Much of my recent work has been preparing monitoring materials for Burma's upcoming referendum. In essence, a referendum is being held to see whether or not the Burmese population approves the new constitution, which was drafted by the military. Neither the political opposition nor ethnic minorities were involved in the drafting process. Many of Burma's citizens are being threatened and pressured by government sponsored militias and thugs to vote "yes" on May 10. Individuals and groups who have been educating and pushing voters to vote "no" have been harassed and threatened.

In the days leading up to the referendum, many groups expect that the SPDC (moniker of the ruling junta) will further suppress people's freedoms of expression, association, and assembly--much like how it did in the 1988, 1990, and 2007 protests. It has been estimated that the number of Burma's political prisoners surged to 1,864 after the Saffron Revolution. And many fear that arbitrary arrests, torture, and killings will increase leading up to the vote.

If the results show a "yes" for the constitution, it further legitimizes and consolidates the SPDC's grip on power and further postpones a transitional to democracy, peace, and national reconciliation. In addition, some fear that the SPDC will rig the elections. If that is the case, it may very well spark new protests, which will likely be brutally repressed by the ruling regime. If results show an overwhelming vote of "no", the likelihood that the military will cede power to a civilian government is a highly unlikely response. Mass arrests and suppression of political dissidents will probably be the response. It's a lose-lose situation....

Last week, I also began part-timing with an indigenous organization that works jointly on social and environmental issues inside Burma and along the border area. Some of their programs include environmental conservation and education, food security, and traditional medicine.

from AVAAZ:
Asia: Act Now for Myanmar's People
On November 21, China, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan join the leaders of ASEAN at the East Asia Summit in Singapore. This meeting is crucial. With thousands of monks and democrats still imprisoned in Myanmar, these Asian leaders hold vital levers over the military dictatorship there.

Coordinated Asian pressure could decide whether dialogue between Aung San Suu Kyi and the military junta is genuine, or just another con-trick. That’s why we're sending a wave of messages from all around Asia, asking leaders to offer practical support to the UN effort, and to take real steps to press the Myanmar junta into freeing the prisoners and opening real dialogue.

Sign HERE.

Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption, puts out an "annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), first released in 1995, is the best known of TI’s tools. It has been widely credited with putting TI and the issue of corruption on the international policy agenda. The CPI ranks 180 countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys." Burma is tied for last place with Somalia. You can see the listings HERE
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From Irrawaddy:

In addition to being the most corrupt government, Burma has been ranked ‘zero,’ the worst government in the world according to the amount of freedom citizens have to voice opinions and select a government, according to the latest Worldwide Governance Indicators report.


Countries with the best overall rankings included Denmark, 100; Canada, 94; and Australia, 93.
Countries with the worst overall rankings included Burma 0, China 4 and Vietnam 8.
The Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) research project, covering 212 countries and territories, measured six areas of governance between 1996 and 2006 to make its rankings: Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Absence of Violence, Government Effectiveness, Regulatory Quality, Rule of Law and Control of Corruption.
In the Voice and Accountability category, Burma has ranked near ‘zero’ since 1996.

Among Burma's neighbors: India ranked 58; Thailand, 32 and China, 4. Laos was ranked 6; Cambodia, 21; Malaysia, 38; Indonesia, 41; Philippines, 44; and Singapore 46.

The Worldwide Governance Indicators are produced by researchers from the World Bank Institute and the World Bank Development Economics Research Group.

The aggregate indicators combine the views of a large number of enterprises, citizens and experts in industrial and developing countries. The individual data sources underlying the aggregate indicators are drawn from a variety of survey institutes, think tanks, non-governmental organizations and international organizations.

Last week, I began helping out part-time with the Network for Environment and Economic Development (NEED-Burma), an NGO that works on training Burmese on sustainable agriculture methods. Because of poor economic policies, rapid natural resource extraction, and the ongoing civil war, the food security and environmental situation in Burma is worsening. In 1960, Burma was the world's #1 rice exporter. Today, 40% of children are malnourished. This particular NGO seeks to train Burmese from all over Burma on how to grow organic and nutritious fruit and produce that does not pollute or degrade the environment.

Yesterday, NEED's Sustainable Agriculture Advisor said to me that most Burma-related empowerment groups concentrate solely on politics and democracy, but not many give environmental and agricultural training to those on the ground. NEED works to ensure that its farming methods can be replicated in any agricultural area in Burma.

