Speaker raises concern for rights in Burma

Speaker raises concern for rights in Burma

Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 (The Digital Collegian)

In an effort to give a voice to the Burmese people, Jeremy Woodrum, co-founder of the U.S. Campaign on Burma, turns to music and nonviolent protests.

In a Penn State Amnesty International-sponsored event, Woodrum spoke to an audience of 22 people last night in the Willard Building about human rights issues the Burmese people face by the Burmese military regime. "Burma is one of the worst human rights violators in the world," he said.

In 1988, after the Socialist Party stepped down, many Burmese sought democracy but were overthrown by a military regime. The regime said it would hold an election to form a parliament and write a constitution.

However, after the National League for Democracy, led by Aun San Suu Kyi who won in the election, the military regime arrested Kyi and continued to govern Burma. Although Kyi still remains in detention today, the Burmese look to her for support.

"She and her political party have also chosen the path of nonviolence," Woodrum said. "Aun San Suu Kyi is a hero. A light of hope for Asia."

From 1996 to 2003, Woodrum said the U.S. Campaign on Burma held boycotts against American corporations located in Burma to cut off trade.

Woodrum described one case in particular where Unocal, an American oil company that built pipe lines through the country of Burma, hired members of the Burmese regime for security.

Woodrum said the regime swept through Burmese villages, killing people and forcing civilians to flee to Thailand.

"U.S. turned a blind eye to it," he said.

Woodrum said the campaign set up a Web site to raise awareness of human rights violations in Burma.

The campaign has managed to force out several American corporations in Burma, including Pepsi and Wal-Mart.

Ashli Baker, Amnesty Internal co-coordinator, said it is important for students to educate themselves about Burma because their actions can influence "supporters of brutal violations."

"We're all consumers," Baker said. "We can vote in our dollars. It's even greater than voting."

Woodrum said the U.S. Campaign on Burma continues to work to help the Burmese people fight for democracy and freedom through nonviolent protests.

The campaign recently released a CD, For the Lady: Dedicated to Freeing Aung San Suu Kyi and the Courageous People of Burma, which Woodrum hopes to spread over the radio waves of Burma.

Maura Cowley (senior-political science) came to the event because she is conducting a study on the effectiveness of progressive movements.

"There's too many human rights violations, and I think we should do something," she said. "The speaker and Amnesty International provide an outlet."

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