We are university lecturers, researchers, policy practitioners, students and activists from 17 countries. We are gathered in Bangkok, Thailand for the International Development Studies Conference on "Mainstreaming Human Security: The Asian Contribution" held on 4-5 October 2007 at Chulalongkorn University.
While human security has been emphasized and used as a reference point in this conference, we realize that our fellows in Burma, which is only next door to Thailand, are crying out for their security. Those monks and civilians who are peacefully demonstrating have a right to have their voice heard. The brutal and violent response by the Burmese government is unacceptable and uncivilized.
Although the demonstrations were triggered by the government's decision to abruptly increase oil prices by 500%, the current discontent in Burma is firmly rooted in the continuing daily hardships ignored by the military dictatorship. We have yet to discover how many civilians and monks have lost their lives during the recent suppression. The hundreds of reported deaths and thousands of forced arrests are alarming and cried out for action above the strong words expressed at the conference this week. These people are fathers, mothers, sons and daughters and they deserve our urgent support. The decision to use violence against peaceful protestors will yield nothing but bloodshed, insecurity and instability inside Burma.
The continuation of brutal violence and repression, military searches, and roundups is happening in front of the eyes of Burma's neighbouring countries, especially China, Japan, India and Thailand. These countries have vast economic interests in Burma's natural resources. Competition among these countries should not overshadow morality and the responsibility each one has towards defending basic human security.
We, the undersigned, urgently call on the Burmese government and its high-ranked officers to:
-
stop all forms of violence and repression against their own people,
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free arrested monks, protestors and political activists, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and
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restore a peaceful dialogue with the people in support of Burma's path to democracy.
Moreover, we call on the governments of China, Japan, India and Thailand, whose responses significantly influence the direction of this dire situation, to stand up to their responsibilities and overcome short term economic interests. We urge each of these governments to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens in Burma and to bring pressure on the government of Burma to pursue meaningful dialogue on the path to democracy.
Signed by
|
Name |
Organisation |
Country |
|
1. Abdut Shaban |
Tata Institute of Social Science |
India |
|
2. Abubakar Kbyttara |
International Center for Islam and Democracy, Jakarta |
Indonesia |
|
3. Alisa Hasamoh |
Prince Songkla University |
Thailand |
|
4. Andi Amri |
Hasanuddin University |
Indonesia |
|
5. Bennett Richardson |
Waseda University |
New Zealand |
|
6. Brennen Jenkins |
Chulalongkorn University |
Canada |
|
7. Chaiwat Satha-anand |
Thammasat University |
Thailand |
|
8. Chanchai Chaisukkosol |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
9. Chandanic Watawak |
Mahidol University |
Sri Lanka |
|
10. Chantana Banpasirichote |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
11. Dhani Ram Sapkota |
OHRSD, Mahihol University |
Nepal |
|
12. Edgardo P Legaspi |
Mahidol University |
Philippines |
|
13. Eersa Sami Ahoja |
HBF |
Pakistan |
|
14. Gabrielle Groves |
Asian Institute of Technology |
Canada |
|
15. Gaurang R Sahay |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences |
India |
|
16. Jacques-chai Chomthongdi |
Focus on the Global South |
Thailand |
|
17. Jasmin Nario Galace |
Miriam College |
Philippines |
|
18. Jessada Salathong |
Waseda University |
Thailand |
|
19. Kal Elle |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
20. Ketut Gunawan |
Mulawarman University |
Indonesia |
|
21. Kinhide Mushakoji |
University of Economics and Law, Osaka |
Japan |
|
22. Makendra Chalise |
Helpless Rehabilitation Society |
Nepal |
|
23. Marita Castro Guevara |
Ateneo de Manila University |
Philippines |
|
24. Mary Racelis |
Ateneo de Manila University |
Philippines |
|
25. Masaya Sekiguchi |
|
Japan |
|
26. Md. Shanawez Hobbain |
Waseda University |
Bangladesh |
|
27. Melizel Asuncion |
Mahidol University |
Philippines |
|
28. Michiko Yoshida |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand/ Japan |
|
29. Mike Hayes |
Mahidol University |
Thailand |
|
30. Mohiuddin Ahmad |
Sungkonghoe University |
Bangladesh |
|
31. Motohiko Sato |
Aichi University |
Japan |
|
32. Muktasam |
Research Center for Rural Development |
Indonesia |
|
33. Naruemon Arunotai |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
34. Naruemon Thabchumpon |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
35. Omar Farouk |
Hiroshima City University |
Japan |
|
36. Oscar Gomez |
Tokyo University |
Japan |
|
37. P Gopinalt |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences |
India |
|
38. Pakorn Lertsatienchai |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
39. Passanan Assavarak |
KMUTT |
Thailand |
|
40. Philippe Dooneys |
|
Canada |
|
41. Pratubjit Neelapaijit |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
42. Puangthong Pawakapan |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
43. Ranee Hatsarangsee |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
44. Ritambhara Hebbar |
Tata Institute of Social Science |
India |
|
45. Rosalie Arcala Hall |
University of the Philippines |
Philippines |
|
46. Sajin Prachason |
Focus on the Global South |
Thailand |
|
47. Saw Aye Min |
Chulalongkorn University |
Myanmar |
|
48. Suangsurang Lomratanachai |
Asian Institute of Technology |
Thailand |
|
49. Surangrut Jumnianpol |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
50. Surichai Wangaeo |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
51. Takachi Mita |
|
Japan |
|
52. Tassanee Surawanna |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
53. Teresa S Encarnacion Tadem |
University of the Philippines |
Philippines |
|
54. Theera Wanasanpraikhiw |
Chulalongkorn University |
Thailand |
|
55. Tomoko Nakao |
|
Japan |
|
56. Wayne Nells |
|
Canada |
|
57. Yodha Maharddhika |
Gadjah Mada University |
Indonesia |
|
58. Yoichi Mine |
Osaka University |
Japan |
|
59. Yuyyn Wahyuningrun |
Mahidol University |
Indonesia |
|
60. Zarina Othman |
National University of Malaysia |
Malaysia |
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