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IBMO

Committee members of the International Burmese Monks Organization (2008)
Monday, December 08, 2008
The International Burmese Monks Organization has successfully reformed with following executive committee on November 22, 2008. Details | More

An articale about the annual conference
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Sayardaw U Gunissara, one of the board of directors of the International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO) (2008) wrote an article about the organization and annual conference. | Burmese | More

LETTER FROM 112 FORMER PRESIDENTS AND PRIMEMINISTERS SENT TO UN SECRETARY-GENERAL URGINGHIM TO PRESS FOR RELEASE OF ALL POLITICALPRISONERS IN BURMA BY THE END OF 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
New York and Washington, D.C. – Today, Freedom Now and the Oslo Center forPeace and Human Rights released a letter from 112 former Presidents and PrimeMinisters from more than 50 nations to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urginghim to personally travel to Burma before the end of the year to secure the release ofthe military junta’s 2,100 political prisoners. Last month, more than 215 activists,National League for Democracy party members, Cylone Nargis relief workers,journalists, monks, and even some of their lawyers were each given draconiansentences of up to 68-years in prison.
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A Letter to Ban Ki Moon
Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Dear Secretary General Ban Ki Moon,

We send our greetings and blessings at this end of the year. We appreciate your continued focus on the terrible suffering in Burma, and support your plans for a potential visit there soon. We have two requests. The monks of the International Burmese Monks Organization (IBMO) would like a meeting with you at the earliest time.

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Congratulation Message
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The All Burma Monks' Alliance (A.B.M.A) sends a congratulation message to the International Burmese Monks Organization.
 Burmese | More

International March for Freedom Press Release
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Ashin Sopaka (IBMO - Germany) Iraj Jamshidi (Iranian opponent) Thupten Tenzin (Chairman of the Association of the Tibetan Community in Italy) will leade the internal march for freedom. Details | More

Annual Conference of the International Burmese Monks Organization
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The annual conference of the International Burmese Monks Organization was held at the Hereton LaGuaria East hotel in New York on November 21 and 22, 2008.
Twenty five monks inside and outside the United States attended.
 Burmese | More





U Gambira to serve total of 68 years in prison
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Burmese military junta's vendetta against monks came to the fore with U Gambira, a monk leader being sentenced to another 56 years in prison, totaling 68 years, by a Special Court sitting in session inside Insein prison today. Similarly another leading monk U Kaylartha from ABMA (Mandalay Division) who has already been sentenced to 35 years in prison with charges under the Unlawful Association Act, was given an additional four years in jail again today by a court inside Mandalay prison on two counts. His total prison term adds up to 39 years. English | More



Buddhism Under Siege in Burma
Saturday, November 15, 2008
IBMO representative Dr Ashin Nayaka speak at the World Buddhist Fellowship Conference at Tokyo on November 15, 2008.
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Two monks arrested in connection with last year's Saffron Revolution have been given lengthy jail terms by Rangoon Kyauktaga township court yesterday morning, according to legal sources.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Sayadaw U Indaka, abbot of Maggin monastery was sentenced to 16 and half years' imprisonment while another monk U Eindriya who was staying at the monastery while it was raided by government officials in November 2007 was given 8 years, a lawyer told DVB on condition of anonymity. English | More

Well Wish to the new President
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
The International Burmese Monks Organization sends a letter of congratulation to the president-elected Barack Obama.


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Key Burmese Monk Escapes Arrest
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A key leader of Burma’s 2007 uprising against the military government has fled to Thailand after eluding authorities during a year in hiding and a two-week manhunt, saying the Burmese people "are more desperate than ever before."Ashin Issariya is one of a few founding members of the All Burma Monks Alliance, which spearheaded the 2007 uprising, to have evaded arrest. He declined to give details of his year in hiding or his escape across the Thai border. English | More

Escaped Monk Leader Describes Torture in Burma
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Ashin Panna Siri spoke after arriving safely in New Delhi following his breakout from the Lin Dan prison camp in Burma’s Chin state on Sept. 15. He was a close associate of U Gambira, leader of the All-Burmese Monks Alliance, which spearheaded last year’s uprising against the military junta that has ruled Burma since 1988. “Our feet were chained. We had to work from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and then from 1 p.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. We had only Sundays off. It was very hard labor. We had to bring timber logs and carry them on our shoulders. We had to dig ditches, pound gravel, and mend roads,” Ashin Panna Siri said.
 | English | Burmese | More

