Thailand out to gag Karen refugees
Posted on February 8, 2010
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After international pressure forced Thai authorities to scale back their plans to repatriate several thousand Karen refugees to Burma (see: Repatriation put on hold for now… sort of) they have been warning refugees against speaking to the media.
The Irrawaddy reports Thai army personnel in plain clothes entered the camps on Saturday afternoon. They told the refugees not to speak to the media or the UNHCR, or risk arrest and deportation.
Over 3,000 refugees are still at risk of repatriation. They arrived in June to escape fighting between the Karen National Union (KNU) and a joint force of Burma Army and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) troops. They have since been housed in temporary sites along the border, while authorities decide what to do with them in the long term.
There has been pressure from the Burmese side and the DKBA for the refugees to be forced to return home.
However, the KNU and relief groups argue it is not safe for them to return, as they would be at risk from unexploded landmines, as well as being forcibly conscripted as porters for the DKBA.
A small group was sent back on Friday morning and Thai authorities claim all repatriations were voluntary. But, there have been several reports of Thai soldiers ordering refugees to tell the UNHCR that they want to return home.
Repatriation put on hold for now… sort of
Posted on February 5, 2010
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Refugees in temporary housing in Thailand source: The Nation
Thailand appears to be scaling down its plans to send thousands of Karen refugees back to Burma into an area where they face possible forced labour and severe injury from unexploded landmines.
According to the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), Thai authorities had planned to repatriate thirty households, starting early this morning. However, only three families were returned today.
Furthermore, they note, “Thai authorities have not indicated any willingness to allow the other 3,000 refugees to remain in Thailand beyond the immediate future. Until a durable solution is found for hosting these refugees, it is highly likely that Thai authorities will again attempt to forcibly repatriate them.”
Thailand’s plans to repatriate the refugees have received strong international condemnation, with pressure groups calling for the refugees to be allowed to stay. And, yesterday 27 US lawmakers wrote to Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva asking him to stop the planned deportation.
The refugees crossed into Thailand in June to escape fighting between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and a joint force of Burmese Army and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). The government offensive led to the fall of the KNLA’s 7th Brigade headquarters, and the area is now under DKBA control.
The DKBA has been pushing Thailand to force the refugees back to their homes now that the fighting in the area has subsided.
However, KHRG reports, “Very few refugees interviewed by KHRG have said they fled only because they feared becoming ‘collateral damage,’ incidental casualties to active conflict between armed groups exchanging fire.”
“Rather, refugees have said that they fled to avoid human rights abuses related to an ongoing conflict, including conscription of soldiers and the use of forced labour to build military camps, forced porters to carry military supplies, and human minesweepers.”
Also, the area is littered by landmines that were planted by troops on both sides of the conflict. In recent weeks, there have been a couple of cases of refugees being injured by landmines where they crossed into Burma to tend to livestock they had left behind.
KNU asks Thailand to ensure refugees safety
Posted on February 4, 2010
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across the border into Karen State
The Karen National Union (KNU) is calling on the Thailand to suspend plans to push around 3,000 Karen refugees back across the border into Burma.
In an open letter to the Thai Government, the KNU calls for the UN High Commission for Refugees to investigate the willingness of the refugees to return.
It was revealed this week, that Thai Authorities had told the refugees they would begin repatriation on February 5, and that everyone needed to have returned by February 15 (see: Karen refugees face mid-February deadline).
The refugees arrived in June following clashes between the KNU and a joint force of Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and Burmese Army troops. While some were escaping the fighting, many others were escaping forced conscription as porters by the DKBA.
During and after the clashes, both sides are said to have planted land mines in the area. And the KNU says Thailand should ensure, “concrete measures have been meted out
and implemented to ensure the refugees return to their homeland safely and with dignity as required by
international standards.”
They quote a statement from the Karen Women’s Organization, as saying the area to which the refugees are meant to return is not safe. They note, “In recent months, five refugees from the area have been either
injured or killed by landmines when slipping back into Burma to look after livestock they left behind.”
They said, “As armed conflicts still linger on in Burma, we cannot rest assured the refugees can be safely resettled in their
homeland in the near future.”
