P.O Box 93, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110, Thailand e.mail: info@aappb.org website: www.aappb.

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A WORD OF THANKS FOR SUPPORTING BURMAS POLITICAL PRISONERS FROM AAPP Statement Date: March 23, 2012 Since the founding over 12 years ago, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners Burma (AAPP-B) has ceaselessly worked for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners. A political prisoner in Burma is rarely granted their full freedom, however, and AAPP is also involved in ongoing efforts to ensure former political prisoners are able to enjoy the spectrum of their civil and political rights without fear of reprisal of re-arrest. Despite the four presidential orders that have been authorized under the U Thein Sein regime since the official dissolution of military rule, resulting in the release of 654 political prisoners, there are at least 959 political prisoners behind bars. Of course, AAPP warmly welcomes the release of each and any political prisoner, but for each one that has been released, there is at least one still remaining imprisoned. We must not forget about those that have been left behind. International efforts have gone a long way in securing the release of hundreds of political prisoners in the past year, and we truly appreciate the support of international governments, human rights organizations, civil society groups, and grass roots initiatives around the world that have advocated for the release of political prisoners. We would particularly like to express our deepest thanks to those who have been the most lasting and strong supporters of political prisoners, including but not limited to US Campaign for Burma, Burma Campaign UK, United States State Department, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Burma. Moreover, our work would not be possible without sustained and critical funding from institutions like the National Endowment for Democracy, Open Society Institute, People in Need, Prisoner of Conscience Fund, Oak Foundation, Amnesty International Sweden, Canadian Embassy in Thailand and the governments of the Netherlands and Norway. We would like to remind you that solidarity, from democratic forces inside or outside Burma, or from anyone who has supported or worked with AAPP, does translate into concrete action that benefits political prisoners. On behalf of all who have been unjustly detained or arrested for exercising their fundamental freedoms, we would like to say thank you. It is vital that the remaining political prisoners are not forgotten. These courageous individuals have had their basic rights stripped for their pro-democratic activities. They must be immediately and unconditionally released and allowed to participate in the fragile transition process now underway in Burma.
P.O Box 93, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110, Thailand, e.mail: info@aappb.org, web: www.aappb.org

In addition, it has been increasingly apparent that the perceived decrease in political prisoner numbers is not a reflection of a more accepting environment for oppositional voices. Those who dare to speak out continue to be subject to military-style tactics that deprive them of their dignity and universal freedoms. AAPP documents these incidences of harassment in our briefing papers that are sent out on a monthly basis from our mailing list. We encourage the international community to take advantage of the wave of recent small-scale reforms to urge the U Thein Sein regime to deepen and sustain the reform process. Prematurely congratulating the regime while hundreds of political prisoners are still behind bars would remove the incentive for the government to continue with releases. Now is the time to increase, not ease, pressure on Burma. Unfortunately, we are aware that some in the international community are keen to brand Burma as a success story of the power of international diplomacy in transforming a brutal military dictatorship into a budding democracy. These members would like to gloss over the political prisoner issue and sweep the continued denial of civil and political freedoms under the rug. Please continue activities in your country to make sure the political prisoner issue remains one of utmost importance. We must all ensure pressure for their release is not relaxed until an international monitor is able to verify the identities of all political prisoners so as to secure their freedom. It goes without saying that political prisoners have an integral role to play in national reconciliation and ensuring democracy takes root in Burma. Many political prisoners released over the past year immediately resumed their previous political and human rights activities upon their release. For example, the day after their release, famed 88 Generation leaders including Min Ko Naing were busy making speeches to the public about the role of civil society in Burma. Since their releases, they have been traveling throughout Burma in attempts to educate the ordinary people of Burma on democracy and their role in ensuring a peaceful and genuine transition from military rule. Similarly, Shan ethnic leader U Khun Htun Oo is currently working on re-registering his political party, the Shan National League for Democracy, and is planning to contest in future elections. The commendable activities of those former political prisoners have not been free from statesponsored harassment, however, pointing to the continued need of international support. The struggle for a brighter future for political prisoners continues. AAPP is committed to working for as long as it takes to secure the release of all remaining political prisoners and until that day, we will aid in the rehabilitation of the lives of former political prisoners. Even if there is one political prisoner still behind bars, AAPP will work tirelessly on the prisoners behalf. Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) For more information: Tate Naing (Secretary): Bo Kyi (Joint-Secretary): +66 (0) 81 287 8751 +1 (415) 812 0409

P.O Box 93, Mae Sot, Tak Province 63110, Thailand, e.mail: info@aappb.org, web: www.aappb.org