[address]
Dear [MEP’s name],
I was disappointed to learn of the EU’s decision to lift trade sanctions on Burma. I am writing to you with regards to this and the human rights abuses perpetrated against ethnic nationals in Burma.
Whilst in Rangoon the Burmese government appears to be progressing with democratic reforms, in the ethnic national states they are responsible for the perpetration human rights abuses. Rape, murder, torture, forced labour and the denial of basic human rights: such crimes are being committed by the Burmese Government and the Burmese Army, against ethnic national civilians, everyday. In Kachin State a 17 year ceasefire was broken in June 2011 by the Burmese army, resulting in around 75, 000 civilians being displaced. The Burmese
Army have carried out arbitrary arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings. There have also been reports of rape being used systematically as a war tactic. As international NGOs have been denied access by the Burmese
Government, what little humanitarian assistance there is has been provided by under resourced, local organisations. The Rohingya were denied citizenship by Burma’s 1982 citizenship act, resulting in 800,000 people becoming stateless. They have been withheld many fundamental human rights and have been the targets of racial violence. It is estimated that 300,000 have fled to Bangladesh, where most are denied refugee status. This leaves them exposed to exploitation and deprivation. These two examples only show a fraction of the abuses being committed by the Burmese Government against ethnic nationals.
It is feared that foreign investment could be used to by the Burmese government against the ethnic nationals.
60% of Burma’s resource rich land is in Ethnic national states, these resources are often exploited at the cost of the ethnic nationals, whether through the destruction of their land and livelihoods, confiscation of land with no compensation, or forced labour. Irresponsible foreign investment could cause these abuses to escalate.
Trade sanctions should not be lifted in response to a ‘process of reform’ which allows for the continued abuse of, what is estimated to be at least, 40% of Burma’s population. I request that, in light of the European Union’s recent decision you urge them to exert pressure on the Burmese government for the following:
 Unhindered humanitarian access to all parts of the country.
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That Burma’s 1982 Citizenship Act be revised to include the Rohingya as citizens of Burma.
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The reconsideration of the 2008 constitution to include the rights of ethnic peoples, to allow them full participation in any dialogue and discussion regarding the future of Burma and their own lands.
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The immediate ending of all military offensive action against civilians in ethnic national states and to provide assistance for those displaced by such military action.
I also ask that you use your influence to urge that the EU put processes in place to guarantee that the lifting of sanctions does not encourage exploitative investment; that resources are managed sustainably and in line with the United Nations declarations of the Rights of Indigenous People, ensuring free, prior and informed consent to any use of their land.
Thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]