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ASSISTANCE REQUESTED TO THE INTERNA



ASSISTANCE REQUESTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WITH REGARD TO THE
BURMESE REFUGEES ON THAI-BURMA BORDER 

BACKGROUND
Due to human rights violation committed over four decades by the successive
military regimes in Burma, Burmese refugees, numbering more than 100,000,
have fled their country and have been taking shelter on Thai soil. They had
been able to live in relative peace until towards the end of 1994.

In 1995, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), lackey of the ruling
military regime in Burma, now calling itself State Peace and Development
Council, started intruding into Thai territory to harass and threaten the
refugees, killing some and burning down their camps with absolute impunity.

CURRENT SITUATION 

A sorrowful development took place at Mae-Ya-Hta, a refugee camp in
Mae-Hong-Song Province, northern part of Thailand where over 10,000 refugees
have been living. On February 12, 1998, the Royal Thai army ordered these
refugees to move to Mae-ra-mu-clo, another refugee camp to the south in the
same township by March 1. The Burma Border Consortium (BBC), a major
supplier to the refugee camps, had also issued a strong warning that in case
the refugees didn't move to the designated area, supply for them  would be
cut.   

Mae-ra-mu-clo camp is insecure as the area on the other side of the Moei
river, which borders Thailand and Burma, is occupied by the DKBA. In 1995,
with the assistance of the SPDC, the DKBA troops crossed into Thailand,
entered the Mae-ra-mu-clo camp and burnt down several houses.

Another sad and tragic incident took place at Mae-la and Maeklaw camps in
Maesod township on February 15, 1998 when a military column of SPDC and DKBA
led by DKBA commander Maung So entered the Thai territory and opened fire on
the refugees with RPJ7 and other small weapons. One refugee died and another
was wounded. The attack took place following the relocation of the refugees
by the Thai local authorities from Shoglo camp to these two camps. Mae-la
and Mea Klaw camps are situated in the area where the DKBA enjoys easy access.

The Mae-Ya-Hta camp where the refugees are currently living, is relatively
secure as there are no DKBA troops on the other side of the Salween river.
That is why, these refugees have been entreating to and pleading with the
Royal Thai government not to forcefully have them moved. The majority of the
refugees continue to live in and around the Mae-Ya-Hta camp. 

Yet, another tragic incident occurred around the area where Mae-Ya-Hta
refugees fear to move to. At about midnight of March 10, 1998, a combined
200-strong force of DKBA and SPDC troops, attacked Huay Kaloke refugee camp
in Maesod township, with light as well as heavy weapons. In the melee that
followed, 1400 homes were burnt to the ground leaving more than 8000
refugees homeless, 3 killed and 40 wounded. 

Again, on March 22, 1998, around dawn, an estimated 50 DKBA troops intruded
into Thailand and attacked Mawkae refugee camp which was situated 5
kilometers inside Thailand. They burnt down 50 homes and a Buddhist
monastery before leaving. Fourteen refugees were wounded, some very
seriously, in the attack.

These are clear and strong evidence that the fear and concern of the
Mae-Ya-Hta refugees are not without grounds; hence, their entreaty to the
Royal Thai Government to allow them to continue living in the Mae-Ya-Hta area.

Unfortunately, due to the blockade of food and medical supply to the camp by
the Thai army and the inability of the Burma Border Consortium to supply the
refugees, Mae-Ya Hta camp dwellers are now facing hunger and illness. 

May we, therefore, earnestly and respectfully request the international
community:
1. to request the Royal Thai government to provide sufficient security to
the Burmese refugees along the Thai-Burma border, 
2. to provide ample humanitarian material assistance to all the refugees
including those living in Mae-Ya-Hta camp,
3. not to move them to areas which are not secure and vulnerable to DKBA and
SPDC attacks,
4. not to forcibly repatriate them to Burma against their will. 
 

Foreign Affairs Committee
National Council of the Union of Burma			Dated March 25,1998