. Are you interested in attending monthly NYBRT meetings? I.e. do you and/or your organization want to take a more active role in connecting the Burma activism within New York?
2. Can you attend the first meeting on March 28? (We hope to hold the 2nd meeting on April 25 -- thoughts?)
3. Do you have any additional agenda suggestions (whether or not you can attend on March 28)?
(regarding you and/or your organization)
4. What is your organization's most important objective, and how can NYBRT help you realize it?
5. With what in the past has NYBRT helped you and/or your organization, if anything?
6. In your current Burma work, what gives you and/or your organization the most energy?
7. What interests you and/or your organization most about the situation in Burma?
8. What do you feel needs more attention within NY Burma activism?
9. What are your and/or your organization's future plans for Burma activism? (include specific dates, campaign names, etc.)
10. What would be the practical next steps for NYBRT?
We would very much appreciate your response by Friday, March 21, 2008, 9pm. Please send the 10 questions to others in your organization as well! Hopefully, if you cannot attend meetings, someone else in your organization or network can help connect you and/or your organization to the care and concern of other NY Burma activists! It's so important that we network so our message for change in Burma is so much more effective and powerful!
Simply send your responses to Geoff and me - newyork@uscampaignforburma.org.
I very much look forward to hearing from you!
In solidarity,
--
Farheen Malik
First, and most importantly, hope you are well!
Geoff, co-administrator on this mailing list, and I met the other day, and we realized how helpful it would be to NY Burma activism to begin holding meetings of all interested persons and organizations. We are all doing (and have done) such notable actions throughout the city, and it would be great to meet face-to-face to announce upcoming events and see how we can help each other!
In due course, a monthly meeting would be perfect for this forum. We would like to hold the first meeting on...
Friday, March 28, 2008, 5:30pm. Location TBA - but most likely near or at The New School
(Refreshments will be served!)
The agenda will include personal/organization introductions (which will be formed in part by the questions below), Burma situation updates, upcoming events from each of our organizations, and next steps for NYBRT.
In preparation for this meeting, we'd like to know the following from you and/or your organization:
(regarding meetings)
1. Are you interested in attending monthly NYBRT meetings? I.e. do you and/or your organization want to take a more active role in connecting the Burma activism within New York?
2. Can you attend the first meeting on March 28? (We hope to hold the 2nd meeting on April 25 -- thoughts?)
3. Do you have any additional agenda suggestions (whether or not you can attend on March 28)?
(regarding you and/or your organization)
4. What is your organization's most important objective, and how can NYBRT help you realize it?
5. With what in the past has NYBRT helped you and/or your organization, if anything?
6. In your current Burma work, what gives you and/or your organization the most energy?
7. What interests you and/or your organization most about the situation in Burma?
8. What do you feel needs more attention within NY Burma activism?
9. What are your and/or your organization's future plans for Burma activism? (include specific dates, campaign names, etc.)
10. What would be the practical next steps for NYBRT?
We would very much appreciate your response by Friday, March 21, 2008, 9pm. Please send the 10 questions to others in your organization as well! Hopefully, if you cannot attend meetings, someone else in your organization or network can help connect you and/or your organization to the care and concern of other NY Burma activists! It's so important that we network so our message for change in Burma is so much more effective and powerful!
Simply send your responses to Geoff and me - newyork@uscampaignforburma.org.
I very much look forward to hearing from you!
In solidarity,
--
Farheen Malik
Action this week!
=_=_= UN SPECIAL ENVOY BRIEFS UNITED NATIONS THIS WEEK =_=_=
>>>>> BURMA ACTIVIST COMMUNITY WILL RESPOND WITH PROTEST
>>>>> DATE: Wednesday, March 19, TIME: still TBA
>>>>> INFO BELOW
Contact info@8808forburma.org, 917.488.0302
==================================
Dear all,
As you probably know, UN Special Envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari is supposed to be briefing the United Nations Security Council this coming week on how he's coming back from Burma empty-handed, without even having been granted a meeting with General Than Shwe. This is our chance to capitalize on what could be one of the last discussions on Burma at the UN before the May referendum - Gambari's trip MUST be highlighted as a major failure, rather than being swept under the rug.
