by John Stevenson
|
Hamid Rasheed
|
The STUC will press Scottish-based companies to
cut ties with Burma to build pressure to lift the
oppression of the Burmese people.
It will also call on trust managers of any investment
of trade union members or pension to withdraw funds
from the 'dirty list' of companies that invest in
Burma. It will expose the use of forced labour and
lobby the Scottish and UK governments to put pressure
on Burma, following a motion from UNISON Scotland.
"Conference is appalled at the wide spread oppression,
grave human rights abuse and violations inflicted
by the military junta in Burma", said UNISON's Hamid
Rasheed.
"Since 1962, Burma has been ruled by one of the
most brutal dictatorships in the world. In 1988
a student led pro-democracy uprising was brutally
put down by the regime. In 1990, the regime held
elections, in which the National League for Democracy
led by "Aung San Suu Kyi" won over 80% seats. The
regime refused to accept the election results and
imprisoned and tortured the elected members and
political activists."
Hamid outlined the distressing truth of life in
Burma. In eastern Burma, the regime is engaged in
"Ethnic Cleansing". In the past 10 years:
· More than 3000 villages have been destroyed
· Rape is used as a weapon of war
· The regime has subjected tens of thousands of
its people to forced labour - a blatant breach of
ILO conventions
"Neither does the military regime like trade unions!
As a matter of fact the regime has imposed the most
repressive anti-trade union laws - banning all kinds
of trade union activity", explained Hamid.
"Each day Burmese trade unionists (including UNISON
members) risk imprisonment, torture and their lives
in organising members and setting up networks to
keep the outside world well informed about the plight
of Burmese people."
UNISON Scotland and its Scottish International
Committee are campaigning:
· To raise awareness on the grim situation in Burma
· To move motions at appropriate forums to generate
trade unions support. · To seek twinning links with
our branches to initiate projects.
· To ask our branches to become an affiliate of
Burma Campaign UK.
Hamid welcomed the British Government's support
for a UN Arms Embargo against Burma. He also welcomed
an imposed ban on Burmese Gems, Timber, and Metals,
plus a ban on investments in these sectors.
It was now time for further sanctions, said Hamid.
"It is vital for us to pile up economic and political
pressure on the military regime, to start genuine
talks with Aung San Suu Kyi, to ensure a smooth
transition to democracy".
Scotland's
public service union
|
