Wednesday, December 29, 2010

BGF Issue Remains Major Challenge in 2011

- - - those concerned nationally and internationally with peace and democracy in Burma should actively engage with the ethnic armed groups and involve them in discussions about political change.
- - - the world has focused on the struggle of the democratic opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who has become an international icon, but almost completely ignored ethnic minority issues and the relevance of the cease-fire agreements.

Read more

Monday, December 27, 2010

Burma ethnic groups seek talks with junta - World Net Daily

Leaders of the ethnic Karen in eastern Burma, who have been fighting for autonomy from the country's military dictatorship since 1949, say the recent election results and government policies put the regime on a collision course with failure.


The statement was issued after the KNU's 14th annual congress.

The KNU said that while it's thankful for the release from house arrest of pro-democracy advocate and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the fraudulent November elections show that the military regime – which calls itself the State Peace and Development Council, the SPDC – has no intention of moving towards a democratic Burma.

Read more (Note three embedded audio links)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

After Burma Poll, Conflict Looms - The Diplomat

While the election may provide the basis for the creation of regional parliaments that could allow some degree of ethnic representation, observers say that most of the ethnically-affiliated parties have close links to the regime and will do little to advance minority interests.

MAE LA CAMP, THAILAND—Aside from the checkpoints, it could be any village in Thailand. The bamboo houses, bisected by dirt lanes and picturesque streams, are well-tended and strung with brightly-coloured laundry; in dirt-floored cafes, men in Burmese longyi (sarongs) chat over shots of sugary tea and chew betel nut, while nearby stalls stock the latest Thai cosmetics and DVDs. Children, their cheeks daubed with swirls of traditional thanaka face paint, chant lessons in Burmese and English in well-equipped bamboo classrooms. Read more

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Burma's Nuclear Adventure—The Real Threat - Irrawaddy

 For several years reports have been emerging from Burma about its nuclear ambitions, supported by claims of varying provenance about equipment purchases and overt attempts to buy nuclear technology from Russia.

Now a brave military officer, who defected from the secretive state, has provided photographs of specialized machine shops building chemical equipment that is almost certainly designed for processing uranium chemical compounds to enrich uranium.

The only reason for Burma to be taking this secretive path is to embark on a weapons program. There is no other logical fit for the pieces.

The good news is that the technology is far too complex for Burma to master easily. The photos and information provided by the defector show a dysfunctional program. It has made terrible technology choices and the quality of the workmanship we can observe is primitive.

Read more

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

FBR REPORT: DKBA Continue to Forcibly Recruit Villagers while the Karen Peace Force Joins the Burma Army Border Guard Force

DKBA - The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army broke away from the Karen National Union in 1995 and have been fighting alongside the Burma Army ever since.


BGF - The SPDC has issued an ultimatum to various cease-fire and proxy groups stating that they have to join a "Border Guard Force." This involves the groups giving up operational control to Burma Army officers under threat of dissolution.

Karen Peace Force - The Karen Peace Force was created 1997 after a battalion split off from the Karen National Liberation Army (the military arm of the Karen National Union).
Read more

FBR Training Report: Graduation of New Ranger Teams in Southern Karen State

Dear Friends,


Thank you so much for your love and support. We have just finished training seven Karen relief teams in Southern Karen State, including three completely new teams. These teams successfully completed Leadership and Relief Team Training in Karen State. They are now on their way to relief missions to help people displaced by the attacks of the Burma Army. The teams received training in different subject areas, which will improve their ability to help their people and to put a light on the situation in Burma. (See the list of Subject Areas below.)
Read more

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Than Shwe’s ‘Final Solution’ for ethnic Burma | Democratic Voice of Burma

By ZOYA PHAN

Published: 24 September 2010

The international community has never paid proper attention to what happens in ethnic areas of Burma. The Burmese army’s attacks against civilians – even the shooting and killing women and babies, and the mortar bombing of schoolchildren in Karen state – are ignored by media and diplomats. The focus is almost exclusively on what happens in Rangoon, and what happens with Aung San Suu Kyi.

