It has been interesting to read the posts of Zin Linn about the situation in Burma, especially with events surrounding (what passes for) an election in that country.

I usually complain that the Australian media pays little attention to elections and other political events in nations in the south-east Asian region nearby to us.  I find it somewhat ironic that the ‘election’ which seems to be getting a lot of coverage is one which is so unfair and rigged as to barely justify being called an election at all.  None the less, it is good that people are being regularly reminded of the enormity of the injustices and human rights abuses that are continuing to occur in Burma.  

The news site of the ABC, Australia’s public broadcaster, has contained many reports leading up to and about the election, as well as the violence that is occurring around it.  Other independent media have provided differing perspectives about the situation.  Debate is occurring amongst the three main political parties in Australia about whether there should be stronger trade sanctions against Burma. It is unfortunate that it is hard to hear the direct views of the people living in Burma, as well as those who have been forced out.  Condemndation of the ‘sham poll’ and the violence surrounding it is widespread.

Amnesty International Australia has made Burma a priority issue this year. I recently attended a film screening at the University of Queensland in Brisbane showing first hand accounts of  some of the oppression and violence of the military regime.  (A comprehensive report from Amnesty International on human rights abuses in Burma can be found at this link). Human Rights Watch have been giving Burma a lot of attention as well.

Certainly many Australians have been made all too aware of just how bad things are for the people of Burma. But as is so often the case, the hard question is what effective things can be done about it? I hope the least we can do is make sure those refugees who have had to flee the oppression and violence are supported and not forced back to danger. The Thai government is the main one in the spotlight about that issue, but along with expressing concern about that possibility, we should look at how we could encourage and support countries in the region who face the main impact of refugees fleeing from Burma.