The Opening ceremony
Monday, 4 May 2009
from 9:00 to 11:00
to the Windsor Suites Hotel Bangkok
8-10 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Sukhumvit Road
Bangkok, 10110
Seminar Agenda : http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/Sans_titre-2.pdf
Presentation of FIDH and BLC : http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/Presentation_of_International_Federation_for_Human_Rights_and_Burma_Lawyers.pdf
Despite repeated efforts, Burma remains unresponsive to pressure from the international community and situation in the country continues to be characterized by continuous and systematic human rights violations. There is consequently a need for a renewed strategy on Burma.
The Burma Lawyers Council and its major partners decided to concentrate efforts in a worldwide campaign to secure a UNSC referral of the situation in Burma to the ICC. A referral is not expected in the short term, however this campaign may increase the pressure on the Burmese regime and may have a deterrent effect on the perpetration of more international crimes in Burma.
To strengthen the campaign’s momentum, and highlight the potential role of the ICC in Burma, but also to consider all different possibilities of external leverages such as arms embargo, sanctions... to advance human rights and end impunity in Burma, the BLC and the International Federation for Human Rights are organizing a seminar which will gather key Burmese and international organizations.
According to Aung Htoo, BLC’s General secretary, «Two years ago this campaign was only an idea. Now, the tide is turning. Burma must not be an exception to international accountability for serious crimes.»