Not to digress too much, but personally, as a trained environmentalist, one of the easiest and most effective ways to take care of the environment and to ensure a future for subsequent generations is to focus on how food is grown. Too much harmful pesticides is used and waste created in the food production methods that most of the world uses today.

In addition to starting a sizeable compost pile out of food waste and leaf litter, we began building an ecological sanitation toilet at NEED's model farm yesterday. It is based on the Indian Kerala system. It's a urine diversion dehydration (UDD) toilet. The urine will be siphoned off as fertilizer, the faeces will go into a drop hole for processing, and the washing water will go to an evapo-transpiration bed, probably for coconuts. To my knowledge, it will be the first of its kind in Thailand. And if this demonstration toilet is a success, and the knowledge can be transferred over to Burma, it can be the start of eco-san in Burma. That's an exciting and hopeful thought.

NEED's explanation on its choice of focusing on Sustainable Agriculture HERE.

Read the February 2007 brief on Burma's Ecological Crisis written by UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights to Myanmar Paulo Sergio Pinheiro HERE.

***The petitions and pledges are now up to 19.***

AVAAZ also is launching a global boycott of Total Oil and Chevron and all their subsidiaries that operate in Burma. You can sign AVAAZ's pledge HERE. By hitting them straight in their bottom line, AVAAZ hopes to press these corporations to either push Burma to democratic reform, or to leave the country entirely.

I will say though, while many Western Burma-related NGOs and advocacy networks believe that a complete pullout of Western companies doing business in Burma is the quickest, surefire way to weaken the junta and bring about political change in the troubled nation, the situation is not as clearcut. While companies operating in Burma can use their leverage to enact political change, company pullout can create a power vacuum, creating the conditions for even more abusive (Chinese or other energy-hungry Asian) companies to fill in the void. Chinese, Malaysian, Korean companies would readily, easily, and quickly answer the call for investment.

I have heard that Burmese on the ground are actually against a pullout of Western companies. The are afraid that if Western companies leave, Asian companies with poorer human rights records will move in. In the historic Doe vs. Unocal Case involving the construction of the Yadana pipeline, the verdict held that Unocal WAS liable for human rights abuses committed by SPDC troops hired by the oil company. Some think a more effective way to uphold human rights in Burma, especially in areas where multinationals invest, is to put pressure on Western companies to operate in a responsible manner. The Corporate Social Responsibility discourse is much more predominant and established in the West than in the East, where many countries are still subject to the "race to the bottom" for development. Hence, advocating for Western companies to observe CSR is a more suitable option on which Western activists can rely. Moreover, I personally doubt that enough companies will pull out in a short timeframe to create serious cash flow problems for the junta.

Journalist and author Ross Gelbspan has put forth the following theory in his book about climate change The Heat is On. If a totalitarian state (like Burma) suffers from severe economic instability (such as one that would occur from a massive investor pullout), the conditions would be ripe for GREATER, not lesser human rights abuses. It's the same old Asian Values argument that says economic considerations and the right to development come before civil and political rights. By supervising companies who invest in Burma and getting them to responsibly operate, the hope is that multinationals can counteract human rights abuses.

Another petition: Sign Earthrights International's petition urging Chevron to use its influence to help stop the crackdown, and to stop investing in Burma HERE.

1. AVAAZ is petitioning the UN and Chinese President Hu Jintao HERE.

2. AVAAZ also is launching a global boycott of Total Oil and Chevron and all their subsidiaries that operate in Burma HERE. By hitting them straight in their bottom line, AVAAZ hopes to press these corporations to either push Burma to democratic reform, or to leave the country entirely.

3. Also, please sign the US Campaign for Burma petition calling for China to withdraw support of Burma's military regime HERE.

4. Human Rights First is calling on ASEAN members to put pressure on Burma to stop the bloodshed now. Please sign before the ASEAN meeting on November 17th HERE.

5. The US Campaign for Burma is also calling on the UN Secretary General to help stop the torture, killings, and arrests HERE.

6. Call on Members of United Nations, Members of the European Union, All Political Leaders, All Head of States, and, All Dignitaries for immediate action on Burma HERE.

