ILO Lifts All Restrictions on Burma
The UN agency lifts restrictions on Burma, citing progress in the fight against forced labor, in a move Burma’s government hopes will boost foreign investment.
Lawmakers this month will receive the final, revised draft of a controversial law to replace one of the former regime’s most draconian publishing acts.
Burma’s public hospitals offer free medicine to poor patients in a major break from the previous policy of charging for all medicine and equipment used.
A former political prisoner talks about the challenges facing many like him, who say the government has done nothing to help them reintegrate into society.
The democracy icon’s personal physician and close confidante tells The Irrawaddy how he’s keeping busy as the country transitions from military rule.
Plans to renovate Rangoon General Hospital will include the construction of a new 1,000-bed facility near the current hospital within the next year.
A librarian risked prison time by lending books during the former military regime and was caught by President Thein Sein’s current spokesman—with surprising results.
At least 15 political prisoners are released from detention by Burma’s President Thein Sein ahead of a landmark meeting with US President Barack Obama.
The Pansodan Art Gallery in Rangoon offers visitors an eclectic collection of local artists’ works and rare historical artifacts.
Journalists are making inroads in negotiations with the government over a controversial bill that critics warn could otherwise reverse fragile gains in Burma’s press freedom.
Activists warn that hundreds of villagers are displaced in eastern Burma, as the government army allegedly launches an offensive against Shan rebels despite a ceasefire.
Human Rights Watch accuses Burmese authorities of committing “crimes against humanity” in western Burma last year, as the European Union prepares to lift economic sanctions.
As malaria becomes increasingly resistant to available drugs, groups long at odds come together in search of a solution.
More than 2,000 people left Arakan State and Bangladesh on smugglers’ boats in the first week of January, the UN refugee agency reports.
Kachin civil society organizations urge the International Crisis Group to reconsider its decision to honor Burma’s president at an annual peace award dinner.
Human Rights Watch calls on Thai authorities to clarify where the Malaysia-bound migrants were taken and criticizes plans for deportation to Burma.
In Burma’s northeastern state, where government soldiers were accused a decade ago of systematically raping civilians, women still live in fear.
Burma must take steps to improve rule of law if it wants to successfully transition to democracy, says one of the world’s major legal organizations.
The visit comes just days after revelations that Swedish weapons had been sent to Burma via India in violation of a European arms embargo.
