Friday, September 18, 2009

US Campaign for Burma


Burma's military regime is committing brutal crimes against humanity against the Burmese people -- including rape, recruitment of child soldiers, and a scorched-earth campaign against ethnic minorities.

After similar atrocities in Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and elsewhere the world pledged to stop these abuses -- yet, despite many members of Congress and UN officials calling for action, almost nothing has been done to end crimes against humanity in Burma.

Thankfully, there is a brand-new film about the situation in Burma and we are using the film to help rally the world to stop crimes in Burma. Will you help us stop these atrocities by signing up today to participate in a week of action at your school, church, or in your community?

Crimes against humanity and war crimes include:

Recruitment of ten of thousands of child soldiers
Over 3,300 ethnic minority villages have been destroyed
The use of sexual violence and rape as a weapon of war
Over one million refugees and internally displaced have fled their homes
Even worse, the Burmese regime is seeking to consolidate its power through showcase elections next year and the regime's violence against the Burmese people is likely to increase in the coming months. As you saw from our previous messages, over 40,000 more people fled from attacks in the last three months alone.

Organize an event during "Ignite for Burma" week! October 24th-28th

We are organizing over 100 events across the country, and are asking you to join us by organizing an event of your own.

Sign-up and U.S. Campaign for Burma will send you everything you need:

a DVD of the new, outstanding documentary Crossing Midnight
an action pack with ways for you and your audience to take action
Here's what you can do during your event:

Pass around our petition asking for United Nations action on Burma during the film screening
Host a call in-day and help others on your campus or community to call their Senators for Burma. The U.S. Congress can not remain silent while crimes are perpetrated in Burma
Participate in a live, online chat with us and our partner organizations. (Discussion will be at the evening of the 28 at 6pm EST)
Help make sure your University or community isn't supporting crimes in Burma by investing in oil companies that facilitate funding for Burma's regime
A little more about the film that you will be showing:

Crossing Midnight tells the powerful story of courageous health workers who risk their lives to bring medical care to civilians in Burma's conflict areas. It is a great introduction to the situation faced by Burma's ethnic minorities. We hosted the US premiere at our February 2009 National Organizing Meeting and received a really positive response. Since February, we have been receiving emails asking, "when will the film be available to show to my community."

Please sign up today. The situation in Burma is urgent, and the Burmese people need your help.

Jeremy Woodrum and Mike Haack

Support 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Burma:

Become a member of the U.S. Campaign for Burma.

Or, make a tax-deductible donation today.

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