BURMESE MUSLIMS IN EXODUS DUE TO S

[moe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: BURMESE MUSLIMS IN EXODUS DUE TO  SLORC'S RIGHTS ABUSES

The Mekong Region 
                 Desperate Muslims in
                             exodus 

                BURMA by Agence France-Presse in Dhaka 
                The UN warned yesterday of a volatile situation as
                Burmese Muslim refugees trekked into Bangladesh,
                driven by forced labour, high rice prices and alleged
                discrimination.

                Beat Schuter, UN High Commission for Refugees'
                representative in Cox's Bazar, said: "The trickling
                will continue, although we do not foresee any major
                influx."

                He said the Muslims, known as Rohingyas, were
                being propelled back into Bangladesh by economic
                factors and discrimination by the military junta in
                Rangoon.

                Mr Shuter added: "These people face different
                problems, including excessive rice prices, forced
                labour and excessive taxation, besides
                discrimination in their freedom of movement, forcing
                them to return to Bangladesh."

                Up to 400 Rohingyas tried to cross into Bangladesh
                last weekend across the Naaf River. Most were
                turned away by soldiers, while some sheltered in a
                United Nations camp or with relatives.