“The numerous landmines planted along the border area shall certainly and substantially compromise the
refugee’s safety.”
“And forcing refugees back to an area where they might be subjected to fatal persecution
constitutes an expulsion and is a breach of internally accepted non-refoulement principle.”
They are calling for concerned civil society organizations,
media, NGOs and organizations working on Burma issues, to be consulted regularly to ensure transparency and accountability.
They add, “We believe that fully participatory process will take us to mutually agreeable solutions
based on the respect of dignity and a right to life of all human beings.”
Karen Revolution Day marked with call for unity
Posted on February 3, 2010
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Refugees in Mae La observe Revolution Day
Last Sunday was Karen Revolution Day, when the Karen remember the start of their armed resistance to successive Burmese military regimes. This year was the 61st anniversary.
In a statement that was read out at celebrations on both sides of the border, Karen National Union (KNU) president Saw Tamla Baw called for unity and warned people to be alert to attempts by the military to divide and breakup the Karen revolution. “We must oppose all attempts by the enemy to divide us,” he said.
He also denounced the junta’s planned elections, which are due to be held this year. He accused the junta of continuing to wage war in Karen State and violating human rights while claiming to be democratic. “This act is a systematic plan by the military clique to eliminate the entire Karen people,” he said.
He also said the junta was trying to assassinate the senior leaders of the KNU.
In 1995, the junta took advantage of divisions within the Karen, when the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army broke away from the KNU. They helped enginer the split and later signed a ceasefire agreement with the DKBA.
Karen refugees face mid-February deadline
Posted on February 2, 2010
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Some 3,000 plus Karen refugees currently in temporary shelters a few hours north of Mae Sot reportedly have until February 15 to return across the border to Burma.
According to The Irrawaddy, Thai authorities have told the refugees that repatriation will begin on February 5 and that all must have returned by the 15th.
The refugees arrived in June after the Karen National Liberation Army’s 7th Brigade headquarters fell to pro-government forces (see: Villagers flee offensive as Thailand prepares for influx of refugees). They have been housed in temporary shelters while the Thai government and various NGOs debated about what to do with them.
Weary of triggering a flood of new refugees, Thailand has hinted several times in the past that it wanted them to return. The refugees themselves have expressed a desire to return home, but they are concerned for their safety.
Last week, a meeting was held between the Thai military and representatives from the UNHCR and the Thai Burma Border Consortium (TBBC) as well as the Karen National Union and the pro-junta Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA). At the meeting, the DKBA reportedly gave assurances villagers would not be used as forced labour and offered to clear its own landmines.
But Karen groups say the area is not safe and that refugees are not willing to return voluntarily.
Burma’s nuclear ambitions
Posted on February 1, 2010
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Is this part of Burma's nuclear program?
The international community needs to be weary of Burma’s nuclear intentions even though suspicions that have swirled around for years are yet to be confirmed warns the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).
In a new report released last week, they warn, “Although evidence does not exist to make a compelling case that Burma is building secret nuclear reactors or fuel cycle facilities, as has been reported, the information does warrant governments and companies taking extreme caution in any dealings with Burma.”
In particular, they point to Burma’s links to North Korea and it’s purchasing of equipment that could potentially be used as part of a nuclear program. The report warns, “Burma is judged as unable to build nuclear facilities on its own. As a result, it must depend on outside suppliers for nuclear technology, equipment, materials, and facilities. Therefore, detecting suspicious Burmese procurements is potentially an important indicator of undeclared nuclear materials and facilities.”
It goes on to note, “Burma is seeking abroad a large quantity of top-notch, highly sophisticated goods with potential missile and nuclear uses. Yet, no pattern has emerged in these procurements that lead to a specific missile or nuclear end use. Nonetheless, the procurements are often suspicious or highly enigmatic, according to one senior European intelligence official.”
Furthermore, the report warns that North Korea could use Burma as a transhipment point to sell its own nuclear goods.
Last year, there were reports based on interviews with defectors that North Korea was helping Burma’s nuclear program, including building plutonium enrichment plants and facilities to produce a nuclear weapon.
However, ISIS throws doubts on these claims. Not least because they say, “The sheer number of alleged secret sites posited by these defectors by itself raises doubts about their claims.”
