Burmese Regime Continues Brutal Campaign Against Ethnic Civilians

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is concerned by reports that despite the welcome release of Burma’s democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and a high-level visit by UN Burma envoy Vijay Nambiar, the regime continues to perpetrate grave violations of human rights against ethnic civilians, including military attacks and forced labour […]

It’s time ASEAN and the UN step up to the task: Investigate abuses, reject election and support Aung San Suu Kyi, urges AIPMC

The release of Aung San Suu Kyi offers new hope for Myanmar. But her release does not solve any of the fundamental problems in the country. The world must continue to work for the freedom of the people of Myanmar.

Another 2,200 political prisoners remain behind bars. Last week’s election reignited ethnic tensions and triggered fresh fighting along the Thai-Myanmar border. Any return to fighting increases the risk of fresh human rights abuses primarily targeting the country’s ethnic nationalities and of new waves of refugees being forced to leave their homes for safety […]

KNU Statement Condemning Election-Related Violence in Burma’s Border Areas

We, the Karen National Union (KNU), strongly condemn recent attacks by Burma’s military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), on Myawaddy Town and several other locations in Burma’s border areas, where at least 3 civilians were killed, and more injured. These latest attacks are part of the SPDC’s systematic violence against Burma’s ethnic peoples.

The conflict in Myawaddy began on 7 November, the day of Burma’s first elections in 20 years, when civilians complained of being threatened and intimidated to vote for the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), rather than the local Karen party which was their preference […]

Thailand and Burma’s Civil Society Organizations Express Concern to the Royal Thai Government about the Safety of Burmese Civilians Seeking Shelter from the Escalation of Conflict in the Border Area

Armed conflict has broken out in several places along the Thai‐Burma border as a result of escalating tensions between the Burma’s military regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), and armed ethnic groups that refuse to surrender their arms or join the SPDC’s Border Guard Force[…]

Thailand Must Promote Human Security in Burma and ASEAN

Today, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva embarked on his first official trip to Burma. He is expected to be briefed on the SPDC’s plans after the elections and discuss the situation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other prisoners and ethnic minority groups, while economic interests also appear to be a main focus of the meetings.

Abhisit’s visit is timely in light of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya’s comment last week regarding a plan to repatriate refugees and intellectuals back to Burma after the elections. The statement raised serious concerns for the safety of those who could be repatriated, many of whom could be met with fines, arbitrary arrests, and even torture for leaving the country. Those who have been involved in political activities could face particularly harsh repercussions […]

Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesperson refutes speculation on repatriation of Myanmar displaced persons

On 6 October 2010, when asked by reporters whether Thailand plans to repatriate Myanmar displaced persons after the elections, Ms. Viman Kidchob, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that there was a misinterpretation of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya’s remarks during his visit to New York, and that there existed no such plan […]

Press Release on Elections in Burma

The Indian government should take a critical stance on the fairness and inclusiveness of the upcoming elections in Burma and their results. This call was made by the more than 20 journalists and civil society activists who participated in a media workshop on the November elections as well as the situation of Burmese refugees living in India, held at the Press Club of India […]

“I want to go home. I want to see my parents.”

Nu Po Refugee Camp is located in an isolated part of Thailand six hours south of Mae Sot. The camp is sometimes called ‘Noh Poe’, which means ‘small lake’ in Karen. Almost 15,000 people live here. Most of the residents of the camp are Karen who have left their own state in Burma due to the long-standing civil war. Many others are monks who fled Burma following the Saffron Revolution of 2007. Another significant segment of the population is comprised of former political prisoners, who come for refuge after they escape across the border to Thailand […]

The First Handbook for Refugees Rights in Burmese Language Published

The Burma Refugee Organization (BRO) based in Malaysia, has just published Protecting Refugees and Their Rights by Alinsek, a Burmese human rights and social activist on 30 June 2010, as first ever handbook for refugees in Burmese language […]

UNHCR (Malaysia) Must Avoid Discrimination

Burma Democratic Concern (BDC) today calls for UNHCR (Malaysia) to respect human rights and to avoid discrimination dealing with Burmese refugees from Burma.

Burma is make up with Burmese (Bamar), Kachin, Kayar, Karean, Chin, Mon, Arakan and Shan. Burmese refugees fled from Burma due to military regime’s extreme repression. People of Burma voted for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as their leader and they don’t agree with junta illegitimate rule in Burma. Military regime sees no difference in oppressing people of Burma and always uses ultimate force to crush all the opposition regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.[…]