International commission of inquiry

T

he military regime in Burma, headed by Senior General Than Shwe, is waging a campaign of terror against its civilians in violation of international law. The regime continues to deploy torture, sexual violence, forced labor, murder and imprisonment as tools to rule over the country. These crimes have been well documented by the United Nations and various international organizations and pose a threat to international peace and security.

Years of sanctions by the international community and over thirty-five United Nation resolutions calling for an investigation into these crimes have not brought justice for civilian victims of widespread and systematic crimes. In fact, the failed judicial system in the country and the 2008 sham constitution, which includes an amnesty provision, will ensure that perpetrators are never tried for these crimes.

It is now beholden on the international community to act and to call on the United Nations Security Council to take action and establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity and possibly genocide and to refer Senior General Than Shwe and his regime to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The international community must take a strong stand against the notorious junta and condemn it for its illegal activity. An ICC referral of Burma would enforce the most fundamental of rights of its people and of the global community.

This campaign seeks to mobilize international constituencies, focused on the United States and Europe, to advocate and lobby policy makers and key stakeholders, such as UN Security Council members, to call for an investigation of these crimes and demand accountability.

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