Read more

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Twilight of the DKBA? - Irrawaddy

Since it signed an agreement with the Burmese military regime and held ceremonies marking its decision to join the border guard force (BGF), the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) has been written off by many Burma observers for wilting under the pressure of the military junta.


Many say the ethnic cease-fire group is at its endgame and that its troops can only look forward to a grim future under the command of the Burmese army.

Read more

Friday, September 17, 2010

Karen People Worldwide Call for Peace on International Peace Day - by Zoya Phan

Friday, 17 September 2010 at 09:26.  Media release from Karen community worldwide

For immediate release 17th September 2010

Karen People Worldwide Call for Peace on International Peace Day

Karen people around the world have come together in support of recent statement made by the Karen National Union, to call for peace in Burma on the World Peace Day on 21st of September.

For so many decades, the Karen people have been targeted for planned, widespread and systematic attacks by the ruling regimes which have forced hundreds of thousands of Karen civilians into hiding, refugee camps

Saturday, August 28, 2010

BURMA'S NUCLEAR BATTALION - Dictator Watch

BURMA’S NUCLEAR BATTALION

By Roland Watson
August 28, 2010

Please forward.

In June, we published lists of 660 Burma military officers who in 2009 began masters or doctoral programs in Russia at fourteen different technical universities. We now understand that the lists were prepared for
submission to and approval by Russia’s Foreign Minister. They were in English to facilitate this communication.

http://www.dictatorwatch.org/prstudentlists.html

Of the 2009 class - Batch 9, 111 were directly assigned to the SPDC's nuclear project. We have

Saturday, August 21, 2010

An Ardent Appeal to the Peoples of the Western World - Kanbawza Win

I am an insignificant Burmese expatriate, even as my native country, Union of Burma is irrelevant to the international community. I am just one of the 55 million plus people suffering silently, at the hands of the Burmese military thugs. And now, may I take your precious time just to tell you my version of the story couple with my vision.

The one unmistakable message, which I like to convey to you is that (Click the link below to watch the video and read more)
 
http://www.burmaliberationfront.org/declarations/appeal050510.htm

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Southwestern Papun District: Transitions to DKBA control along the Bilin River - KHRG

August 18, 2010

Since late 2009, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) has strengthened its presence in southwestern Dweh Loh Township, Papun District, increasing troop levels and camps, commencing gold mining operations on the Bilin River, and enforcing movement restrictions on the civilian population. Residents of the village tracts near the Bilin River and along the Bilin to Papun road, which follows the eastern bank of the Bilin River north through the centre of Dweh Loh Township (see map), have told KHRG field researchers that they have faced heavy demands for forced labour to support the increased DKBA presence, detracting from the time they can spend on livelihoods activities. Communities with a DKBA camp nearby have had livelihoods further curtailed, as DKBA soldiers have enforced strict curfews and other movement restrictions that have prevented villagers from spending sufficient time in their fields.
Read more

Mr. Beard Breaks Away

Mr. Beard Breaks Away

USA Backs UN Burma Crimes Inquiry – Now EU Must Support - Campaign for Burma UK

USA Backs UN Burma Crimes Inquiry – Now EU Must Support


18 Aug 2010

Burma Campaign UK today welcomed US backing for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma, and called on European Union members to also express support.

On 17th August the USA became the fifth county to publicly support a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. The other countries are Australia, UK, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Fair Elections in Burma?

Aug 16, 2010


by: Admin— Partners USA @ 10:23 am

Fair Elections in Burma?

Many people have asked me what my opinion is on the upcoming elections in Burma. Naturally they think that this is a step towards progress and democracy. I don’t believe the election will change things for the people of Burma. But rather than describing my reasoning, I am going to paste a speech that was delivered to

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Karen in UK Commemorate 60th Anniversary of Karen Martyrs’ Day - Sheffield UK

Media Release From Karen Community Association UK


14 August 2010

Today, The Karen Community Association UK commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Karen Martyrs’ Day at 12 noon in Sheffield, United Kingdom.

