PRESS RELEASE (15)

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

                       NCUB PRESS RELEASE NO [15]
                       ===========================
                                        
                                                March 11, 1997

SITUATION OF THE REFUGEES WHO FLED FROM THE SLORC OFFENSIVE IN
"KNLA BRIGADE 6 AREA"                                            

No Pho refugee camp in Umpang District, Tak Province was officially
opened on March 7, 1997.  Thai officials from Tak District attended
the opening ceremony and have been monitoring the situation and
ensuring that the basic necessities of the refugees are being met. 
The refugees have been fleeing from the SLORC's massive offensive
against the Karen National Union (KNU) in Karen National Liberation
Army (KNLA) Brigade 6 area.

New refugees are continuing to arrive at the camp every day.  
There are already over 12,000 refugees in the camp including
refugees from other camps in Umpang District which were located
close to the border and in danger of attack.  The refugees from
other camps such as Lay Pho Hta, No Pa Law Wah, and No Pado have
been moved to No Pho during the past week.  Each family has been
allocated 25 feet x 30 feet lots for the construction of their
homes.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been allowed access to
provide humanitarian assistance including basic foods and necessary
medicines. They have also supplied roofing materials and installed
water pipes and taps throughout the camp.  Thai officials have been
establishing security measures as it is expected that the DKBA may
attempt to attack this camp in the next few months.

"We believe that the refugees will enjoy internationally accepted
refugee rights under the care of the Royal Thai Government. Their
understanding and assistance at this difficult time is greatly
appreciated," said a spokesperson from the NCUB.

Many people are still hiding in the jungle on the Burma side of the
border and are expected to arrive in the next few weeks.  According
to recent arrivals in the camp, many other villagers in Karen State
are also planning to flee to the border, because the SLORC troops
who have arrived in their villages have taken their rice,
valuables, and livestock, and forced them to construct bunkers and
work as porters. There have also been reports of gang rapes,
disappearances, and killings committed by the SLORC.

Information Committee
National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB)