On the 18th anniversary of the infamous 8-8-88 peoples movement in Burma, where the people stood up bravely to oppose the military government, several non-governmental organisations, including FORUM-ASIA, got together to wish their Burmese brothers and sisters a safe journey back to their motherland soon, assuring that they will be standing next to their Burmese friends in demanding for democracy and political development in Burma.Today marked the 18th anniversary of the infamous 8-8-88 peoples movement in Burma, where the Burmese people stood up bravely to oppose the military government. The armed military fired into the unarmed crowd continuously for four days, leading to the death of more than 1,000 people. There had been demands for general elections, but the military denied the demands, arrested student leaders, and put Daw Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. The military government declined to transfer the power of those that were elected rightfully by the people. The Burmese condemn this political situation but are unable to escape it.

The undemocratic setting in Burma has led to the oppression of the people. Millions of people have had to abandon their homes and have been forced to become migrant workers, refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). Most are discriminated against and marginalized. Their rights are violated.

Both the Burmese and the Thai are people, we are therefore brothers and sisters. We would like to extend our sympathy and understanding for our Burmese friends. We are willing to support, assist, and become friends with the Burmese people that have fled to Thailand. We would like the Burmese people to understand that there are Thai people that will understand you and feel for you. We hope that the relations between Burmese and Thai People will be prosperous and grow days after days.

We wish that our Burmese brothers and sisters will be able to return back to their motherland soon and we will be standing next to them demanding for democracy and political development in Burma.

Signatories:

Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)
Asia-Pacific Peoples Partnership for Burma (APPPB)
Peoples Media Foundation
Burmese Rohinya Association of Thailand (BRT)
National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB)
Youth Coalition for Peace in 3 Southern Provinces
Rungsit and close-by Trade Unions Group
Asia-Pacific Workers Solidarity Link-Thailand