KRC Position on Repatriation

By Karen Refugee Committee • March 25, 2013

Due to the ongoing civil war, ethnic armed struggle, political conflicts and military coup that took power from the civilian government and refused to give democratic rights to the citizens and carried out oppressive policies, the influx of Burma refugee to Thailand started taking place in April 1974.

It has been 39 years since the Burmese refugees fluxing and sheltering into Thailand. The drastic changes in Burma which took place in 2010 signals a ray of hope for many refugees to be able to return to their homeland. For the Karen Refugee Committee, the repatriation can take place only under these conditions. They are-

Nationwide ceasefire should be observed,
There should be sustainable peace and political conflicts should be settled,
Provision of universal human rights must be respected,
Relocated areas should be freed from land mines and security should be given a priority,
The relocated areas should be suitable for one’s to support their livelihood; favourable land should be provided adequately for one family,
Health certificates, education certificates received should be recognised by the government,
We will not tolerate force repatriation; it should be one’s own decision or voluntary return,
Adequate preparation should be given to return,
Right should be given to the Committee concerned regarding repatriation and allowthem to inspect location and collect necessary information,
The repatriation can only take place when the concerned organisations, KRC, INGOs, NGOs, UNHCR, and CBOs agree that there is a genuine peace in Burma

Contact – Thara Rev. Robert Htway – (089-858-9265), Tharamu Blooming Night Zan – (088-545-5746)

Download the statement in Karen and Burmese

Tags: Burmese, Karen, Karen Refugee Committee, Refugee Repatriation

This post is in: Peace and National Reconciliation, Press Release

KRC Position on Repatriation

About Burma Partnership

Spotlight

Campaigns