STATEMENT ON SPDC'S DENIAL OF RAPES IN THE SHAN STATE

SHAN DEMOCRATIC UNION (SDU)

STATEMENT ON SPDC'S DENIAL OF RAPES IN THE SHAN STATE

The SDU is sorely disappointed by the SPDC's blanket and bland denial of the rapes and human rights abuses in the Shan State in such an irresponsible wanner. This is not the action of a responsible government which claims to be preparing the country for a democratic transition. 

It is not with malice that Shan non-governmental organizations have posted accounts of the rapes suffered by the most vulnerable section of Shan (or any) society. The Shan Women Action Network/SWAN and the Shan Human Rights Foundation/SHRF are bound by their responsibility toward the people of the Shan State to bring to the notice of the SPDC and the international community the plight of their people, the horrendous risk run by all Shan women every day. 

The SPDC has ignored all previous reports by the SHRF and SWAN. It has however responded -- albeit in an irresponsible fashion -- only when the United States Government showed concern for the rapes inflicted on Shan women by SPDC officers and soldiers. 

SPDC's response, although disappointing, shows clearly that it is responsive and sensitive only to external pressure and concerns, and that it has no empathy or sympathy for the people of Burma, and do not regard nor treat them as citizens. 

The SDU refuses to play the SPDC's game of trivializing the Rapes perpetrated in the Shan State in a infantile argument about guilt and innocence. 

We are always willing to give the SPDC the benefit of the doubt, and to abide by the principle that the accused are innocent until proven guilty. 

The SDU therefore calls upon the SPDC to investigate the Rapes in Shan State, and given the fact that the SPDC is not trusted by the people -- by the victims, in particular, and feared throughout the land -- we believe there is a need for the UN and other august, credible international bodies, prominent jurists and lawyers to observe the investigation. 

The SDU again reiterates that it fully supports tripartite dialogue as the only way to lasting peace, sustainable development, prosperity, harmony and national reconciliation in Burma, and that we fully understand the implications of "national reconciliation" and dialogue. 

We are willing to work with all stakeholders -- including the SPDC -- to achieve for the diverse peoples and cultures of Burma what is rightfully theirs: their inalienable rights as free, dignified citizens of the Union of Burma.

SHAN DEMOCRATIC UNION 

Dated: July 6, 2002