On August 12, 1950, Karen national leader Saw Ba U Gyi, who was the founder and president of the Karen National Union, was killed in an ambush along with eight of his colleagues in Kawkareik, Karen State (Burma), while waging a defensive struggle for freedom, national equality, democracy

Thursday, August 12, 2010

BURMA FREEDOM SITUATION REPORT - Didtator Watch

By Roland Watson

August 12, 2010

Introduction

Burma has a substantial population, believed to number above fifty million people. For context, Israel and Palestine have eleven million. Afghanistan, which is about the same size as Burma, has twenty-nine million. Iraq, with a third less territory, has thirty-one million.

Inside Burma, everyone - except the small cabal of generals and their cronies who rule the country - is suffering. The Burmese people are suffocated by fear. Anyone is subject to arrest and torture, and at any time. Moreover, there is general but severe deprivation in food, education and health care. Large regions are also war zones, with the Burma Army perpetrating scorched earth attacks against ethnic minority

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Address of KNU President Saw Tamlabaw on 60th Anniversary of Martyrs Day - KNU

11 Aug 2010

Dear KNU Leaders, Comrades and all the People,

Today is the 60th anniversary of Martyrs Day and it is an august day for all the Karen people. On this special occasion, I wish you all to have good health and vigor and to be free from all dangers.

Today is a day for remembering and honoring Saw Ba U Gyi, Gen. Sanky, all the officers and

Dissent and Desertions among Burmese Armed Forces

Dissatisfactions among the Burmese armed forces are growing daily as only the top ranking officials from the military and police forces are enjoying all the luxuries while ordinary soldiers are suffering because of insufficient pay and compensation.

Information received from

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Karen Armies Unite to Face Threat of War

Karen Armies Unite to Face Threat of War

Blast, Assasination Attempt Raise Border Tensions - IRRAWADDY

Saturday, August 7, 2010


     Burmese reinforcement troops set up artillery in Myawaddy

Two people were killed and four others seriously injured when a bomb exploded in Myawaddy, Karen State, on Friday night. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast in the restive border town, where tensions between government troops and ethnic insurgent groups have been rising in recent weeks.

According to sources on the Thai-Burmese border, the bomb exploded in

Thursday, August 5, 2010

For Karen People, but not Karen State - IRRWADDY

Thursday, August 5, 2010

The Kayin Peoples Party (KPP), which was formed by ethnic Karen living in Rangoon and Irrawaddy divisions, is one of the political parties seeking to contest in the upcoming election in Burma. A striking aspect of the KPP is that its leaders are retired military and civilian officials. The party's chairman, Saw Htun Aung Myint, once served as a colonel in the Burmese Navy, and its secretary general,

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

UWSA to Ban Election Campaigns in its Area - By Lawi Weng - Irrawaddy

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The United Wa State Army (UWSA), Burma's largest ethnic armed cease-fire group in northern Shan State, will ban political party campaigns in areas under its control, say UWSA leaders.

Burmese Troops Hunt DKBA Renegade - DVB

By FRANCIS WADE

Published: 3 August 2010

An order has been sent by senior Burmese army officials to troops in Karen state to capture the commander of a government-allied militia faction, as tensions appear to be escalating.

Officials have also introduced tight regulations on civilians in towns bordering territory belonging to the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army’s (DKBA) Brigade 5, whose commander, Saw La Bwe (also known as Na Kham Mwe), continues to refuse to transform into a Border Guard Force.

Fears that escalating tensions will erupt into fighting have already caused an exodus of refugees in Burma’s eastern Karen state into Thailand

An intelligence directive, received at the weekend by DVB, was sent by the Southeastern

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Letter to Secretary of State Clinton - Support a UN-led Commission of Inquiry on Burma

Commission of Inquiry on Burma, July 30, 2010

The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Madame Secretary:

We write to urge you to support the establishment of a United Nations Commission of
Inquiry to investigate whether crimes against humanity and war crimes took place in
Burma. While your administration continues along a path of sanctions and pragmatic
engagement with Burma, we believe that such a commission will help convince Burma’s
military regime that we are serious about our commitment to democracy, human rights, and
the rule of law for the people of Burma.

