The Politics of Myanmar: A Brief Overview

Myanmar has been under the control of a military regime since 1962 when power was seized from a corrupt civilian government. It was unable to deal with both the threats of ethnic based resistance groups that looked to claim independence for their own states and a rise in communist based insurgency. The military government, or the State Law and Order and Restoration Council(SLORC) was responsible for the repression of civil and political rights within the region. However, the late 1980's brought opposition, as there were mass demonstrations demanding democracy. The government then allowed a democratic election in 1990, in which the opposition party, led by Aung San Suu Kyi was elected by a landslide. However, the government refused to see the elections as valid and jailed the leaders of the opposition party. The civil rights of the people became non-existent, censorship became commonplace and the mobility of the population was more tightly controlled. Corruption and human rights violations became acceptable, as families who were known to be supportive of democracy were killed and imprisoned. Various opposition forces, whether ethnically based or not, were formed, creating a violent insurgency in the southern portion of the region. In 1997, the SLORC changed its name to the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) but still maintained the same policies it had upheld for the past two decades. The majority of opposition leaders are still in prison. The nation is crippled by poverty and complete disregard of human rights and civil liberties. Economic sanctions force the country into further monetary difficulty. Villagers displaced constantly to make room for new development programs. All the while, armed hostility has been taking place between the opposition forces and the government, creating a bloody civil war.
The children of Myanmar are the biggest casualties of the political turmoil and bloodshed that has taken hold of the nation. Three generations have been subject to the reality of violence, military abuses, expulsion from their homes, separation from their families and the lack of basic and fundamental human rights. It is commonplace for children to be plucked off the streets or ripped from their parents’ arms into forced participation in the military. Though many make the dangerous attempt to flee from the country, the movement of the people of the nation is monitored. Most end up subject to the rules of the armed forces.