FEW PEOPLE CAN HAVE MISSED the recent reports coming out of Burma. Monks have been beaten, killed and dumped in rivers. News is now emerging which suggests that the violence is worse than was initially reported. Many of those who took to the streets have now been forced to flee their homes. But you can help.

Unusually for an international crisis the usual aid-charity suspects can't do an awful lot. The Junta expelled the Red Cross a few months back and most international assistance charities like Oxfam aren't active in Burma. So what can you do?

"If the thought of protesting sends shivers down your spine, you can help out financially"

As the UK coordinator of the 300,000 strong Support the Monks in Burma Facebook group, I've been at the centre of the storm in the UK. I've met representatives from many groups who are still active in Burma. Unusually, though, few are calling for money. Instead the Burmese community has designated this Saturday (6 Oct '07) a "Global Day of Protest" and is calling for people to show solidarity (check the Facebook group or Avvaaz for details of your local protest).

But worry not, if the thought of protesting send shivers down your spine, you can help out financially. But be careful: as with the Tsunami, a number of dodgy groups have been created recently, so use your common sense before giving.

Here are a few long-established groups that you can trust. Bear in mind that they are not charities - because they're politically active, the UK's ridiculous charity law excludes them from being a charity.

Who to trust
The best bet is probably The Burma Campaign UK,  which has a mandate from the imprisoned, democratically elected leader of Burma, Aung Sang Suu Kyi. It works to strengthen the capacity of the Burmese community in exile, as well as providing help to democratic groups in Burma.

You should also consider the Democratic Voice of Burma. This Norway-based broadcaster sends news back into Burma via radio and satellite 24 hours a day. This is important since most Burmese normally only get state propaganda.

The National Council of the Union of Burma also needs funds. It distributes cash to pro-independence groups and trade unions across Burma. But do check these recipients to ensure you are comfortable with them: they represent pro-democracy movements in every form.

If you are determined to give to a charity (rather than a campaigning organization) there are a few religious charities which work below the radar in Burma. However, their hands are tied because until the military crackdown is over, few aid workers dare leave their offices in Rangoon. They're not being wimps - few journalists are daring to venture far from their compounds either.

Whether or not you want to protest on the streets this Saturday, do think about giving some money, and don't forget the Burmese people. The media has started to move on, but the country's people are still stuck living under a brutal regime.
 

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Johnny Chatterton works for Burma Campaign UK and is a former Intelligent Giving intern.

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