Burmese Women's Union

The discussion on society, economics, and culture of Burma

On May 31, Ma Zar Zar from the Burmese Women’s Union (BWU) organized a discussion with migrant workers in Kampi Bat, Mae Sot.BWU invited the participants for an evaluation of the books, which the participants borrowed at the BWU library. The event was also used to exchange information on and thoughts about what the participants have read, and also to discuss the current political situation in Burma. There were 11 women who attended the discussion.

Ma Zar Zar gave an introduction and talked about citizens’ rights. She gave examples of democratic countries where governments providefor thebasic needs of the people such as infrastructure development,health care, free education, etc. She compared these governments with the Burmese military junta which has not provided anything but instead has created hardships, oppression, and suffering to the people of Burma. For instance, instead of spending for the needs of the people, the military junta has confiscated their properties. The people tried to go to the court of justice to seek redress, but the court has ignored their complaints.This shows that the people cannot rely on the military junta for the protection of their civil rights, because it is the one violating these rights.

The discussion proved to be successful. The participants said that before the discussion they did not know anything about their civil rights and the responsibilities of the Burmese military government to them. They were also not aware of the many human rights violations that the government has committed. After the discussion, they now have a better understanding of their civil rights and their right to fight for these rights.