Myanmar produces more than 90% of the world’s rubies and jade, and these stones command the highest prices on the international market. Because it dominates Burma’s gemstone industry, the Myanmar military profits when high-end jewelry retailers – like Harry Winston (owned by Swatch) – buy Burmese gems for their collections. Today, let’s take three actions to … Read more
Last weekend, thousands of people gathered across the world in support of Myanmar’s new National Unity Government. In Washington, DC, thousands rallied outside the White House and then marched to Congress to demand that it introduce a new Burma bill. In the past week, we have together ramped up our email, phone calls, and Zoom meetings … Read more
Not content with letting Covid ravage Myanmar, Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing marked the six-month point of his military coup by declaring himself prime minister of a supposed “caretaker government.” The civilian National Unity Government quickly labeled the rebranded regime an “unlawful association.” The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners has estimated that the military junta has … Read more
Just hours after the military coup in Myanmar, we stepped up and organized petitions to President Biden. Next week, we are helping to organize lobby days in Washington, DC, for the introduction of the new Burma Bills. We never let up in supporting Myanmar’s Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in its struggle against the military junta. … Read more
It’s time for us to demand that Congress introduce the new Burma Bill. Currently being drafted by Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the new Burma Bill would provide additional humanitarian assistance and support for the Myanmar people and further hold accountable the Myanmar military. Now, let’s make the final push to … Read more
The third – and thus far most serious – wave of Covid is hitting Myanmar hard. Hospitals have reached maximum capacity. At military hospitals, staff are turning away civilians under orders to limit treatment to military personnel and their relatives. As Progressive Voice reports: “Ultimately, the root cause of all these human rights and humanitarian catastrophes is … Read more
In a major new report “Jade and Conflict,” Global Witness highlights how the Myanmar military continues to hold tight control of the jade trade and its profits. Since the February military coup, the army has intensified its conflict in jade-mining areas. Myanmar produces more than 90% of the world’s rubies and jade, and these stones command … Read more
The Burma Bill needs your support While the Burma Bill sits in limbo, the people of Myanmar need your help. It has been more than five months since the military took control in a violent coup on February 1, 2021. Since then, people all over the country have taken to the streets in a new … Read more
Me Me Khant, Sandra Kong, and Mike Haack On March 3rd, 2021, the Burmese military shot a bullet into the neck of a 19-year old pro-democracy protester in Mandalay. The bullet killed her, but it awakened a revolution with entirely new energy and power. The whole nation rose up to say her name, tell her … Read more
This week, Chevron and Total held their annual shareholder meetings in the midst of a barrage of pressure over their payments to the Myanmar military. Many of you joined protests outside Chevron’s offices across the United States. Khin Ohmar of Progressive Voice even moved a shareholder resolution at Chevron’s meeting focusing on Chevron’s support for the … Read more