In 1996 Burma continued to be ruled by a highly authoritarian military regime widely condemned for its serious human rights abuses, according to the most recent U.S. State Department Human Rights Report on Burma. Beginning in late September, it prevented her from addressing public gatherings of her supporters, and confined her to her compound from December 6 to December 29. Political party activity also remained severely restricted, the report says.
Child labor is also a problem, the report states.
The generals have continued to refuse to negotiate with prodemocracy forces and ethnic groups for a genuine political settlement to allow a return to the rule of law and respect for basic human rights, the report concludes. Retired dictator General Ne Win, whose idiosyncratic policies had isolated Burma and driven the country into deep economic decline, is believed by many to continue to wield considerable influence. The judiciary is not independent of the executive. Control is buttressed by selective restrictions on contact by citizens with foreigners, surveillance of government employees and other private citizens, harassment of political activists, intimidation, arrest, detention, and physical abuse. Members of the security forces committed numerous serious human rights abuses.