[Amnesty International]

30036

Burma is preparing for its first elections in two decades. By heavily censoring the media, the ruling military junta attempts to isolate the population from independent opinions. But you can help us beat the blackout.

We know some inspiring people determined to break through the wall of censorship. They are making sure that the Burmese people receive more than state propaganda. And you can help them – with just £12.50. Watch our short film to find out how

Organisations like the Democratic Voice of Burma, an independent radio station based in Oslo and staffed by exiled Burmese dissidents, broadcast directly into Burma. Radios are not banned and they are one of the most effective ways to reach the Burmese people.

But many of Burma’s 50 million people live in remote areas and don’t currently have access to a radio. We want to change that – and we need you to help us do it. Buy a radio now

Radio can act as a powerful tool in bringing about social change. Through access to independent media, people who live in the most remote areas of the country can learn about the election and their rights.

We’ve been working with local organisations on the ground and together we’ve planned a distribution for the middle of July. To reach far enough to make a difference, we need to buy 4,000 radios by the end of this month.

This Saturday is Aung San Suu Kyi’s 65th birthday. Please honour it by giving a radio to Burma. A single radio could help a whole community learn about their rights and show them the international support and solidarity that the regime works so hard to silence. Please donate just £12.50 to buy and distribute a radio today. Buy a radio now

Verity Coyle
Burma Campaign Coordinator

 

Background to this campaign:

Burma, also known as Myanmar, has been under military rule since 1962 when the parliamentary government was overthrown by an army coup. A long-awaited election was finally held in 1990. The overwhelming majority of the vote went to the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy – led by Aung San Suu Kyi. However, to this day the military junta remains in control. This year’s elections were announced in 2008. Aung San Suu Kyi, already detained for nearly 14 of the last 20 years, was subsequently sentenced to an extra 18 months – just long enough to keep her out of the way. In the run-up to the elections, Amnesty is campaigning to stop repression of government critics and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association. We believe everyone in Burma should be completely free to express their views, participate in the political process and choose their own government. This work is now top priority for us. We must increase the pressure on the junta. We must help to bring about real change for the people of Burma. And we really do need you to help us do it. Find out more – watch our film