However, they also add, “ISIS does not want to overweigh the importance of debunking a few claims about secret nuclear facilities in Burma”.
“ There remain legitimate reasons to suspect the existence of undeclared nuclear activities in Burma, particularly in the context of North Korean cooperation. But the methods used in the public domain so far to identify existing suspect Burmese nuclear facilities are flawed.”
They warn, “Identification of suspect nuclear sites requires a more rigorous basis than is currently evident.”
The report warns, “The military regime’s suspicious links to North Korea, and apparent willingness to illegally procure high technology goods, make a priority convincing the military government to accept greater transparency.”
You can download a copy of the report here.
Sphere: Related ContentNew parallel government to include armed ethnic groups
Posted on January 28, 2010
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Burma’s government in exile could soon be merging with several armed ethnic groups to form a new parallel government.
The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reports the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) is drafting a new constitution that will integrate ethnic leaders. The Washington based NCGUB is made up of politicians elected during the 1990 elections, who were not allowed to take their seats.
DVB quotes Khun Myint Htun, a NCGUB minister as saying there were six criteria for the ethnic group to join, they must have a political party, their own territory, their own public support and must have education and medical programmes for the public and a resistance wing.
The new group would seek a federal union in Burma, an idea several ethnic groups have supported for sometime.
Among the four armed groups that have reportedly pledged to join the coalition is the Karen National Union (KNU).
Saw Hla Ngwe, joint-secretary of the KNU told DVB, “We have always planned to form a parallel government even prior to the election members of parliament in 1990 [Burma’s last elections]…so this is just shaping an old idea.”
“If the negotiations [with the NCGUB] turn out well, then we will form a parallel government to compete with the [ruling junta],” he added.
The new parallel government is to be formed ahead of lections planned by the junta for later this year.
Critics of the elections say the new military backed constitution under which they are being conducted is intended to strengthen the junta’s grip on power.
Ethnic leader assassinated
Posted on January 27, 2010
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Min Ein
The general secretary of the National Democratic Alliance Army- Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS) was killed this morning after being shot by an unidentified gunman reports the Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN).
Details of the shooting were vague. However, according to SHAN, the Network Media Group is reporting that Min Ein also known as Lin Hongshen was shot while taking his morning walk in front of his house at around 6:00 this morning.
Mongla residents have been instructed to remain inside their homes. And outgoing vehicles are not being allowed past checkpoints.
The NDAA and their close allies in Shan State, the Shan State Army North and the United Wa State Army, together with the Kachin Independence Army and New Mon State Party, have been under pressure from Burma’s ruling military junta.
Tensions in the area have been high ever since tens of thousands of refugees fled into China in August after fighting erupted in northern Shan State between the Burma Army and ethnic Kokang resistance groups (see: Ethnic Kokang flee to China).
Last year, the ceasefire groups rejected a proposal put forward by the junta for them to transform into Border Guard Forces under the command of the Burmese military.
The State Peace and Development Council as the junta likes to be known has a history of political assassination towards opposition ethnic groups. Most famously, gunmen killed Karen National Union general-secretary Padoh Mahn Sha at his home in Mae Sot in February 2008 (see: In Memoriam).
Refugees in Thailand under pressure
Posted on January 25, 2010
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Temporary refugee housing source: The Nation
Some 3,000 Karen refugees a few hours from Mae Sot are coming under pressure from Thai authorities to return to Burma.
The refugees are currently housed in temporary camps after they fled from Burma following a joint offensive by the Burmese Army and their allies the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army in June (see: Villagers flee offensive as Thailand prepares for influx of refugees).
The Nation reported over the weekend that a meeting was to be held today between the Thai military, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), the Karen Nation Union (KNU), NGOs and representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The meeting was intended to decide the refugees’ fate, with some parties calling for them to be sent home.
The refugees are living in poor conditions and many say they would like to return home. But, they would be at risk from unexploded landmines as well facing the prospect of forced labour in the DKBA controlled area.
However, the Irrawaddy reports the meeting was postponed, leaving their future still uncertain.
