အမိကရင္ျပည္

9 March 2010
Report by Saw Lwin Oo(AKO National President(Australia)

The Australian Karen Organisation members and activists across Australia took a democratic stand today at Canberra, rallying outside the Australian parliament House at 12 noon; and then peacefully protesting outside the Burmese embassy at 1.30 to 2.30 pm.

This event was very successful with over 250 participants. Also attending were the Australian television press and media. During the late afternoon, phone interviews had been conducted by VOA and BBC.

The outcomes of the Global Day of Action:
1. The objectives of the rally outside the parliament House was to call the Australian Government to support the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry into Crimes against humanity in Burma.

Senator Scott Ludlam of the Green Party and also the Co-convener of the Australian parliamentarians for Democracy in Burma was very motivating in his address which supported the cause.

There were also several speakers from the Karen communities of three different cities. The rally flourished of banners and play cards of significant messages.

2. Senator Ludlam had also affirmed to set motion within the Australian Parliament in regards to this cause which will take place tomorrow.

3. The petition addressed to Prime Minister which was signed by over six hundred people was delivered to the Prime Minister after the rally by Saw Lwin Oo

4. A protest outside the Burmese embassy took place with aims to call on the international governments to urge the UN to send a commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity which are repeatedly committed by Burmese military regime-State Peace and Development Council (SPDC);support a trade sanction and universal arms embargo against Burma; Release all political prisoners including Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi; and to pressure the Burmese military Regime to refrain from seeking military solutions against Ethnic Minorities.

5. After the peaceful demonstration, all the participants made their way to their Royal Thai Embassy where they were greatly welcomed by the embassy officials. Before a letter to his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was handed over, it was read out by a delegate. The letter to the King was requesting the continual provision of safety and protection of the Karen refugees.

Community Gathering
To conclude the eventful day, the AKO (ACT Branch) members hosted a luncheon at the Commonwealth Park. It was acknowledged by all participants that today was very successful; with much hope that there would be a positive outcome pushing for a UN commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma.

Thanks to:
Special invited Guests.

Senator Scott Ludlam- Green Party, Co-convener of the Australian parliamentarians for Democracy in Burma.

KNU Reps-Australia.
Karen Community speakers.
Masters of Ceremony MCs.
Zetty Brake- Burma Campaign Sydney.
U Maung Maung- MP, Patron of the Joint Action for a Democratic Burma.
Nai Pe Thein Zar-Patron of the Mon National Democractic Front (L.A).
Dr. Myint Cho-Burma Office Sydney.
Canberra AKO's refreshment team.
Drivers and members who arranged the transports.
Mon Community members.
Burmese Community member and activists.

With many thanks,

Saw Lwin Oo- AKOInc.