Individuals from the New York Burma activist community consulted on a direct action strategy to highlight Gambari's failure and call for UN Secretary General Ban to go to Burma himself to accomplish what he's called for in past statements - to have a genuine and inclusive political dialog - and came up with the following:
A demonstration outside the UN, including:
>>>>>18 people dressed in white longyi and shirts, with the number 100 on the shirts, representing 1800 political prisoners who must be freed, and
>>>>> as many people as possible dresssed in ethnic or Burmese dress (Karen and Shan dress would be best) to represent the need for an end to attacks in eastern Burma in order for there to be a genuine and inclusive dialog.
The Gambari briefing is going to be on Wednesday afternoon, and will be a closed briefing. We will protest with the costumes outside the UN so long as we don't use any sound devices (since there was insufficient time to get a permit), and release a statement to the UN Press Corps.
Other things needed for the demo:
-- sponsoring organizations
-- protesters
-- help publicizing the protest to NY activist groups, online Burma groups, Buddhist groups in NY-area, communities from Burma in the NY area
-- signs for protest outside the UN
Many thanks,
Cristina Moon
--
8-8-08 for Burma
PO Box 20025
New York, NY 10001-0001
www.8808forburma.org
>>>>> BURMA ACTIVIST COMMUNITY WILL RESPOND WITH PROTEST
>>>>> DATE: Wednesday, March 19, TIME: still TBA
>>>>> INFO BELOW
Contact info@8808forburma.org, 917.488.0302
==============================
Dear all,
As you probably know, UN Special Envoy to Burma Ibrahim Gambari is supposed to be briefing the United Nations Security Council this coming week on how he's coming back from Burma empty-handed, without even having been granted a meeting with General Than Shwe. This is our chance to capitalize on what could be one of the last discussions on Burma at the UN before the May referendum - Gambari's trip MUST be highlighted as a major failure, rather than being swept under the rug.
Individuals from the New York Burma activist community consulted on a direct action strategy to highlight Gambari's failure and call for UN Secretary General Ban to go to Burma himself to accomplish what he's called for in past statements - to have a genuine and inclusive political dialog - and came up with the following:
A demonstration outside the UN, including:
>>>>>18 people dressed in white longyi and shirts, with the number 100 on the shirts, representing 1800 political prisoners who must be freed, and
>>>>> as many people as possible dresssed in ethnic or Burmese dress (Karen and Shan dress would be best) to represent the need for an end to attacks in eastern Burma in order for there to be a genuine and inclusive dialog.
The Gambari briefing is going to be on Wednesday afternoon, and will be a closed briefing. We will protest with the costumes outside the UN so long as we don't use any sound devices (since there was insufficient time to get a permit), and release a statement to the UN Press Corps.
Other things needed for the demo:
-- sponsoring organizations
-- protesters
-- help publicizing the protest to NY activist groups, online Burma groups, Buddhist groups in NY-area, communities from Burma in the NY area
-- signs for protest outside the UN
Many thanks,
Cristina Moon
--
8-8-08 for Burma
PO Box 20025
New York, NY 10001-0001
www.8808forburma.org
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Prayer Service, March, and Rally TODAY
There is a march and prayer service today, Saturday, February 9.
Location: from the United Nations (46th Street and 1st Avenue) to the Chinese Consulate (all the way across 42nd street).
Time: Prayer service - from 1pm to 3pm
March - from 3pm to 4pm
Rally - upon arrival to the Chinese Consulate
Location: from the United Nations (46th Street and 1st Avenue) to the Chinese Consulate (all the way across 42nd street).
Time: Prayer service - from 1pm to 3pm
March - from 3pm to 4pm
Rally - upon arrival to the Chinese Consulate
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Event on Tuesday
Critical Interpretations of Sustainable Development
Tuesday, January 29th
8pm
Roone Arledge Cinema
Interested in alternative perspectives on sustainable development?
We invite you to come hear speakers expand the discussion on current research and practice. Our panelists approach the field from expertise in human rights, anthropology, economics, and sociology.
Mary Robinson has served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as President of Ireland and is now the Executive Director of the Ethical Globalization Initiative, which promotes a more ethical and equitable globalization process.