7. An appeal to the 15 members of the UN Security Council HERE.

8-9. Ask that Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon support the passage of a binding resolution requiring the restoration of democracy to Burma HERE. The Global Campaign for Justice in Burma's petition is asking that the Secretary-General investigate and collect proof of human rights abuses in Burma HERE. You can also email UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon asking for immediate UN intervention at inquiries@un.org.

10. Send a petition calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Burma, including Aung San Suu Kyi, to Senior General Than Shwe. Don't worry if one or two of these emails bounces back-the petition will go to 30 Burmese government ministries and Burmese embassies around the world- it probably means their inbox is already full of appeals. The petition, off musician Damien Rice's actionburma.com site is HERE.

11. Reporters Without Borders has a petition calling for the immediate release of Win Tin, one of Aung San Suu Kyi's mentors. You can sign the petition HERE.

12. Sign Earthrights International's petition urging Chevron to use its influence to help stop the crackdown, and to stop investing in Burma HERE.

13. Sign the Shwe Gas Movement's petition to halt South Korea's Daewoo from extracting gas in Western Burma until human rights are upheld HERE.

14. Amnesty International Canada's petition HERE is calling on Canadian Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier and the Canadian government to put pressure on the UN and ASEAN to help bring peace to Burma.

15. Burma Rivers Network's PETITION calls on the Chinese government to closely monitor Chinese companies that invest in hydropower and other extractive industries in Burma (and other countries). Nontransparent operation, poor oversight, and not keeping affect communities informed has led to environmental degradation and human rights abuses in Burma.

16. A petition calling on Canadian PM Steven Harper to act HERE.

17-19. For British citizens, please send the following 3 petitions "Support Burmese", "Democracy Burma," and "Boycott Olympics" to PM Gordon Brown. Get him to act now!

- If you know of any other petitions or pledges, email me at freeburmaactioncenter@gmail.com, and I'll add it ASAP.

- DONATE: The Mae Tao Clinic (MTC), founded and directed by Dr. Cynthia Maung, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, provides free health care for refugees, migrant workers, and other individuals who cross the border from Burma to Thailand. Its origins go back to the student pro-democracy movement in Burma in 1988 and the brutal repression by the Burmese regime of that movement.

You can help the clinic continue its work by either DONATINGor VOLUNTEERING.

- DONATE to Partners Relief and Development's 5 Alive Program. $50 can help keep a family of 5 IDPs alive for one month. Read more HERE.

- Help AVAAZ.org Break the Burmese Blackout HERE. The Burmese military has seen the power of global solidarity for the demonstrators--and has moved to shut down all communications with the outside world. As the images and stories have slowed, global media coverage of the Burmese crisis has lost its urgency.

But people power can beat the blackout. Donate below to send crucial technical support and equipment to Burmese civil society groups, and help return Burma's voice to its people. 100% of funds donated will go to Burmese groups--Avaaz will keep no portion.

- Join the Support the Monks' protest in Burma and the US Campaign for Burma Facebook groups. Check out Burma Watch's website http://www.burma-watch.org.

- You can also call and email the Chinese, Burmese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Russian, South Korean, Malaysian, US, British,and French embassies. Demand that world leaders put sanctions on Burma until the junta upholds human rights. Call on MNCs to pull out of Burma.

- The Dirty List of companies doing business with Burma's junta, compiled by The Burma Campaign UK.

- The Clean List of companies that have either pulled out of Burma, or made a principled decision not to do business in Burma. It is not comprehensive, but does give a scope of how public outcry has led to corporate social responsibility. The list details the companies' reasons for pulling out or refraining from investing in Burma. Also compiled by the Burma Campaign UK.

US Citizens, please help get the Block Burmese JADE (Junta Anti-Democratic Efforts)Act and the Burmese Democracy Promotion Act passed. Put the pressure on your Representatives and Senators for the toughest US Sanctions against Burma yet. These Acts would stop allowing the junta to launder funds, gems, timber, and other products in third countries before they are sold.

from the US Campaign for Burma:

Call Your Representative and Senators!
Make Sure the US is not bankrolling the Burmese Regime's Brutal Actions

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Lantos has introduced the "Block Burmese JADE (Junta Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act" and in the Senate, Senators Biden and McConnell have introduced the "Burmese Democracy Promotion Act". Both of these will tighten sanctions on Burma's military regime and really hit the generals where it hurts. Call in today to demand that your Representative and Senator co-sponsor. Find your Representative's info at www.house.gov and find your Senators' by going to www.senate.gov. Call today and call everyday until you get an answer! Find out more information on the resolutions and what you should do- Click Here to Take Action

The Burmese Democracy Promotion Act of 2007 (Senate) and the Block Burmese JADE (Junti Anti Democratic Efforts) has the power to force the regime to negotiate with Burma's democracy leaders and Ethnic nationalities. We must show the people of Burma that the U.S. is taking action to support their calls for freedom, democracy and human rights. Call your Senator today asking him/her to support the Burmese Democracy Promotion Act! Organize your community to call in as well. Contact details for your Senators are given below.

