United Nations Special Rapporteur Reports on Worsening Situation in Burma

Today's report to the Human Rights Council by the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Burma, Paulo Pinheiro, provided important details of the Burmese authorities' brutal crackdown on demonstrations by monks and democracy activists - including the use of excessive force against civilians and still undetermined number of casualties - and the severe reprisals that continue today.

The international community has repeatedly called for the Burmese regime to improve its human rights record. The regime has responded with empty gestures aimed only at gaining time for it to reinforce the status quo.

We must continue to send a clear message to the regime: It is time to unconditionally release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, cease arrests of all democracy activists, and establish a meaningful, time-bound dialogue with the democratic opposition and ethnic minorities.

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