September 26th marks the 1st anniversary of the Saffron Revolution in Burma. It is one year since we dressed in red to support the tens of thousands of saffron-robed monks who marched peacefully through the streets of Rangoon. People’s frustration with the regime began with the dramatic rise in fuel prices in early August 2007 because it had a direct effect on their everyday lives. The Junta responded with a brutal crackdown on the demonstrators. Many monks and activists are still in prison.
So what is the situation in Burma today? The Junta is continuing their push towards an election in 2010 based upon its so-called “Roadmap for Democracy.” In their eyes, it’s as if the demonstrations never even took place. The result of the election has already been fixed, but the democracy movement has denounced the voting process as a fraud. The democracy movement demands that Aung San Suu Kyi and the opposition party are included in the process. How can the movement stand up against the regime after what happened last year?
The Burma Nationalities Association and The Norwegian Burma Committee invite you to a memorial ceremony and seminar for the 1st anniversary of the Saffron Revolution.
Please reply to Åse Sand, info@burma.no, if you want to participate.
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PROGRAM:
Memorial Ceremony and Seminar
The 1st Anniversary of the Saffron Revolution
Friday, September 26, 2008, 9:30 – 11:00 am
Human Rights House, Tordenskioldsgata 6b, Oslo
After the Saffron Revolution:
What is the way forward for Burma?
Memorial Service
Buddhist service
Flower ritual
One minute of silence
Political discussion
Opening
Inger Lise Husøy
Director, The Norwegian Burma Committee
The monks’ role in the Burma Democracy Movement
The Venerable Sayadaw U Uttara, England
Secretary of Sasana Moli / International Burmese Monks Organisation
Violations of human rights after the Saffron Revolution
Mr. Min Lwin Oo, Norway
Lawyer for the Asian Human Rights Commission / Burma Lawyers’ Council
Does the National League for Democracy stand a chance?
Mr. Kyaw Thwin, Norway
MP National League for Democracy / Parliament Union of Burma
Open discussion
