Plight of Burma’s ethnic minorities and hope for reconciliation - Speech

Organized by Canadian Friends of Burma and Carleton Burma Solidarity Committee

Date:
January 24rd at 7:00 PM

Location:
Carleton University Centre Room 378

Victor Biak Lian, an exiled democracy activist from Burma’s Chin ethnic group, will speak on the plight of Burma’s ethnic nationalities and finding political solution in Burma and national reconciliation.

Victor is a member of the Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC), an organization based in Thailand that seeks to promote dialogue and cooperation between all of Burma’s ethnic nationalities in preparation for a ‘Tripartite Dialogue” between the elected opposition forces, ethnic groups and the military. The ENC believes such dialogue is an important part of the transition to democracy.

Burma is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world and between 20-30% of the population are members of ethnic minority groups. Forty-five plus years of military rule and perpetual civil war have only made matters worse for the vast majority of Burma’s people, including both those from the ethnic majority and ethnic minorities.

Most of Burma’s refugees come from the ethnic minority groups located near Burma’s borders which have been engaged in the struggle for equality and autonomy rights with the central Burmese authorities since the country's independence.

This event is hosted by the Canadian Friends of Burma and the Carleton Burma Solidarity Committee.

For more information contact the
Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB)
Ph: 613-237-8056
Email: cfob@cfob.org
website www.cfob.org

More info on the Ethnic Nationalities Council of Burma www.encburma.org

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Canadian Friends of Burma is federally incorporated, non-profit organization working for democracy and human rights in Burma since 1991.