Why is Burma a land of contrasts? The people are innocent and peace-loving but the SPDC being itself a de facto military government is illegitimate and prone to evil deeds, refusing to conform to international moral standards. It has the most disastrous administration in the world with perpetual abuse of human rights such as the use of prisoners as human mine detectors, the use of child soldiers in its undisciplined army, use of force to convert Christians to Buddhism after a failed effort to make Buddhism the state religion.

Burma inherited "divide and rule" policy from its former colonial masters-the British (annexation of Burma from 1-1-1886 to end of 1947) and another wicked inheritance from their former military masters-use of torture from the Japanese. For half a century, the Burmese military use strong arm techniques to intimidate, torture, internment, kidnapping, with systematic torching of villages especially in ethnic areas. This is consistent with Ne Win's scorched earth policy. His hunger for power is such that he was heard to utter these words, "I will rule a desolate land even if there are no human beings on it.

Needless to say the current world trend is towards democracy. Democracy and humanitarian assistance are inter-related. Democracy is also consistent with human rights, development and peace. The assistance provided by International Aid Agencies such as the UN, EU, ODA, ADB, WB, NGOs and governments can be taken for granted that they are in support of democratic processes. NGOs such as AI, HRW, and CSW act as watchdogs in the implementation of aid by recipient countries.


The most conspicuous humanitarian aid donor to Burma is the Japanese government, giving aid at regular intervals.The most recent being USD in the millions for reforestation and scholarships. Henceforth, aids given by any country or agency should take into consideration that Burma is made up of 7 major ethnic groups (Shans, Kachins, Chins, Karens, Karenni, Rakkhines and Mons). Aid should be divided proportionately so that ethnic groups might benefit from it. The world is aware of the unequal distribution of wealth and development in Burma since independence in 1948. We do remember vividly the American motto of independence, "No taxation without representation." From the infamous military coup of 1962 onwards there is a lack of ethnic groups in successive governments. This uneven arrangement should be urgently corrected. The tolerance of ethnic minorities should not be considered as a sign of weakness.

Of course, we all know that the SPDC will choose scholarships from among its minions (the army and USDA). Equality of status and opportunity for major ethnic groups are essential for any semblance of democracy. Potential donors are requested to contact the Shan Government, the KNU, the Karenni government, the NMSP and the KIO.

Zhao Khun Sam
(Former CEC, SNLD)
Federated Shan States