A representative for the Thai Burma Border Consortium explained, “Their future is undecided, whether they will be allowed to stay or not. There is daily pressure on people to return back across the border to Burma.”
Sphere: Related ContentUSDA appealing to Muslim voters in Kachin State
Posted on January 25, 2010
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Kachin State location map
The Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), the civil organisation controlled by Burma’s ruling military junta, is campaigning among Kachin State’s Muslim population, ahead of elections scheduled for later this year.
The Mizzima News Agency reports a USDA delegation has been visiting mosques in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State. The delegation is led by Khin Maung Latt, brother of Burma’s Postal and Telecommunication Minister, Brig. Gen. Thein Zaw, a candidate in the elections in Kachin State.
According to an attendee at one of the mosques, quoted by Mizzima, he told the Muslim community that peace and religious equality has been achieved during military rule so they should vote for Brig. Gen. Thein Zaw representing the USDA and nominated by the junta.
Although the majority of Kachins are Christian, there are seven officially permitted mosques in seven wards of Myitkyina. The USDA delegation visited three of the mosques, representing over 700 devotees in total.
The planned elections are part of the junta’s roadmap to Democracy, which critics say is intended to solidify the military’s grip on power in the country.
The junta has promised to hold the elections this year, but has yet to announce a date. It is also still to announce details of the electoral law under which the elections will be conducted.
However, some political parties and organizations including the USDA have been allowed to start campaign.
The Kachin State Progressive Party is also planning to contest the elections and have already begun campaigning in 18 townships in Kachin State.
Earlier this month, the USDA organized a two-day free eye treatment camp in Kachin State. According to the Kachin News Group, over 1,000 people visited the camp, with many receiving free spectacles.
New Army base forces Karen villagers to flee their homes
Posted on January 24, 2010
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Affected area source: Partners
At least 1,000 Karen villagers have fled their homes in the last week after the Burmese Army set up a camp nearby. The Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) confirms the villagers from Kheh Der village tract, Kyauk Kyi Township, Nyaunglebin District in Karen State fled after soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 367 arrived in the area.
KHRG also reports the soldiers have killed two villagers. One was killed when he attempted to retrieve food from a hiding place near the village. Also killed was Saw E, headman of Tu Ghaw village, who also served as a KHRG researcher in the area.
The junta has been attempting to consolidate control of the area since launching an offensive in early 2006. Thousands of villagers have been forced to relocate to government controlled lowland areas, while thousands more are subject to targeted attacks by the Burmese Army, who shot villagers on sight, while destroying farms, villagers and food stores.
The Irrawaddy quotes the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP) as warning the villagers lack sufficient food, medical care and other basic necessities.
Saw Steve, a CIDKP team leader said, “It is very cold in the jungle right now, and they don’t have enough blankets.”
“To make matters worse, they are afraid to light fires at night because they don’t want to be seen by the Burmese army.”
Flleing villagers source: Partners
Partners Relief and Development are working to send relief supplies to the area. To make a donation, visit their website.
Sphere: Related ContentBurmese media warns against homosexuality
Posted on January 22, 2010
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A popular Burmese publication is warning that homosexuality can cause mental illness and encourage sexual crimes.
The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reports the bi-weekly Eleven Journal carried a front-page article today in which it quotes a former psychology professor, Khin Aye Win. She says children should be taught “not to engage in abnormal sexual activities and…to protect themselves from unwanted troubles and dangers”.
She said, “When they are capable of understanding things clearly, they can use their common sense to analyse the situation, even when persuaded by someone.”
The article warns that with the rise of globalization, parents should teach their children about sexual activities and misconduct. It also suggests a link between homosexuality and crime. It says, “In some cases, a man whose mind turned female tried to seduce other men and then ended up mugging and murdering them.”
DVB quotes an exiled Burmese anti-homophobia campaigner as warning the article was dangerous as the comments come from a psychologist.
Last month the state controlled New Light of Myanmar suggested that HIV/Aids stems from ‘socially unacceptable behaviour’.
In Burma, same-sex relations can carry the death penalty, under the country’s old colonial laws. However, the sentence is seldom carried out.
According to the UNAIDS programme, one in three gay men in Burma are HIV positive.
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