Burma has been described as: "This is not a country with an army, rather an army with a country". Its leaders restrict even the most basic freedoms in the belief that any freedom whatsoever will be used to oppose their rule. The regime's policy is simply to undermine the opposition by directly attacking the civilians who support them. In practice, this is implemented by systematic intimidation and repression of the civilian population until they no longer dare support the opposition, and by making them so destitute that they are unable to provide any material support.

As a result of the regime's policies,

• Over 3,000 villages have been destroyed in the last ten years;
• Over one million people have been internally displaced and struggle to survive in their own country's harsh jungle; and,
• Over one million more people have fled the country.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10