Monks protest in Sittwe, western Burma
Saturday, September 27, 2008
About 150 Buddhist monks in Sittwe town in western Burma's Arakan state staged a protest march on Saturday morning to observe the first anniversary of last year's 'Saffron Revolution', eyewitness said.Than Hlaing, a local resident of Sittwe town who witnessed the protest march told Mizzima that about 150 monks began marching from the Sittwe main road at about 10 a.m. (local time). The demonstration was peaceful."The monks were marching silently. Police and other officials in several cars and motorcycles followed them and asked them why they were marching," Than Hlaing said."People on the road were bowing and paying obeisance to the marching monks," he added.
 | English | Burmese | More

Monks Stage Demonstration in Dhaka Demanding Release of Political Prisoners.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The International Burmese Monks' Organization (Bangladesh) staged a demonstration on Wednesday in front of the Burmese embassy in Dhaka demanding the release of monk leader U Gambira and other political prisoners.
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Four Monks are arrested for walking reciting Metta Sutta (the verses of compassion in Pali) in Yuzana Garden City, Yangon
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
According to the lawyers in Yangon, four monks have been arrested while they are walking reciting Metta Sutta for the 1st anniversary of Saffron Revolution. The monks are around the age of 50s and they are arrested by the police and special trained civilian-thugs of the Junta in Yuzana Garden City, in Yangon. The lawyers said they don’t know where the monks are taken and which monasteries they are from. In Yangon, Mandalay, Pakokku and Sittwe, the securities are extremely tight and the monks are closely being monitored. | English | Burmese | More

Burma's Monks Jailed, Disrobed for Challenging Junta
Monday, September 22, 2008
In military-ruled Burma the jails are filling up with Buddhist monks. Currently, 136 members of the clergy are behind bars, most of them in the notorious Insein Prison in Rangoon, the former capital. That is the largest number of monks jailed at one time by the oppressive regime, say activists living in exile. Till the protests, the first anniversary of which falls this week, there had been 1,150 political prisoners, some of them in jail on spurious charges since 1989, says the global rights lobby Amnesty International. "Now there are more than 2,100; the figure has nearly doubled in a single year." | English | More

Statement on the One-year Anniversary of the Saffron Revolution from the International Burmese Monks Organization
Saturday, September 20, 2008
On the one-year anniversary of Burma’s Saffron Revolution, the International Burmese Monks Organization gives voice to the monks and nuns inside Burma who have been silenced by a cruel military dictatorship. We vow to keep the struggle for freedom and human rights alive in Burma. One year ago today, the world watched as Burma’s military regime brutally cracked down on one of the most powerful, peaceful demonstrations of non-violence in recent times, led by Buddhist monks and nuns and numbering near 500,000 people. As we mark the one-year anniversary on September 26, 2008, the IBMO remains focused on our intent to free the Burmese people from the tyranny of a 46-year military regime. The Saffron Revolution was and is essentially not a struggle for political power. It is a revolution of spirit that aims at changing Burma from the inside out. With loving-kindness, we intend to change the hearts and minds of Burma’s generals, returning them to their inborn Buddha nature. Details | More

Monks gather in Sittwe to mark anniversary of boycott
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sittwe monks gathering in the Arakan capital of Sittwe yesterday to mark the one-year anniversary of the monk-led Saffron revolution vowed not to give up their fight against the military government. About 60 monks gathered in Sittwe yesterday to mark the anniversary of the start of the nationwide monks' boycott of military officials on 18 September 2007.
 |English |Burmese | More

All Burma Monks Alliance issued a statement commemorating first anniversary of Saffron Revolution
Friday, September 19, 2008
For the welfare of our people, we have marched and expressed our compassionate demand that the government should care for the people who are in all sorts of desperate conditions. Instead of heeding our peaceful demands, the Junta have used violence means to crush our movement. Our monks are killed, detained and tortured. Our monasteries are raided and destroyed. Our disciples are treated with the same cruelty and arrogance. The fools of the Junta just desire to keep their powers with the expenses of other people’s misery. It has been a year that the world is alert with sufferings of Burma. The actions and supports of international communities are essential to us. The Junta has neglected our calls and the world’s. And, it is a tragedy that we see outside world has not stepped up their support for Burma. Hence, it is time for all people of Burma both in and out to strive in earnest to liberate Burma from the boots of military regime.
| Burmese | More

20th Anniversary of Military Coup in which thousand people were killed by the army.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
In 1988, due to the deteriorating economic situation of the country and oppressive rule of the one party rule, the people of Burma from all walks of life took on the streets, demonstrating against the government. The peoples' movement which was mainly led by university students demanded for political and economic changes in the country. The demonstrators demanded for abolishing of the present political system and for the restoration fo democracy and human rights in the country. However, the military responded the people's desire with bullets and thousands of demonstrators, mostly the students and youth, were killed on the streets of the cities. The military took over power on 18th September 1988 by a bloody coup and installed a military regime following arrests and torture of the people including monks. The regime still rules the country after crushing another uprising, the Saffron Revolution, in 2007. | Burmese | More

Burmese monk, exiled after making stand, adjusts to American life
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
It also made him a target. With his face plastered on wanted posters across the city of Yangon, Kovida hid silently in a bamboo house for weeks before trading his Buddhist robe for a shirt and pants, bleaching his hair, donning a crucifix and sneaking out of town. "My picture was everywhere," Kovida said. "I realized, if I'm arrested by the government, I have no chance for life. So I decided, myself, to leave my country." The disguise helped Kovida escape to Thailand. Later, like many Burmese refugees before him, he ended up in Oakland.
 | English | Burmese | More

Exiled Burmese monks dream of new uprising
Saturday, September 13, 2008
In their distinctive russet red robes, the two Burmese monks sit cross-legged and meditate before sunrise in front of an altar topped with candles, offerings of fruit, water and flowers and a statue of Buddha.It is a ritual played out each morning in temples across Burma. But the two holy men are conducting their worship 8,500 miles from home in a highly improbable setting - a converted bedroom in a run-down clapboard boarding house in the upstate New York town of Utica.
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Monks battle Twante market blaze
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Around 100 local monks rushed to the scene of a fire raging at Myoma market in Twante in Rangoon division on Tuesday night, but were forbidden by police from helping extinguish the blaze. Although two fire engines arrived on the scene, they were unable to tackle the blaze as they did not have any water. | English | Burmese | More

A monk who joined cyclone Nargis victims in a signature campaign to protest against the plan to move them forcibly to Bokone village was summoned to Laputta police station and interrogated
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Cyclone refugee U Nyan Win has been arrested in Naypyidaw where he was trying to secure the right for other survivors of Cyclone Nargis to remain at refugee camps 3 and 5, according to sources close to him. Nyan Win, who is from camp 3, collected the names, signatures and fingerprints of 200 refugees and went to the capital to plead their case. He was arrested at the Buddhist monastery where he was staying. A monk who joined the villagers of Yway in a signature campaign to protest against the plan to move them forcibly to Bokone village was also summoned to Laputta police station and interrogated. | English | Burmese | More

U Kovida, abbot of North Dagone township, has beeen tortured and forced to appear in the court.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
U Kovida was arrested during last year protest and currently held in Insein prison. He refused to appear for the first court hearing as it is not suitable for a monk. Second time, he was cuffed and forced to appear for the court without monk robes. As he refused to recognize the court, he was beaten up by the guards in the court. In August 27, third time of his hearing, he was beaten also and unconscious in the court as he refused to recognize the court.
 | Burmese | More

U Zawana, a leader of All Burma Monks Alliance, condemns on the raid of Marlaryone Monastery.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
| Listen in Burmese | More

U Zawana , a leading monk of Saffron Revolution, is interviewed by RFA about the face-off between the Junta and monks.He is in a secrete place to avoid the Junta's harassment.
Friday, September 05, 2008
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The abbot of Marlayon monastery in Than Lyin township’s Bogyoke village is being held after a raid on the monastery earlier today, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Friday, September 05, 2008
In a statement released today, the AAPP said a group of around 23 people, assumed to be government officials in civilian clothing, arrived at the monastery at 2am in three trucks owned by the township Peace and Development Council. They ordered the monks to lie on the ground and keep their faces down while they spent around 40 minutes searching the monastery.
 | English | Burmese | More

Pakokku Monks still keep their vows to boycott the Junta.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Monks from Pakokku said they will keep their vows to boycott until the Junta apologizes on the Sangha.They also demand for the release of detained monks and nuns, lowering of soaring prices, release of all political prisoners including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the political talk between the Junta and opposition parties.
There are now only 500 monks left in their monastery compared to the 600 last year, the monks added.On September 5 last year, the monks in Pakokku were beaten by the soldiers and that incident has escalated into nation wide demonstration of the monks.
 | Burmese | English | More

