Free Burma Now!
Justice for the Women of Burma!
The movement to free Burma still goes on.
In the fourth quarter of last year, popular uprisings spread throughout Burma. Tens to hundreds of thousands of Burmese marched to the streets to call for the economic, political, social and cultural rights of the Burmese people.
The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) responded in the only way it has addressed calls for freedom and democracy in the country - with guns and repression.
The world has become a witness to the brutality of the regime as the media show violent dispersal and shooting of protesting monks and other sectors of the Burmese society. Under such a repressive situation, women are not spared.
According to a report of the Women's League of Burma:
In recent crackdowns on the Saffron Revolution, at least 19 women have disappeared, and 131 women protestors, including 6 nuns have been arrested by the regime (as of November 14, 2007 according to AAPP, Association for Assistance of Political Prisoners).
Immediately, mobilizations for international solidarity with the Burmese people were conducted in various countries around the world. Here in Hong Kong, sustained actions and educational activities were conducted by different human rights groups or coordinated with each other.
Last month, concerned groups in Hong Kong formed the Hong Kong Coalition for a Free Burma.
As part of its solidarity activities, the coalition shall conduct an Interfaith Candlelight Vigil under the theme "Justice and freedom for women in Burma" on March 9 (Sunday) from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Star Ferry pier in Tsim Sha Tsui. The activity shall be a part of the worldwide commemoration of the International Women's Day.
We hope you can join us in this meaningful quest for justice. For confirmation of your attendance, please reply to this email or contact the following: Chato Gallo (91753092), Jackie Hung (92681803), Bruce Van Voorrhis (94923064), and Eman Villanueva (97585935).
In solidarity,
HK Coalition for a Free Burma