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Past UN efforts


The UN General Assembly, the UN Commission on Human Rights (now the UN Human Rights Council) and the International Labor Organization have each expressed their concern about the situation in Burma, and passed resolutions urging the regime to change its ways. However, these resolutions have not been enforceable, and the regime has ignored and failed to comply with agreements.

UN General Assembly

The UN General Assembly passed the following 16 resolutions:
  • 61/232 (13 March 2007) strongly called upon Burma's military junta to end the systematic forced displacement of large numbers of persons and other causes of refugee flows to neighbouring countries.
  • 60/233 (23 March 2006) requested the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights and to provide the necessary assistance to his Special Envoy for Burma.
  • 59/263 (17 March 2005) strongly urged Burma's military junta to take urgent and concrete steps to ensure the establishment of democracy.
  • 58/247 (11 March 2004) further strongly urged Burma's military junta to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  • 57/231 (28 February 2003) strongly urged Burma's military junta to restore democracy and implement the results of the 1990 elections.
  • 56/231 (28 February 2002) strongly urged Burma's military junta to ensure the establishment of democracy in accordance with the will of the people.
  • 55/112 (1 March 2001) urged Burma's military junta to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur and to allow him to conduct a field mission.
  • 54/186 (29 February 2000) strongly urged Burma's military junta to cease the widespread and systematic use of forced labor.
  • 53/162 (25 February 1999) further urged Burma's military junta to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  • 52/137 (3 March 1998) strongly urged Burma's military junta to release, immediately and unconditionally, detained political leaders and all political prisoners.
  • 51/117 (12 December 1996) requested Burma's military junta to permit unrestricted communication with physical access to Suu Kyi by members of the NLD.
  • 50/194 (22 December 1995) urged Burma's military junta to engage, at the earliest possible date, in a substantive political dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and other political leaders.
  • 49/197 (23 December 1994) requested the Secretary-General to continue his discussions with Burma's military junta.
  • 48/150 (31 January 1994) strongly urged Burma's military junta to release unconditionally and immediately the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
  • 47/144 (1 March 1993) called upon Burma's military junta to release unconditionally and immediately Suu Kyi.
  • 46/132 (17 December 1991) urged Burma's military junta to allow all citizens to participate freely in the political process.

UN Human Rights Council/UN Commission on Human Rights

The UN Human Rights Council and the UN Commission on Human Rights passed the following 15 resolutions:
  • S-5/1 (2 October 2007) strongly deplored the continued violent repression of peaceful demonstrations, including through beatings, killings, arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances.
  • 2005/10 (14 April 2005) recommended the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma.
  • 2004/61 (21 April 2004) strongly urged Burma's military junta to lift all restraints on peaceful political activity of all persons, including former political prisoners.
  • 2003/12 (6 April 2003) strongly urged Burma's military junta to restore democracy and respect the results of the 1990 elections.
  • 2002/67 (25 April 2002) deplored the continuing pattern of gross and systematic violations of human rights in Burma.
  • 2001/15 (19 April 2001) strongly urged Burma's military junta to implement fully the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur.
  • 2000/23 (18 April 2000) expressed its grave concern at the increased repression of any form of public political activity.
  • 1999/17 (23 April 1999) called upon Burma's military junta to establish a constructive dialogue with the United Nations system.
  • 1998/63 (21 April 1998) called up Burma's military junta to urgently improve conditions of detention.
  • 1997/64 (16 April 1997) called upon Burma's military junta to guarantee an end to violations of the right to life and integrity of the human being.
  • 1996/80 (23 April 1996) strongly urged Burma's military junta to release immediately and unconditionally all detained political prisoners.
  • 1995/72 (8 March 1995) strongly urged Burma's military junta to release immediately and unconditionally the Nobel Peace Prize winner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
  • 1994/85 (9 March 1994) strongly urged Burma's military junta to ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  • 1993/73 (10 March 1993) urgedBurma's military junta to take firm steps towards the establishment of a democratic State.
  • 1992/58 (3 March 1992) urged Burma's military junta to ensure that the Special Rapporteur has free access to any person whom he deems it appropriate to meet.

International Labour Organization

In November 2000, the ILO Governing Body opened the way for the full implementation of its previous resolutions, including authorizing its members to impose sanctions against Burma’s regime. See the resolution.