Anti-Slavery International has joined the Burma Sanctions Coalition. The Coalition is calling on the British Government to develop domestic legislation allowing it to impose unilateral sanctions against Burma and, once in place, to impose investment sanctions.

Over the last ten years, even though foreign investment has increased, Burma's economy has become weaker and its people poorer. Instead, investment has strengthened the Burmese regime enabling it to consolidate its position and develop its military.

Human rights abuses have escalated. Trade unions estimate that more than 800,000 people in Burma are forced to work as agriculture workers, army porters and construction workers for little or no pay. There are about 1500 political prisoners, thousands have fled to Thailand, China, India and Bangladesh as refugees and the democratically elected government has been stopped by the military dictatorship from taking power.

By imposing sanctions an important source of revenue will be cut off weakening the economy and forcing the regime to consider political and economic reform.

Supported by Aung San Suu Kyi, and other elected leaders, sanctions will give an unequivocal message that real reform is a prerequisite to Burma's joining the world community.

On 15 June, the International Labour Organisation in an unprecedented move, voted to support boycotts against Burma for its 'persistent violations' of the Forced Labour Convention, No. 29. Although western governments, led by the United States, Britain and Portugal, wanted immediate action, pressure from Burma's allies resulted in a compromise that sanctions would only come into effect if the regime did not stop the use of forced labour by 30 November, 2000. An ILO mission is currently in Burma's capital, Rangoon, meeting senior officials.

On 16 October, a United Nations report on human rights in the country noted a 'continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Myanmar [Burma]'.

A clear message must be sent to the Burmese Government if real change is to be achieved. Currently, the Burma Sanctions Coalition comprises the Burma Campaign UK, Free Tibet Campaign, Global Witness, National Justice and Peace Network, People and Planet, Tourism Concern, World Development Movement and United Nations Association.