What the Acts Do:

The regime makes hundreds of millions of dollars each year off the sale of gems and timber. More than 90 percent of the world's rubies and fine-quality jade comes from Burma. The new sanctions will crack down on the regime's practice of avoiding U.S. sanctions by laundering gemstones and other products, especially timber, through third countries before they are sold.

This Act also freezes the assets of Burmese political and military leaders, prevents Burma from using U.S. financial institutions via third countries to launder the funds of those leaders or their immediate families, and prohibits Burmese officials involved in the violent suppression of protesters from receiving visas to the United States.

Burma also uses third countries to access the U.S. banking system. These overseas banks process accounts in and through the United States for Burma's rulers, providing the regime with much-needed hard currency. The regime uses these funds to purchase weapons and luxury goods, while the bulk of Burma's population lives in poverty.

Biden and McConnell's legislation tightens existing sanctions to prevent Burma's military rulers from profiting from sales to the United States, and blocks access to the U.S. financial system not just for Burmese human rights violators but also to those who provide the regime with banking services.

The bill also creates a new position of Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma. The Special Representative will work with Burma's neighbors and other interested countries, including the members of the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, to develop a comprehensive approach to the problem, including sanctions, dialogue, and support for non-governmental organizations providing humanitarian relief to the Burmese people.

These Acts, if passed, would be the strongest action yet that the U.S. takes to pressure Burma's military regime to negotiate with Burma's democracy leaders and ethnic nationalities.

House : Block Burmese JADE (Junta Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act

Senate: Burmese Democracy Promotion Act

Contact information:

Call your Senators/ Representative's offices and ask to speak with their foreign policy staffer. If s/he is not there leave a message and ask her/him to call you back. Call today and every day until you get an answer!

Find Your Representative: www.house.gov

Find Your Senator: www.senate.gov

Senate: To add their name as a cosponsor: Let them know that to co-sponsor (Burmese Democracy Promotion Act of 2007 - S.2257)Democrats should contact Frank Jannuzi at the Committee on Foreign Relations at 202-224-4651

Republicans should contact Reb Brownell in Senator McConnell's office at 202-224-2541

House: To add their name as a co-sponsor: Let them know that to co-sponsor they should contact Eric Richardson at the Committee on Foreign Affairs office at eric.richardson@mail.house.gov or 225-5021.

Talking Points for Staffer:
- Tell the staffer you want your Senator to co-sponsor the Burmese Democracy Promotion Act of 2007

- Give her/him proof that this policy works. It cuts off hundreds of millions of dollars to the regime and will specifically target the top generals' finances.

- Mention that the military junta still deserves sanctions. On top of brutally crushing thousands of peaceful demonstrators, including monks, the military regime has destroyed more than 3,000 villages. It has forcibly displaced more than half a million people inside Burma as well as causing a million refugees to flee across the border to neighboring countries and has made no efforts to move toward democracy.

- Let her/him know it is important to send a strong signal to the regime that the US government will continue to keep American money out the hands of the junta.

- This is not the only action being taken against Burma. On top of many diplomatic efforts, the EU has imposed new sanctions, as well as Australia, and even Japan has decreased aid to Burma.

- Finally ask the staffer to call you back when your Senator has co-sponsored the Burmese Democracy Promotion Act. Important: Leave your phone number!
Let him/her know that his/her constituents care about Burma!

Check up to see if they cosponsor:
It's easy to check and see if they follow through and agree to cosponsor. THOMAS, the Library of Congress' congressional records database updates a list of all information on legislation. Click HERE to find out who has signed as cosponsors in the House, and Click HERE to see who has signed as cosponsors in the Senate.

Please let me know when you have contacted your Senator and how it went - thelma@uscampaignforburma.org. These new sanctions will hit the regime where it hurts.