Simon Billenness 
This week, we are mourning the four democracy activists – Kyaw Min Yu (Ko Jimmy), Phyo Zeyaw Thaw, Hla Myo Aung, and Aung Thura Zaw – killed by the Myanmar military. In the wake of these murders, the U.S. Administration is signaling that “all options are on the table” to hold the military accountable. Let’s … Read more
Chevron must end its relationship with the brutal regime Last Wednesday, shareholders of Chevron voted on a resolution focused on its partnership with the Myanmar military. According to the preliminary count, 12 percent of shareholders have voted in favor of the resolution. This 12 percent represents billions of dollars of shares and includes shares owned by the … Read more
The House of Representatives will likely hold a floor vote on the Burma Act of 2021 (H.R. 5497) early next week. The likelihood is that the House will vote on the bill as early as Tuesday or Wednesday next week. Next week is your last chance to urge your House Member to vote in favor … Read more
The bombs fall at night, without warning. The Myanmar military bombs homes, schools, churches, and hospitals. In the past year, dozens of people have been killed by airstrikes. The majority of the 400,000 people who have been forced to flee their homes since the military coup last year have fled because of airstrikes or the … Read more
We cannot thank you enough! We’re still receiving wonderful notes and generous checks. Thanks to your gifts last month, we exceeded our goal of raising $15,000 to match the year-end donations of the Meah Family Foundation and ARC of Justice. Thank you! Your support puts us in a good position for 2022. Let’s continue together to turn … Read more
The Christmas Eve massacre will not be the last unless we act Evidence is emerging that, on Christmas Eve, the Myanmar military massacred more than 30 civilians, including women and children, as part of its offensive in Karen State. It was reported that Burmese army troops rounded up ethnic Karen villagers, fatally shot more than … Read more
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, organized citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” You proved that right last week when you successfully pressed luxury jeweler Harry Winston to stop buying gems from Myanmar. This week, let’s stay focused on the oil companies … Read more
Under pressure, Harry Winston changes course on #GenocideGems The Campaign for a New Myanmar applauds the announcement today by luxury jeweler Harry Winston that it will stop buying gems that originate from Myanmar (Burma). In a post to its social media, Harry Winston (owned by Swatch) announced today that it “will no longer source gemstones … Read more
Here’s a quick update on what’s happening in Congress this week. In the Senate, a bipartisan group of senators are attaching an amendment to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendment would require the Biden Administration to report to Congress on its efforts to support the democracy movement in Myanmar. On the House … Read more
ears after its part in hosting hate speech against the Rohingya, Facebook is still being used by the Myanmar military to “foment division and incite offline violence” against the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in the country. According to AP, in one video posted last month that garnered over 56,000 views, a military supporter called for violence … Read more