U.S. Senators Demand U.S. Support for UN Commission of Inquiry in Burma - USCB

U.S. CAMPAIGN FOR BURMA PRESS RELEASE


July 30, 2010, Washington, DC

Media Contact: Jennifer Quigley at (202) 234 8022


U.S. Senators Demand U.S. Support for UN Commission of Inquiry in Burma

War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity in Burma Should Be Stopped and Generals Held Accountable

(July 30, 2010, Washington, DC)
Two days after President Obama signed into law, the one-year extension of U.S. sanctions against the military regime in Burma, that was unanimously approved by both House and Senate, a bipartisan group of 32 Senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today, calling for the United States government “to support the establishment of a United Nations Commission of Inquiry to investigate whether crimes against humanity and war crimes took place” in the Southeast Asian country of Burma.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

DKBA Battalions Defect to KNLA - By LEWI WENG - Wednesday July 28, 2010 (Irrawaddy)

Five battalions from the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) will join the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) to fight Burmese junta's troops after the DKBA troops refused to join the Border Guard Force (BGF), according to Karen sources.


The Five DKBA's battalions include about 500 troops

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Pre-Election Military Operations by SPDC - KNU News Release

Pre-Election Military Operations by SPDC


27 Jul 2010



The SPDC military junta has started pre-election military operations, targeting the innocent Karen civilians in the Karen State and other KNU areas.

1. On July 23 at 10:00 am, the SPDC troops heavily shelled with mortars Tha-dah-Der village in Papun (Mudraw) District for more than 4 hours and at about 2:30 pm, the SPDC troops entered the village and burnt down 57 houses, one Christian church, one middle school building and other farm huts. The villagers had to flee for their lives and go into hiding, leaving most of their possessions. There are 540 persons in hiding, including 178

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Intelligence from Burma Police Defector

DICTATOR WATCH
(www.dictatorwatch.org)

Contact: Roland Watson, roland@dictatorwatch.org

INTELLIGENCE FROM BURMA POLICE DEFECTOR

March 26, 2010

Please forward.


Dictator Watch has been given the results of the debriefing of a new defector out of Burma, Inspector Soe Min of the Pa-an Police Force, Karen State. He was responsible for forty subordinate officers.

Soe Min fled because one of his subordinates lost a patrol car, for which loss he was held responsible. He is presently in hiding in a large Thai city.

He was actively involved in rigging the results of the 2008 Constitutional Referendum (to see that the referendum passed), and which steps he confirms will also be used in the upcoming 2010 election.

Soe Min was ordered by his superior officer, Maung Maung, to block all “No” votes on the referendum. He was told to discard such ballots, and to replace them with false “Yes” votes.

He ordered his subordinate officers to visit all the townships under his command and tell the local USDA, Fire Brigade and other pro-SPDC factions to collect “Yes” votes from the population. These organizations threatened the people such that many individuals did in fact vote “Yes.” Still, the “No” vote was over 50% of the total. These votes were destroyed. The police pocketed the ballots at the polling stations, and then tore them up later. They were substituted with fake “Yes” ballots. Over half of the entire count for Pa-an was completely fraudulent.

Before his defection, Soe Min learned that the same actions will be conducted in the upcoming election. In addition, convicts are being recruited to vote for the SPDC in return for release or other forms of leniency.

Soe Min’s information, which for the referendum has been duplicated many times by sources from other parts of Burma, has an important implication: The 2010 election will unquestionably be rigged. This in turn begs the question of why anyone would want to participate in it, either as a candidate or voter. Any candidate who is truly for democracy is certain to be defeated. The only candidates who will win seats will be people who want to join the SPDC and share in its corruption. For the voters, individuals who intend to choose pro-democracy candidates are naïve to believe that their votes will actually count. Instead, they will be changed and given to pro-junta candidates. Other than the relatives of the SPDC and its cronies, the only other people who will vote will be individuals who have been forced to do so.

Under no circumstances whatsoever will the election legitimately reflect the will of the people of Burma. It does not matter whether the NLD chooses to register or not – although once hopes the organization will follow Daw Suu’s principled and courageous lead. No matter what happens, the entire exercise is doomed to be a fraud.


