Border Crisis

[tlandon@xxxxxxx]

Our local paper finally ran a story on the border fighting, "Refugees 
trapped by fighting in Burma" by the AP.  Two photos and a map 
accompanied the story.  There was no mention of the recent fires, just 
the current fighting, the fall of Teakaplaw, and the refugee crisis.

I am really feeling like the issue is not getting enough attention 
worldwide.  I wonder, if we took on the refugee issue as a group (FBC) 
and really put our energy into letters to DC, Thailand, UN, etc...  if we 
could impact the world community as we have with the corporate groups 
like Pepsico.  Was this discussed at the DC conference last month?

What are peoples thoughts on the best way to ensure the safety of the 
refugees?  Despite the public relations cover by the Thai's, I personally 
believe they need more protection, such as from the UNHCR.  With more and 
more of Kawtholay being lost to the SLORC, where will these folks return 
to?  Who is going to monitor their safety? 

Because of these concerns I have about the safety of the refugees, I have 
been sending letters to Sec. of State Albright, Clinton, and my 
representatives that address the urgency of UN action, or the guarantee 
of Thai protection.  The more letters, the better, and I would challenge 
all spiders out there to put some energy into a letter campaign for the 
refugees behalf.  I wrote the following letter and had 30 classmates send it 
to Albright and Clinton.  What if we multiplied this action by 100? By 
1000?  I am very open to some dialogue on this issue.


Thanks 
Tim Landon
NW Coalition for a Free Burma
PO Box 909
Spokane, WA 99210

--------------------------------------------

Madeleine Albright
Secretary of State
2201 C St NW
Washington, DC 20520

Bill Clinton
The White HOuse
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC 20500


I would like to bring your attention to the tragic situation along the 
Thailand/ Burma border.  On January 28th, three Karen refugee camps were 
reduced to ashes, leaving 10,000 refugees with neither shelter or 
possessions.  Fighting continues along the border and an estimated 
20,000 refugees have crossed into Thailand in the last few weeks.  These 
individuals joint nearly 90,000 Karen and other ethnic refugees who have 
lived in the camps along the Thai border for years.

I urge you to pursue assurances from the Royal Thai Government and the 
United Nations that the health and safety of these individuals will be 
guaranteed.  In addition, a strong statement of condemnation should be 
communicated to the ruling military in Burma who continue to disregard 
the basic human rights of their populace.  Please act promtly, as the 
refugees are in great danger of continued attacks by the Burmese troops.

Sincerely,
Name
Address