South Korea suspends permits for Burmese migrant workers
South Korea has suspended permits for Burmese migrant workers after police discovered migrants were carrying out “illegal activity”.
The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reports the temporary suspension targets Shwe Inwa, an agency that sends Burmese workers abroad.
South Korean officials did not give further details for the suspension.
Since 2007, Seoul has let Burmese work in South [...]
DKBA reverses decision on border guard force
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) has reversed its decision to accept a proposal by Burma’s ruling military junta to transform into a Border Guard Force under the command of the Burmese Army.
The Irrawaddy quotes sources in the Three Pagodas Pass area on the Thai/Burma border as saying Burmese businessman have been told by DKBA [...]
Karen women taking on greater responsibilities and facing greater dangers
In rural areas of Karen State in eastern Burma, women are increasingly being elected as village chiefs in what is seen as shift in the traditionally male dominated society.
According to a new report by the Karen Womens Organization (KWO), men are becoming reluctant to take on the role for fear for their lives. Consequently, many [...]
Burmese Army in Shan State told to prepare for combat
Burmese Army units in Burma’s northern Shan and Kachin States have received orders to prepare for combat.
The Kachin News Group (KNG) reports the order was sent from the capital Naypyitaw to all army divisions and battalions in the two states.
KNG quotes sources close to the military as saying the orders were for all military divisions [...]
Rohingya in Bangladesh facing violent crackdown
Stateless Rohingya living in Bangladesh are being forced to flee their homes to escape a violent crackdown by local authorities and citizens.
Medical relief organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says thousands have taken refuge in a makeshift camp with no infrastructure and insufficient food.
The Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority from Burma have sought refuge in Bangladesh [...]
KNU warns of junta’s sham elections
The Karen National Union is warning the international community cannot be taken in by promises of free and fair elections by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), as Burma ruling military junta chooses to be known.
In a statement released this week, the KNU calls upon the international community to pay attention to what is [...]
DKBA’s patron stalling Border Guard plans
Plans by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) to transform itself into a Border Guard Force under the command of Burma’s ruling military junta have stalled because of opposition from a Buddhist Abbot who is seen as their spiritual leader reports The Irrawaddy.
They quote unnamed DKBA sources as saying Ashin Sujana objects to the plan [...]
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Landmine kills one in supposed safe zone
A man has died after treading on a landmine in an area that Thai authorities last week claimed was safe for Karen refugees to return to.
According to a report by the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), the explosion happened about 500 meters from the Ler Per Har camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He died [...]
Thailand out to gag Karen refugees
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 [...]
Repatriation put on hold for now… sort of
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 [...]
KNU asks Thailand to ensure refugees safety
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, [...]
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