2nd Congress Decision

2^nd Congress Decision ( 5 February 1998 )

THE BASIC PRINCIPLES
OF
THE SHAN DEMOCRATIC UNION

A ORIGINS
The Shan Democratic Union had is origins in -

The aspirations of the Shan people for a just, peaceful, secure, dignified and constructive way of life;

The fact that the Shan States, a historically and legally distinct land, is once more a sovereign country under alien occupation since the 1947 Union constitution --- the main bond between Burma and the Shan States -- was declared null and void by the Burmese military in 1962;

The recognition by Shan who have been scattered from their homes to every part the world, of the necessity of coming together to provide a political voice to advance the struggle of the Shan people against the excesses, injustices, and inhumanity of the Burmese military regime;

The commitment of the Shan people to the creation of a free Shan States where all the people are United and Equal. To enjoy Peace and Security, and the Right to Self - Determination in a Democratic Society under the Rule of Law.

The Shan Democratic Union was formed on 16 November 1996 by expatriate Shans, with support of the Shan people.

B OBJECTIVES
It is our aim to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the Shan people. We aim to provide peace and security for all, and to strengthen democracy, national solidarity and cohesion among our people.

The oppressive and dictatorial Burmese military regime having illegally seized power in 1962, has ruthlessly held on to it for four decades, In our homeland, as in other non-Burman ethnic national areas of the now defunct Union of Burma, the Burmese regime's actions have been genocidal, with their policy of forced relocations, and the attendant inhumanities and death. Their policy of cultural genocide such as their forbidding the teaching of the Shan language and literature, and their destruction of buildings of historical and cultural value to the Shan people such as the Kengtung Palace.

The Shan people, having known nothing but undemocratic authoritarian subjugation by the Burmese military regime need to be enlightened about democracy. We must show the people that the SDU's vision and objective is that the people's will is supreme and that the people shall govern. Democracy requires that all the people in Shan States, have access to power and the right to exercise this power through the exercise of their right to vote in a free and secure environment.

Poverty is one of the greatest problems facing our people, caused by the actions of the Burmese military regime. Our rice fields and orchards have gone to waste because the villagers have been forced to relocate, and dispossessed of their ancestral homesteads and farms, We aim to eliminate hunger, to provide land and housing for all our people, to eliminate illiteracy, to raise the quality of education and training for young and old alike. We shall also protect the natural environment.

C PRINCILES OF ACTION
The Shan Democratic Union believes that the task of building a democratic, just, peaceful, secure and lasting civil society is a cooperative effort which requires us-

The unite and cooperate with every organization, national and international, against all successive Burmese military dictatorships;

To cooperate with every national group for the achievement of the Right to Self- Detemination;

To cooperate with international agencies and communities in bringing about a resolution of the Drug Problem in the Shan States.

The Shan Democratic Union adheres to the principle of Common Aim, Diverse Action and the principle of Collective Leadership.

D POLICY
The Shan Democratic Union's policy is made by the Central Committee, which is a representative body elected by the Members at a General Meeting or Congress.

Our Basic Policy is-
The SDU firmly believes that sovereign power lies in the will of the people.
The SDU firmly holds that the Union of Burma was created by the Agreement signed at the Panglong Conference in 1947. That at the Panglong Conference, participants came together as equals seeking each other's help. agreement and cooperation.

The SDU upholds the five points of the Panglong Spirit set by the Shan Leaders and agreed to by General Aung of the Burmese.

The SDU holds that the Panglong Agreement is legally binding to all signatory states of the Union of Burma; that the unilateral breach of that agreement by Burmese leaders in 1962 ended this legal contract and, therefore, the Union of Burma is now defunct.

The SDU abides by the principle of the supremacy of the people's will. Therefore the question of independence or a new federal union shall be decided by the Shan people.

The SDU, together with our friends and allies, shall explore all political solutions, including the creation of a new federal union based on mutual respect, equality and justice for all.

2^nd Congress Decision ( 5 February 1998 )

CONSTITUTION OF THE SHAN DEMOCRATIC UNION

The Organization's functions are drawn up to reflect a parliamentary democratic state. It should be borne in mind that what we are trying to bring about is the opposite of the discredited principle of ''democratic" centralism. (embodied in the 1974 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma) where authority is concentrated at the apex, and every other authorities are subordinate. We must always remember that we are elected to further the wishes and aspirations of the people.

1. Name
The name of the organization shall be ''The Shan Democratic Union"

2. Objective
The objectives of the SDU are set out in the Basic Principles as determined and agreed upon by the Central Committee. To achieve these objectives the SDU will act in accordance with the aims and objectives which may be modified by the Central Committee from time to time.
(The Central Committee here reflects the Parliament of a democratic state.)

3. Head Office
The head office of the Organization shall be known as the Secretariat and shall be established at any place determined by the Central Committee from time to time.

4. Composition
The Shan Democratic Union shall give voice to the Shan people’s struggle for peace, democracy and the right of self-determination.

8. Duties of the President
The President, when available, shall attend and preside over all meetings of the Executive Committee. The President may carry out any other duties that the Central Committee may deem fit.

9. Duties of Vice- President
The Vice- President, in order of seniority, shall take the Chair in the absence of the President,and shall perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Central Committee.

12. Finance
Finances shall be based on responsible handling, transparency and accountability.

13. Code of Conduct for Fund- raising
The Shan Democratic Union upholds the internationally accepted standard code of conduct in fund- raising.

For future intended charter structure is as follows:

Election:

Note: The Organization's functions reflecting a parliamentary democratic state. A shadow to prepare and built- in practical training for future democratic leaders and governments.