The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Burma/Myanmar

Burma/Myanmar has been ruled by a military regime since 1962. The power of the governing State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has gone almost unchallenged since student protests were violently repressed in September 1988. So far efforts by the international community to isolate the country and impose sanctions have produced few visible signs of weakening the regime. Meanwhile the economic and humanitarian conditions in which the country's people live have deteriorated, not least because of the natural disaster in May 2008. However, there are indications of movement in the political landscape, with the creation of a Seven-Stage Plan for a new form of constitutional government, and a new Constitution was adopted in May 2008. Nationwide elections are due to take place in 2010.

In this context the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is seeking to contribute to a process of national reconciliation between democratic forces, ethnic nationalities and the military regime. Creating forums for dialogue and supporting constructive exchange is designed to assist the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Consequently the FES has been working with the democratic movement in Burma since the early nineties, helping to build structures among the exiled community. Partnership meanwhile continues with those who wish to play a constructive part in the national reconciliation process, from associations of ethnic nationalities to the Euro Burma Office (EBO), Burma solidarity organisations and groups of exiles abroad.

The FES also takes part in activities within the country, in keeping with the Common Position adopted by the European Union. The aim of these projects is to strengthen civil society and democratic forces and prepare them for an active, informed role in shaping the future of their country. This activity is founded on the assessment that strategies for democratic change, political manifestos and programmes for economic and social reconstruction will be drawn up by the country's social elites, including those now in Burma, and that they must obtain the support of the domestic population. Apart from assisting organisations of civil society, much importance is attached to exchange and cooperation between academic institutions and to training young academics. This includes collaboration with the Yangon Institute of Economics and the Myanmar Institute for Strategic and International Studies.

Project work in Burma/Myanmar is currently supervised by FES staff stationed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.