In news that comes as a shock to exactly no one who follows events in Burma, US-based Human Rights Watch has issued a report indicating that Burma's ruling military junta has made no progress towards democracy, despite the government's elaborate promises to reform.
The report also chastises most of the rest of Southeast Asia for the deterioration of human rights throughout the region. Again, this flies in the face of ASEAN's pledges to promote democracy.
The report saves it's most scathing remarks for Burma, which is, by far, the most egregious abuser of its population. With over 1,100 political prisoners, including Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, currently being detained, continuing crackdown on opposition figures of any stature, and smothering of protest, the Burmese government continues to serve as an example of how to impoverish a resource-wealthy and fertile country.
This report won't cause change any more than the umpteen reports that have proceeded it, but it's better than complete silence on the subject.
If you're looking to get involved in the effort to do something about the abysmal conditions in Burma, check out the Free Burma Coalition home page.
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