Guest Comments by the Burma Partnership Secretariat

NEAR BURMA -- This week marks the third anniversary of the Saffron Revolution when tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators, led by Buddhist monks, took to the streets of Burma's cities. Their actions were triggered by an overnight 500-per-cent increase in fuel prices.

Protests escalated with hundreds of thousands of monks, nuns and citizens participating in more than 150 protests across the country. On September 26, the ruling military launched a violent crackdown, arresting more than 3,000 people and raiding monasteries. At least 31 people were killed.

The international community reacted with sharp criticisms. This year's anniversary again saw demonstrations and events around the world, including in Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, India and the United States. Supporters honored those who risked their lives three years ago to oppose a ruthless military regime.

At a demonstration in Manila, the Free Burma Campaign – Philippines denounced this year's Burma elections as the military regime's “desperate attempt at showing the region and the world it is on the right path to democracy".

For the first time, demonstrators from the Hong Kong Coalition for a Free Burma entered the consulate in Hong Kong without obstruction. Consulate officers quickly turned off the lights and hid until security led the protesters out of the building minutes later.

Attacks on Websites operated by exiled Burmese show the importance of conveying details about the military regime and the resulting threat to the regime. Such attacks indicate the regime has no intention to open physical or online political space before the elections.

On this significant anniversary, ASEAN and the international community must act to address human-rights violations, political repression and systemic economic instability in Burma. Hundreds of thousands of Burmese people courageously united three years ago to call for change, but were brutally struck down by the military. The international community, being free from military repression, must echo such calls for genuine change and national reconciliation.