UNCHR PASSES STRONGEST EVER RESOLUT

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Subject: UNCHR PASSES STRONGEST EVER RESOLUTION ON BURMA

BURMA OFFICE
LABOR COUNCIL BUILDING, SUITE 6, 8TH FLOOR, 377-383 SUSSEX STREET,
SYDNEY, NSW 2000. TEL: (02) 9264-7694 FAX: (02) 9264-7693 EMAIL:
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PRESS RELEASE
16 APRIL 1997 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS PASSES STRONGEST EVER RESOLUTION ON BURMA

Today, by consensus, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights
passed the strongest ever resolution on Burma, condemning the Burmese
military regime, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC),
for its horrendous human rights record.

The resolution highlights that ?the absence of respect for the rights
pertaining to democratic governance is at the root of all the major
violations of human rights? in Burma.

The resolution expressed deep concern at the continuing human rights
violations in Burma, including the severe restrictions and abuses
against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, members of the National League for
Democracy and students as well as ?the recent attacks on ethnic
nationalities resulting in death, destruction and displacement?.  The
resolution also condemns the violations of the rights of children in
Burma, including their use as forced labourers and discrimination
against ethnic and religious minority children.  With regard to SLORC?s
National Convention, the resolution concludes that the Convention ?does
not appear to constitute the necessary steps towards the restoration of
democracy?.

The Commission calls upon SLORC to cooperate fully with the Special
Rapporteur on Burma, who has not been permitted to visit the country for
more than a year.  The resolution also urges full cooperation with the
International Labour Organisation?s upcoming Commission of Inquiry and
calls for an investigation into the death of Mr Leo Nichols in June
1996.

In addition, the Commission decided to extend the mandate of the Special
Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma for another year.

The Burma Office welcomes the resolution adopted by the UN Commission on
Human Rights and would like to thank the Netherlands and the European
Union for sponsoring the strong language which reflects the
deteriorating situation of human rights in Burma.  The Burma Office
believes strongly, however, that the next step is to seek implementation
of the terms of the resolution.  The Burma Office calls on all member
states to cooperate fully with the UN Secretary-General and the Special
Rapporteur on Burma to work towards a lasting and genuine peace in
Burma.

End.