March 29 postcript: Bravo NLD! Now that the pro-democracy movement is unanimous about not participating in the election, we need to attack it in every possible way. In the coming months, there are surely many different things that can be done to foil Than Shwe's plan.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Human Rights Council Burma Debate - Must Approve Commission of Inquiry - European Karen Network

Media Release from European Karen Network

European Karen Network (EKN) calls on members of the Human Rights Council to support a recommendation by Mr. Tomás Ojea Quintana, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma, that the UN consider setting up an inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed by the Burmese dictatorship.

On Monday the Human Rights Council will meet to discuss the findings and recommendations of Mr Quinatana’s report.

“For six decades Karen people have been one of the ethnic groups who have been directly targeted by the Burmese Army, committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against us,” said Nant Bwa Bwa Phan, board member of European Karen Network. “The Human Rights Council must now follow the recommendations of their own Special Rapporteur and establish a Commission of Inquiry.”

On 9th March Karen communities in ten countries worldwide held a day of action calling on governments to establish a Commission of inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed by the dictatorship.

The regime has recently stepped up attacks against Karen civilians. They are trying to crush all opposition to their rule ahead of fake elections later this year. Villagers have been shot on site, more than 80 homes burned down, and a child killed when the Burmese Army fired a mortar bomb at a school.

“For many years Burma’s generals have broken international law, and been allowed to get away with it without the UN even properly investigating what is going on” said Nant Bwa Bwa Phan. “On Monday members of the Human Rights Council have a responsibility to act, and finally set up a commission of inquiry.”

Sunday, March 14, 2010

KNU Press Release on Recommendation of UN Rapporteur

KNU Press Release on Recommendation of UN Special Rapporteur
14 Mar 2010

The Karen National Union (KNU) warmly welcomes and earnestly supports the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, Tomás Ojea Quintana’s recommendation to the UN for establishing a Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity by the Burmese SPDC military government.

We the KNU are fully in agreement with his recommendation, which is firmly based on his findings and the findings of his predecessors. It states the gross and systematic nature of human rights violations and the lack of taking action against the perpetrators, indicating that it is a state policy that involves authorities at all levels, in the executive, military and judiciary.

The KNU and ethnic political organizations including many democratic forces have ong called for such a UN commission, in order to deter the SPDC military government from committing war crimes and crimes against humanity which are unacceptable in the civilized world.

We, the KNU urge the UN member countries, which have been reluctant to support such a recommendation, in consideration of their economic and corporate interest in Burma and in line with their development ideology, to desist from their stand, immoral in the case of Burma, and support Tomás Ojea Quintana’s move.

It is now clearer than ever that the SPDC military regime is forging ahead to perpetuate the rule of military dictatorship through a sham constitution and election to gain a semblance of legitimacy and commit more war crimes and crimes against humanity, contrary to urgings by the international community.

The KNU is a democratic organization committed to human rights and democracy in Burma. We are working towards a Federal Burma where all people live in peace and harmony, under a democratic system of government.

Supreme Headquarters
Karen National Union

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Karen Communities Worldwide Call for Action to Stop Attacks on Civilians

Statement from Karen Communities Worldwide

For Immediate Release March 9th 2010

Karen Communities Worldwide Call for Action to Stop Attacks on Civilians

Karen communities in 10 countries are joining forces for a global day of action on Tuesday 9th March, calling on the international community to take action to stop new attacks by the Burmese Army against Karen civilians. Since mid January more than 2,000 civilians have been forced to flee new attacks.

• Villagers have been shot on sight
• A school has been mortar bombed
• One villager has been beheaded
• More than 80 homes have been destroyed
• Schools and health clinics have been burned down
• Food stocks being stolen and destroyed
• The regime is stopping aid reaching people who are hiding in the jungle

Karen communities call for immediate practical action to stop the attacks.

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must demand an immediate end to the attacks, which break international law
• Governments, including the European Commission, must provide funding for cross-border aid, which is the only way to get food, medicine and shelter to those on the run from the new attacks
• The United Nations (UN) should set up a Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the dictatorship.

Karen people have been under attack for more than 60 years. The new wave of attacks is linked to the Burmese dictatorship’ s fake elections due later this year. The dictatorship is trying to crush all resistance forces to their rule. They are following the doctrine of the Burmese Army: ‘One Blood, One Voice, One Command’. The new constitution drafted by the dictatorship guarantees no rights or protection to ethnic nationalities. In fact, it is a death sentence to ethnic diversity in Burma. The international community must stop ignoring what is happening to ethnic peoples in Burma.