A Revolution of the Spirit - by Margaret Howe & Hozan Alan Senauke
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Western Buddhists owe a debt of gratitude to the Burmese for helping to bring the Buddha’s teachings to the West. They have kept and treasured the dharma for two thousand years. Whether Theravadan, Mahayana or Vajrayana, all Western Buddhists have been touched by the depth of Burmese Buddhism. And now many monasteries remain closed and thousands of monks remain unaccounted for.The Burmese act in near isolation from outside support. But backing for their quest for democracy grows. Through careful and quiet channels, the democracy movement in Burma knows what we do on their behalf here in the US. Our support is precious to them in their struggle. The Burmese need us to speak with them and for them. | English | More

Legal group calls for an end to forcible disrobing of monks
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
The Burma Lawyers’ Council has demanded that the junta abolish state law 20/90 on religious organizations and stop the practice of forcibly disrobing monks and trying them at civil courts.“In the case of Sayadaw Ashin Gambira, he will not attend court tomorrow [3 September] because the trial of a disrobed monk damages the dignity of the monks and the Sasana [Buddhist congregation],” he said.
 English | Burmese | More

Gambira to Snub Military Court
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Ashin Gambira, the detained leader of the All Burma Monks’ Alliance (ABMA), will not appear for trial on Thursday if the Burmese military authorities do not accede to his request to be tried under Buddhist law, his lawyers and relatives in Rangoon told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday. “Ashin Gambira has stated that he refuses to wear handcuffs,” Aung Thein, one of his lawyers, said. “In accordance with Buddhist law he should also be allowed to wear his monk’s robes when he appears for trial.” | English | Burmese | More

Rangoon authorities collect monks’ personal data
Friday, August 29, 2008
Authorities in the four Dagon townships in Rangoon have begun collecting the full personal details of monks staying in local monasteries, according to residents. There are hundreds of monasteries in the four townships, including Myin Chan and Ywar Ma lecturing monasteries, each of which houses hundreds of monks. English | More

Two young monks arrested at their Rangoon monastery on Saturday are being held at Insein interrogation center, according to colleagues.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A senior monk told The Irrawaddy that Burmese police and local authorities arrested the two monks, Damathara and Nandara, at Thardu monastery in Rangoon’s Kyimyindaing Township. He said it wasn’t known why they were arrested.
 English | Burmese | More

Former Maggin abbot banned from collecting alms
Monday, August 25, 2008
Elderly monk U Nandiya, who was forced out of Maggin monastery when it was closed down in November last year, has been prevented from collecting alms by local authorities.
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Pakhukku Monks Declined Minister's Donation
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pakhukku monks declined the donations of Minister of Postal Service and Telecommunications. Junta Ministers are said to be candidates for 2010 election and seeking public supports especially from the monks.
 Burmese | English | More

Two young monks are kidnapped by an army sergeant in Irrawaddy Division, Burma.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
On August 12, two young monks at the age of 13 and 15 years are kidnapped by an army sergeant in Irrawaddy Division, Burma. The abbot of their monastery inquired about the case and an army colonel later admitted the wrong doing and apologized the monks.The two monks are returned to the monastery two days later. Burmese | English | More

Burmese monks ask for support of Brazil to arms embargo
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A group of Burmese monks came to Brazil this week to ask that the Brazilian government use its "good relations" with countries like China and India and press for the adoption of international embargo on arms sales to Burma.
 English | Portuguese | Burmese

International Burmese Monks Organization names September 26 as Saffron Revolution Day and calls for its commemoration. (In Burmese)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
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U Gambira raises monks' issue with UN rights envoy
Thursday, August 14, 2008
All-Burmese Monks’ Alliance leader U Gambira raised the issue of the imprisonment and disrobing of monks by the Burmese regime in a meeting with United Nations human rights rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana.
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International Burmese Monks Organization supports other groups in seeking justice of Burma.
Friday, August 08, 2008
The Global Justice Center, alldaybuffet.org, Serene Communications, the 88 Generation Students, the US Campaign for Burma, the International Burmese Monks Organization, and new Words have joined to create Global Justice for Burma.
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