Research & Resources > Press Releases > September 30, 2007

MPV Calls Upon the Government of Burma to Respect Basic Human Rights

Muslims for Progressive Values calls upon the government of Burma (also known as Myanmar) to immediately end the violence against anti-government demonstrators in their country. We also call upon the government to respect basic human rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. We deplore the killing and beating of unarmed and peacefully protesting civilians, the sealing off of monasteries, essentially imprisoning monks in their grounds, and the oppressive policies the government has maintained for over two decades since it seized power after losing in national elections.

MPV affirms the rights of all human beings to self-determination. The chants of the Burmese protestors — “Give us freedom! Give us freedom!” — are a testimony to the strength of the human spirit, and resonate with protests seen around the world, from South America to Africa, to China. Every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a life of dignity, with security from crime, economic exploitation, and oppressive political systems.

We call upon the government of Burma, and other military regimes around the world, to respect the desires of their citizens for self-determination, in government and in their daily lives. We ask that the international community put pressure upon the government to respect basic human rights and civil liberties.