We, the Karen Communities Worldwide, desire genuine democracy, peace and national reconciliation, but not military threats and attacks by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) army to destroy our homeland and our dreams for a peaceful federal Burma.

Karen Communities in the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Korea are coordinating the day of action, which is supported by people from Burma and human rights groups.

Contact:

UK – Pa Saw Htee – Karen Community Association +447828168180
Australia - Saw Lwin Oo, Australia Karen Organisation +61 4123 44009
Canada – Mahn Kyaw Shwe, Karen Canadian Community +;1519-434-0139
Germany – Mahn Aung Lwin, Karen National Community Germany +491752433418
Norway – Nan Kyi Aye, Karen community in Norway +4741847953
USA – Stephen Dun, Karen American Communities Foundation +12062958553
Korea – Saw Kenneth Moe, Karen Youth Organisation +821087147019

My Speech as KNU Representative in the UK on Global Day of Action in London - By Bwa Bwa Phan

March 9th 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and supporters, thank you for coming to today’s global day of action. We are not here to criticise the British Government, we are here to ask for their support to our cause. As you all know, Karen civilians are being attacked in eastern Burma by the Burmese Military Junta. This fact is well documented by independent human rights groups. The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has issued an `expression of concern’ regarding the new attacks on the Karen people. The Karen National Union (KNU) does not believe that this alone is an adequate response.
We need the attacks to stop.

Over the years there have been many `expressions of concerns’ by the General Secretary and Presidential Security council statements. However, none of them have halted the attacks or persuaded the military Junta to enter into genuine dialogue, with the democratic forces in Burma. The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma has described the attacks on ethnic peoples in eastern Burma as being a breach of the Geneva Convention, but still the attacks go on.

The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) is the only protection Karen civilians have from the Junta’s attacks. Without the KNLA, no humanitarian aid would be able to reach Internally Displaced People, who are in hiding. Since the regime is blocking aid reaching people who are hiding in the jungle, cross-aid is the only way to provide food, medicine and shelter to those on the run from the new attacks. Unlike the dictatorship, the KNU agree to meet all requirements regarding aid delivery. The KNU would like to make it very clear to the world, we have repeatedly tried to enter into dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the problems in Burma and are ready for any future talks. But the Military Junta demands what amounts to a total and unconditional surrender.

Who will then protect the Karen civilians, the UN?

The UN Special Rapporteur often has to wait for weeks to get a visa just to enter Burma, at times they have not been allowed to talk to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi or the 2100 political prisoners that are held unjustly and in appalling conditions. What hope is there of UN protection for vulnerable Karen civilians in the jungle. The reality is none.

If the attacks by the Junta are to stop we need real pressure by the UN. We need genuine dialogue with all stake holders, for national reconciliation and peace. We have made these facts plain in many letters to the UN and governments but they have gone unheard.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is why we are here today. If our letters go unheard, then our voices should not.

The attacks on Karen civilians in eastern Burma must stop.

Thank you

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Attacks on displaced villagers in Nyaunglebin District - KHRG

At least 1,000 villagers have fled from ten villages during the last five days following the establishment of a new SPDC Army camp in central Nyaunglebin District. Two villagers in the area of the camp are confirmed to have been killed by soldiers from this camp. Three other villagers are missing after another SPDC battalion attacked a party of villagers that had escaped from an SPDC relocation site to tend to their farms. Read more

FBR REPORT: UPDATE OF BURMA ARMY ATTACKS, MURDERS, DISPLACEMENT AND FORCED LABOR IN KAREN STATE, BURMA

Dear friends,
This is an update with photos of Burma Army attacks, murders, displacement and forced labor against villagers and IDPs in Karen State, Burma. There are no large scale offensives at this time but over 2,000 people have been displaced in attacks this week while villagers were shot to death by Burma Army patrols. Yesterday while doing a reconnaissance of a Burma Army camp, we saw Burma Army troops with villagers they were forcing to carry loads for them. In every area here that the Burma Army controls, they force villagers to carry loads and work for them. Read more