David Harvey is a leading theorist in the field of urban studies who teaches in the departments of geography and anthropology at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
Sanjay G. Reddy teaches economics at Barnard College and at SIPA at Columbia University. He focuses on the economics of development, and is best known for his work on global poverty estimates.
Saskia Sassen is a professor in the Department of Sociology and a member of the Committee on Global Thought at Columbia University. Her research and writing focus on globalization, immigration, global cities, and new networked technologies.
Sponsored by Global Solutions, the Undergraduate Human Rights Program, the Roosevelt Institution, Burma 88 Coalition, and the CU Democrats
Tuesday, January 29th
8pm
Roone Arledge Cinema
Interested in alternative perspectives on sustainable development?
We invite you to come hear speakers expand the discussion on current research and practice. Our panelists approach the field from expertise in human rights, anthropology, economics, and sociology.
Mary Robinson has served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and as President of Ireland and is now the Executive Director of the Ethical Globalization Initiative, which promotes a more ethical and equitable globalization process.
David Harvey is a leading theorist in the field of urban studies who teaches in the departments of geography and anthropology at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
Sanjay G. Reddy teaches economics at Barnard College and at SIPA at Columbia University. He focuses on the economics of development, and is best known for his work on global poverty estimates.
Saskia Sassen is a professor in the Department of Sociology and a member of the Committee on Global Thought at Columbia University. Her research and writing focus on globalization, immigration, global cities, and new networked technologies.
Sponsored by Global Solutions, the Undergraduate Human Rights Program, the Roosevelt Institution, Burma 88 Coalition, and the CU Democrats
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Updates from and about Burma
These will enlighten you:
*A Forgotten Crisis
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/19/AR2008011902016.html
*Myanmar going 'downhill on all fronts,' says US
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hvpjzbOju-BXxtb_mFEroSlpdv-A
*The Burma Campaign UK: December 2007 in Burma
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/Last%20Month/Last_Month_December_07.pdf
*A Forgotten Crisis
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/19/AR2008011902016.html
*Myanmar going 'downhill on all fronts,' says US
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hvpjzbOju-BXxtb_mFEroSlpdv-A
*The Burma Campaign UK: December 2007 in Burma
http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/Last%20Month/Last_Month_December_07.pdf
A Few Announcements!
Sorry for the brief hiatus, here are updates:
1) Sunday, January 27th @7pm - $5 suggested donation
Discussion: Karen Zusman, "Postcard from Burma"
Location: Bluestockings Radical Books, 172 Allen Street between Stanton and Rivington :: 212.777.6028
Join witness and author Karen Zusman, who returned to Burma weeks after the recent crackdown in Burma and who now tells the whispered stories of students, monks, military widows, housekeepers, and waiters
2) Spring 2008: Student Exposure Trip to Thai-Burma Border
Date of Trip: March 20, 2008-March 30, 2008
WHY GO TO THE THAILAND-BURMA BORDER?
Situated between India, Thailand, and China, the country of Burma has been ravaged for decades by violence, poverty, and fear. Due to the oppression of the current military regime, over 3,200 villages have been destroyed, sending over a million people to fleeing to neighboring Thailand.
If you have been interested or involved in Burma’s epic freedom struggle, this trip will provide you with the knowledge and legitimacy beneficial to elevating your efforts to help the people of Burma at an effective level. You will leave Thailand not only with unique knowledge and experience of the crisis and ways to assist the people of Burma but will also gain strong personal relationships with the individuals who risk their lives for freedom and human rights in Burma. This is more than just an exposure tour where you learn about what is happening; by the end of this trip, you are expected to take the knowledge and be a strong leader in pushing for Burma action in your local area.
HOW DOES THIS TRIP WORK?
The group (consisting of 8-10 people) will meet in Los Angeles and travel together to Thailand, where they will meet organizations and individuals working along the Thai-Burmese border. The group will spend time in Bangkok, although the majority of the stay will be spent in the town of Mae Sot, situated right by the Thailand-Burma border where there are many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) run by Burmese persons who have fled their home country and now in exile, work to promote human rights, democracy, and provide assistance to those in need. Each student will spend a week assisting and learning from an NGO of his/her choice. Among the NGOs include groups that focus on workers rights’, health care, law, human rights documentation, women’s rights, orphans, and political prisoners. The trip will be led by an experienced USCB staff and member.
