Do-aye, Burma

I am a left-leaning Social Democrat in exile and I have strong opinions about international human rights. Yet in as much as I can write articles or sign a petition, I sit here helpless whilst I watch the Burmese government "take action” against the Buddhist monks for leading peaceful protests throughout their country. I am infuriated, disgusted and in shock. My armchair politics does little to help, my stand of solidarity with the Burmese seems ineffectual. There must be more that can be done, surely. But what. And how...

The monks are protesting the government’s actions in the city of Pakokku, when soldiers and state-backed militia reportedly beat up several monks. The ruling junta has now closed off the country to journalists but news is leaking out via e-mails and other electronic messages from eyewitnesses inside Burma. Reports are stating that monks are being slaughtered by the hundreds.

I respect and admire the monks and the other Burmese demonstrators who are standing up to their brutal military government. The last time there was a similar peaceful, nationwide protest against the government, 3,000 demonstrators paid with their lives. The memory of that massacre does not seem to be deterring the demonstrators, whose numbers have continued to swell.

They brandish placards with the 1988 demonstrators slogan: Do-aye (“It is our task”). After government warnings were ignored by demonstrators, the military moved to violently crush the demonstrations. Most of the international community, with the exception of China (which wields tremendous influence over the junta), has criticized the Burmese junta for its reaction to the demonstrations. Criticism will not suffice though.

These are an oppressed people wishing to make a change. The uprising has finally shone light to the international press on the injustices of the ruling junta. The people hold placards to fight for basic human rights and to stand against government corruption and oppression. They do this all the while knowing that placards will not spare them against rifles, tanks and bayonets.

In the last few days, the military has come down hard and viciously, surrounding the monasteries so that monks cannot leave, violently suppressing marches and cutting external communications. The Internet and phone infrastructure has been shut down making reliable accounts as to what is happening in Burma scarce. Satellite pictures now show burning villages and soldiers blocking the streets. Monks have been slaughtered by the thousands.

I think about the Burmese people I know and I sit here right now, only able to pray. I appeal to you to do the same.