In the letter posted on the Burma Partnership website, Thwel Zin Toe, a steering committee member of the Women’s League of Burma, said: “We believe that with the experience and skills gained on the border we can support and help strengthen the process of national reconciliation, peace building and the democratic transition.”

After fleeing to border areas following political oppression under the former military government, many activists from ethnic, youth, women and democracy groups found their citizenships revoked.

Thwel Zin Toe urged the government to set necessary guidelines so that those affected can get their Burmese citizenship as soon as possible, calling for the removal of names of activists on the blacklist.

Nai Kasauh Mon, director of Human Rights Foundation of Monland, explained that with support from the UN and international community, border-based CSOs have worked tirelessly on campaigns to free political prisoners and establish a democratic government in Burma. Additionally, educational and health services not offered in Burma were developed in border areas for the many refugees and migrant workers.

Nai Kasauh Mon said: “We, border-based CSOs, wish to take part in various roles during the transition and utilize our skills that we have been learning for many years to rebuild a better country.”

The idea for the open letter came during a consultation meeting discussing the roles and participation of border-based CSOs in democratic transitions in Burma.

Reporting by M.N.A.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff