San Francisco, CA -- Members of the Burmese community, Buddhists, and other concerned people will mark International Human Rights Day by holding a major rally in San Francisco on December 9 to highlight the recent struggles of the pro-democracy movement in Burma. American Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield, Burmese monks, and author Rebecca Solnit will speak and offer Buddhist prayers at the rally.

While Burma has suffered for 45 years at the hands of a brutal dictatorship, rising gas prices this past summer led the monastic community and the people to risk their lives for freedom. Led by monks and dubbed the “Saffron Revolution,” the Burmese took to the streets to call for an end to decades-long military junta.

The military responded with overwhelming violence. Many monks have been forcibly disrobed, beaten, tortured, and killed. While there is no accurate number of how many were killed or jailed, sources inside Burma say thousands are still not accounted for.

The Buddhist Peace Fellowship appeals to the international community to take swift and effective measures to release all political prisoners, stop the arrests, and restore democracy in Burma.

ABOUT THE BUDDHIST PEACE FELLOWSHIP

The mission of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship (BPF), founded in 1978, is to serve as a catalyst for socially engaged Buddhism. BPF's programs, publications, and practice groups link Buddhist teachings of wisdom and compassion with progressive social change. BPF is an affiliate of the Fellowship of Reconciliation and the International Network of Engaged Buddhists. More information is available at www.bpf.org.

Buddhist Peace Fellowship, PO Box 3470, Berkeley, CA  94703

Contact:
Margaret Howe, Buddhist Peace Fellowship, 707-360-8452
Nyunt Than, Burmese American Democratic Alliance, 510-220-1323