More small steps in Burma…

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Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

Today’s news from the Canadian Friends of Burma tells us that approximately 200 political prisoners including famous comedian Zargana and labour activist Suu Suu Nway – the two Burmese activists honoured in Canada with human rights awards – have been released under an amnesty announced for a total of 6,359 prisoners in Burma. However, the majority of political prisoners including prominent political figures Min Ko Naing and Khun Htun Oo still remain in jail.

Indeed, the Canadian Friends of Burma is pleased to hear news on the release of some political prisoners but expected more. “The reported number of political prisoners – a mere 10% – receiving the amnesty while the vast majority still languishing in prison is still unacceptable”, said Tin Maung Htoo, Executive Director of Canadian Friends of Burma.

More than 2,000 political prisoners are being imprisoned in more than 42 prisons and 107 labour camps across the country. In early this year May, notably right after the current government came into power, the first amnesty took place with the release of a total of 14,578 prisoners; however, a few dozens of political prisoners were included in that number. 

“It is important for President Thein Sein to demonstrate that his government is capable of moving forward by taking bold steps. Otherwise, it would be a setback for the accelerated political reform that he himself initiated recently,” added Tin Maung Htoo..

For more details please see: www.cfob.org

Small progress in Burma?

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Young monks in Mandalay

The repressive regime in Burma has continued to take small baby steps toward providing their citizens with the freedoms that we take for granted, with the most recent being the unblocking of a number of previously banned foreign news websites, including Youtube, BBC, Reuters, The Bangkok Post, Straits Times, Radio Free Asia, Irrawaddy and Democratic Voice of Burma. While these steps have been welcomed, just a few months ago the internet café regulations had been tightened, so it is clear that the days of a free media are still some way off in the future.

The country remain firmly in the hands of the ruling generals, who have also had the Burmese army step up its military offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in northern Shan states. The army has also deliberately targeted civilians in the offensive, with reports of killings, torture and sexual violence being committed by Burmese troops.  Over 25,000 people have been displaced in the past four months, with many taking shelter in makeshift camps along the Kachin-China border. Unfortunately, little news of this conflict makes its way into the western media, but if you would like to read more details about the events taking place in this beautiful country, please take a look at: http://www.burmacampaign.org.uk/lastmonth

Seva working for sight…

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We are of course supportive of development projects in all of the countries that we visit, and one of these organizations that does great work in providing eye care services and preventing blindness is Seva. Based on the belief that sight is the most effective way to relieve suffering, alleviate poverty and transform lives, Seva works toward helping communities develop their own capacity to deliver affordable eye care.  For many years they have been working in many of our favourite destinations (including amongst others, Nepal, Tibet, India, Cambodia and Tanzania), and recently a dear friend Tom Voss led a very successful ‘Bike for Sight’ fundraising drive in Vancouver. So with congratulations to Tom, here’s a link for those looking to learn more about this extremely worthwhile cause…

http://blog.seva.ca/

The joys of Asian travel…

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In what may become a regular feature of this blog, if only due to my own fascination with the limitless creativity and perseverance (and total disregard for safety!) with which Asian locals take to the streets, I thought I would share some recent photos I have seen of people getting around in various Asian countries – this time with a focus on the water … next time we can take at look at the roads… 🙂

 

 

Welcome to our new blog!

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Welcome to the New Footprints’ blog!! Please do visit our blog regularly to read accounts of our own travels, along with photographs, and relevant news updates on accommodations, dining, and new travel experiences to be found in all of our favourite destinations.

And our first post comes with news from Thailand, where anyone visiting Bangkok in October will have the opportunity to witness one of the grandest events in the Kingdom with the staging of the spectacular Royal Kathin Barge Procession on the Chao Phraya – the ‘River of Kings’. This ancient tradition, revived by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1959, will take place on October 22, 2011 to commemorate the King’s 84th birthday.

Officially known as the Praratcha Phithi Phra Yuha Yatra Cholamak (Royal Waterway Procession), this water-borne procession is reserved only for the most significant cultural and religious events and has been held only 16 times during His Majesty’s reign. The procession will be organized by the Royal Thai Navy and will mark the visit of members of the royal family to present offerings of saffron kathin robes, food and other necessities to the monks at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) to mark the end of the three-month Buddhist rains’ retreat in October. Barges will carry the deeply revered Buddha image and the royal family to present the robes.

The Royal Kathin barge Procession on October 22 will consist of a fleet of 52 traditional-style barges arranged in five columns, based on a battle formation from ancient times. This is made up of four major royal barges, as well as 10 additional barges with animal figureheads and 38 smaller vessels. The five-column fleet stretches 4,200 feet in length and 360 feet in width. A total of 2,200 sailors from various units within the Royal Thai Navy will serve as oarsmen.

The ceremony is perhaps best witnessed from any of the riverside restaurants that line the Chao Prhya, but do note that reservations will be essential!