Description:
"...Over the last two decades, KHRG has documented the abuse of convicts taken by the
thousands from prisons across Burma and forced to serve as porters for frontline units of
Burma?s state army, the Tatmadaw. In the last two years alone, Tatmadaw units have used at
least 1,700 convict porters during two distinct, ongoing combat operations in Karen State and
eastern Bago Division; this report presents full transcripts and analysis of interviews with 59 who
escaped. In interviews with KHRG, every convict porter described being forced to carry
unmanageable loads over hazardous terrain with minimal rest, food and water. Most told of
being used deliberately as human shields during combat; forced to walk before troops in
landmine-contaminated areas; and being refused medical attention when wounded or ill. Many
saw porters executed when they were unable to continue marching or when desperation drove
them to attempt escape. Abuses consistently described by porters violate Burma?s domestic and
international legal obligations. If such abusive practices are to be halted, existing legal
provisions must be enforced by measures that ensure accountability for the individuals that
violate them. This report is intended to augment "Dead Men Walking: Convict Porters on the
Front Lines in Eastern Burma", a joint report released by KHRG and Human Rights Watch in July
2011..."
Source/publisher:
Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG)
Date of Publication:
2011-07-13
Date of entry:
2011-07-15
Grouping:
- Individual Documents
Category:
Language:
English
Local URL:
Format:
pdf
Size:
3.23 MB