To mark International Human Rights Day, Burma Campaign UK and Christian Solidarity Worldwide organized a demonstration at the Chinese embassy in London on Monday, calling for the Chinese government to use its influence to establish human rights in both countries.
Demonstrators call for human rights in Burma and North Korea in front of the the Chinese Embassy in London. Photo: Burma Campaign UK
Since last year’s election in Burma, many people consider Burma’s situation has improved, but in reality little has changed considering there are more rapes, murders and conflicts in ethnic areas, said Burma Campaign UK. Most political prisoners remain in prison, it said.
In North Korea, there are more than 200,000 political prisoners locked away in several prison camps all over the country with terrible conditions and slave labour, it said.
“It is very important to remember that there are many human rights abuses happening in Burma and North Korea. People in both countries have known little freedom and basic human rights. The Chinese government should recognize those facts and use their influence responsibly to stop those terrible human rights abuses,” said Wai Hnin, Campaigns Officer from Burma Campaign UK.
Benedict Rogers, the East Asia Team leader at Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said: "The human rights violations perpetrated by the regimes in North Korea and Burma rank among the worst in the world. Both regimes stand accused of crimes against humanity. For that reason, as we remember the 63rdanniversary of the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the international community should take action to end the reign of terror in North Korea and Burma, seek the release of all prisoners of conscience, an end to slave labour, torture, rape and killings in both countries.
“China's influence on both North Korea and Burma is significant, and therefore we are appealing to China to use its influence responsibly, and urge both regim.
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