CAN I APPLY?
In order to apply to participate in this trip, you must be in good medical condition and be able to pay for the costs of your own travel and trip coordination. The cost (excluding travel costs to LAX and vaccinations) will be between $1400-1500 for the 10-day trip, but will vary for each individual participant. All trip participants must arrange their own roundtrip travel to Los Angeles International Airport on March 20, 2008. The group will then fly together to Bangkok, Thailand. The group will return on March 30, 2008 to Los Angeles International Airport.
Trip itineraries will remain confidential because of the sensitive nature of the organizations’ work. While every precaution will be taken by the trip coordinator to ensure complete safety of the group, all trip participants will need to sign a waiver in order to participate.
Applications are due on January 20, 2008. If interested, please contact Thelma Young at thelma@uscampaignforburma.org.
For more information on the current situation in Burma, please visit http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/ .
US Consular Information on Thailand:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1040.html
Routine Vaccinations for travel to Thailand:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm#vaccines
1) Sunday, January 27th @7pm - $5 suggested donation
Discussion: Karen Zusman, "Postcard from Burma"
Location: Bluestockings Radical Books, 172 Allen Street between Stanton and Rivington :: 212.777.6028
Join witness and author Karen Zusman, who returned to Burma weeks after the recent crackdown in Burma and who now tells the whispered stories of students, monks, military widows, housekeepers, and waiters
2) Spring 2008: Student Exposure Trip to Thai-Burma Border
Date of Trip: March 20, 2008-March 30, 2008
WHY GO TO THE THAILAND-BURMA BORDER?
Situated between India, Thailand, and China, the country of Burma has been ravaged for decades by violence, poverty, and fear. Due to the oppression of the current military regime, over 3,200 villages have been destroyed, sending over a million people to fleeing to neighboring Thailand.
If you have been interested or involved in Burma’s epic freedom struggle, this trip will provide you with the knowledge and legitimacy beneficial to elevating your efforts to help the people of Burma at an effective level. You will leave Thailand not only with unique knowledge and experience of the crisis and ways to assist the people of Burma but will also gain strong personal relationships with the individuals who risk their lives for freedom and human rights in Burma. This is more than just an exposure tour where you learn about what is happening; by the end of this trip, you are expected to take the knowledge and be a strong leader in pushing for Burma action in your local area.
HOW DOES THIS TRIP WORK?
The group (consisting of 8-10 people) will meet in Los Angeles and travel together to Thailand, where they will meet organizations and individuals working along the Thai-Burmese border. The group will spend time in Bangkok, although the majority of the stay will be spent in the town of Mae Sot, situated right by the Thailand-Burma border where there are many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) run by Burmese persons who have fled their home country and now in exile, work to promote human rights, democracy, and provide assistance to those in need. Each student will spend a week assisting and learning from an NGO of his/her choice. Among the NGOs include groups that focus on workers rights’, health care, law, human rights documentation, women’s rights, orphans, and political prisoners. The trip will be led by an experienced USCB staff and member.
CAN I APPLY?
In order to apply to participate in this trip, you must be in good medical condition and be able to pay for the costs of your own travel and trip coordination. The cost (excluding travel costs to LAX and vaccinations) will be between $1400-1500 for the 10-day trip, but will vary for each individual participant. All trip participants must arrange their own roundtrip travel to Los Angeles International Airport on March 20, 2008. The group will then fly together to Bangkok, Thailand. The group will return on March 30, 2008 to Los Angeles International Airport.
Trip itineraries will remain confidential because of the sensitive nature of the organizations’ work. While every precaution will be taken by the trip coordinator to ensure complete safety of the group, all trip participants will need to sign a waiver in order to participate.
Applications are due on January 20, 2008. If interested, please contact Thelma Young at thelma@uscampaignforburma.org.
For more information on the current situation in Burma, please visit http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/ .
US Consular Information on Thailand:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1040.html
Routine Vaccinations for travel to Thailand:
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm#vaccines
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