Burma Plants the Oil: A Further Demand for Slave Labour

By Saw Eh Na

Early this year the SPDC ordered villagers to start a nation wide mass castor oil project. This project, which exploits the villagers, puts further pressure on communities who are already suffering under the military regime, especially their demands for forced labour. This article looks at the impacts the castor oil project are having on communities and what the future may bring the villagers.

By Santipap

Since 1998 the ILO has reprimanded the junta for its widespread and systematic use of forced labour. However, the junta has done little more than scoff at these warnings. Following the International Labour Conference in June where the international community appeared to be loosing patience with the SPDC, the junta agreed to a number of conditions to improve the country’s labour situation, with a deadline of November for the implementation of these measures. To learn more about the conditions and whether the SPDC is upholding their end of the agreement click on the title of this article.

By Santipap

Families in Northern Arakan State rely on day to day labour work to support their families. When this unreliable income source is coupled with constant demands for the Burmese authorities for forced labour, people are struggling to support their families. Some choose to cross the border into Bangladesh in search of a better future, while others continue living in Burma hoping the situation will improve.

By Htan Dah

August 12th, also known as Marty’s Day, marks the anniversary of the death of Saw Ba Oo Gyi who was the KNU president when he was killed in 1950. Each year Karen communities gather together on this day to remember and celebrate the lives of all Karen people who have fallen struggling against war and persecution. It is also a celebration of the survival of the Karen people.