AAPP was founded in the Thai-Burma border town of Mae Sot by on 23 March 2000, the anniversary of the arrest of 1988 student leader Min Ko Naing.

"[1] Freedom of expression is heavily curtailed in Burma, with the arbitrary use of laws such as the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and high treason.

There were 2,203 political prisoners in jails across Burma, including monks, students, elected members of parliament and lawyers during SPDC regime.[when?]

As of June 2018, there are currently 245 political prisoners[2] Following the executions of four pro-democracy activists in July 2022, AAPP estimated that 2,114 people have been killed by military forces.

The team also publishes research papers that outline key areas of concern for political prisoners inside Burma, as well as reports used to lobby against the government and build support amongst a network of human rights organizations.

AAPP offers a reliable source of information and gives valuable advice and opinions to international researchers, advisers, organizations and journalists working on the protection of human rights in Burma.

The campaign, which started 13 March 2009, called for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to prioritise securing the release of all Burma's political prisoners.

AAPP has two small museums dedicated to remembering the sacrifices political prisoners have made in their fight for a free, democratic Burma.

AAPP releases thematic reports regularly exploring the pressing civil and political issues facing Burma during its democratic transition.