As popular uprisings unfold across the Middle East and North Africa, The Elders commend the courageous citizens campaigning to reform their societies and express their solidarity with all those crying out for freedom and basic rights.

Following the release of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, The Elders repeat their call for all political prisoners in the country to be released and express concern about Burma's recent national elections, which were neither free nor fair.

The possibility of a viable two-state solution being eroded by settlement expansion, Palestinian home demolitions and deportations

Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Jimmy Carter are in the Middle East to encourage support for a two-state solution, but also to highlight issues that stand in the way of achieving “a just and secure peace for all”. They conclude their week-long visit to the region on Friday. During their visit to the region they have held meetings in Gaza, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank.

Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi say the isolation of Gaza is not only illegal collective punishment, but also an impediment to peace. President Carter will join his fellow Elders in Egypt on their return from Gaza.

After visiting Gaza during their week-long visit to the Middle East, Mary Robinson, Ela Bhatt and Lakhdar Brahimi condemn the illegal blockade of Gaza saying that it not only helps to perpetuate dire humanitarian conditions, but is also an impediment to peace.

Despite seeing some positive changes since the end of Sri Lanka's decades-long civil war, The Elders condemn the Sri Lankan government's conduct, which shows a disdain for human rights, good governance and accountability. They urge immediate action from the international community - particularly Sri Lanka's most influential friends.

The Elders express their solidarity with Burmese political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi and say that the elections planned for later this year cannot deliver credible results. The group calls for UN-led national dialogue between the government, opposition and ethnic and religious minorities.

The Elders urge President Rakapaksa of Sri Lanka to protect the rights of civilians displaced after the government’s defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May, and call on the international community to prioritise the long-term stability of the country.

The Elders condemn President Pervez Musharraf’s suspension of the constitution and imposition of martial law in Pakistan.

To begin the 60th anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Elders and partners launch a campaign for one billion people around the world to pledge their support for fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Elders' Chair Desmond Tutu calls on the Burmese military regime to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.