Open letter to MP’s

Dear ……………………

As a member of your constituency I am writing in order to bring to your attention, the great concern I have regarding the worsening conflict in the Kachinstate, in northern Burma.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the government’s effort to engage with the Burmese regime in order toattain peace, democracy, human rights and equal ethnic rights. 13th April, David Cameron became the first British Prime Minister to visit Burma since independence in 1948. He said the UK would argue in favour of suspending - not lifting - all EU sanctions on Burma, except the arms embargo to recognise the democratic reform made by the President TheinSein. I am sure that David Cameron saw signs of progress, especially ‘on the ground’ in Yangon and central Burma, which is the main populated area of the country, and is mostly inhabited by theBurman ethnic group, but for those living in Kachin state, in the north of the country, change “on the ground” has not yet come.

The Burmese regime is ready for business with the world. However, to be open for business it needs to have complete control over ethnic regions, which are economically and strategically vital for the military. Many in the Kachin region believe they are 'making peace' with Aung San SuuKyi simply to conciliate international critics in order to have economic sanctions removed. The regime has not yet given any sign that they are motivated by a genuine desire to bring peace, security and economic progress to all of Burma, equally.

In fact, in recent months the situation has deteriorated dramatically. Since late December, the Burmese Army intensified its attacks against the Kachin people, employing helicopters and fighter jets to launch a series of air strikes around Laiza, the town near the China-Burma border where the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) headquarters is located. On Monday 14th January, three civilians including a child were killed and four others injured when, for the first time, the Burmese Army directly bombarded the town of Laiza with rocket shells. Laiza is home to 6,000 civilians and in addition, 14,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) are sheltering in camps in and around Laiza. The Burmese Army has been launching military offensives in Kachin State since June 2011, when it ended the 17-year long ceasefire agreement with the KIO. Since then, attacks on the Kachin people have been relentless, resulting in about 100,000 internally displaced persons, including around 75,000 in KIO-controlled areas where international aid is being blocked by President TheinSein, resulting in widespread hunger and disease. Burmese Army soldiers have committed horrific human rights violations against civilians which may be considered war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law. In his report to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2012, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Burma, Mr. TomásOjea Quintana stated that he is 'particularly concerned at continuing serious human rights violations in conflict-affected ethnic border areas, which include attacks against civilian populations, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, internal displacement, land confiscations, the recruitment of child soldiers, forced labour and portering, and the use of landmines.'

As I and many others of your constituents are greatly concerned with this recent escalation of conflict, I encourage you to sign the Early Day Motion 909 ( and ask the British Government to:

1. Condemn the Burma Army’s aerial and artillery bombardment of the Kachin people

2. Immediately dispatch an inquiry team to the conflict area

3. Demand an immediate withdrawal of Burmese troops from the Kachin areas

4. Reassess economic and diplomatic ties with Burma and consider reinstituting a trade embargo if there is not an immediate cessation of attacks

5. Urge the Burmese Government to call nationwide unconditional ceasefire and initiate genuine political dialogue

6. Call for the Burmese government to open aid to ALL victims of this conflict

7. To provide humanitarian assistance to fleeing and displaced civilians

Yours Sincerely,

…………………………….