Canadian Friends of Burma
The Canadian Friends of Burma (French: Les amis canadiens de la Birmanie; CFOB) is a federally incorporated, national non-governmental organization founded in 1991.[1]
Objectives
The CFOB supports the pro-democracy movement in Burma (also known as Myanmar), in their goal to achieve peace, democracy, human rights and equality in Burma. Its primary objectives are to raise awareness about the political, human rights and socioeconomic situation in Burma and how it pertains to Canadians, as well as to encourage Canadians to take action and to get involved.
Activities
The CFOB coordinates campaigns and provides assistance to Burma solidarity groups in Canada and abroad, produces educational materials and monitors Canadian relations with Burma. An ongoing dialogue is maintained by the CFOB with the Canadian government with regard to federal policy on Burma.
The organisation also maintains close links with Burmese exiles in Canada and internationally, including Burma's government-in-exile, the student and labor movements, ethnic leaders, journalists, academics and the entire international movement for democracy in Burma. They also act as a clearinghouse of information about Burma's pro-democracy movement in Canada and works with the Burmese community, and is a member of the Halifax Initiative, a coalition of Canadian non-governmental organizations for public interest work and education on international financial institutions.