1). Urgent Action Alert: Save a Burmese family from separation From People's Forum for Burma at pfb@mb.neweb.ne.jp Urgent Action Alert: Save a Burmese family from separation, Sign a petition to Japan's Ministry of Justice A Burmese activist and his family in Japan are in danger of being separated indefinitely, due to a deportation order. Khin Maung La, 45,an asylum seeker in Tokyo and a founding member of the Burmese Association in Japan (BAIJ), his partner Maria from the Philippines, their daughter Demi, 9, and her younger sister Michelle, 6 now are facing great danger of deportation, and of being broken up. Japan's Ministry of Justice issued a deportation order citing illegal entry into and overstay in Japan. The Ministry decided, in an outrageously inhumane manner, that the two children and their mother should be deported to the Philippines, while their father should be sent back to Burma. The Lawyers' Group for Burmese Asylum Seekers in Japan, which represents Khin Maung Latt and his family in a lawsuit seeking a withdrawal of the deportation order, has argued that Khin Maung Latt should be recognized as a refugee, that family union should be given high priority, and that the most favorable option for the children was for them to stay in Japan with both parents. The Tokyo District Court, however, dismissed the lawsuit on May 22, 2003. The appeals court ruling is scheduled to be issued on October 29, 2003. On October 31, the family is to report to the Immigration Bureau in Tokyo to renew their provisional release status. It is expected that the Bureau will refuse to renew their status, and take them into custody, and begin the deportation procedure. Because of his political activities, if deported, Khin Maung Latt most likely will be arrested by Burma's authorities upon arrival in Rangoon and directly be sent to jail. It is highly unlikely that Maria and their daughters will be allowed to visit their father. It is even less likely that Burma's military regime will grant them permanent resident status. We have very little time to stop the deportation. Please sign the petition and return to the People's Forum on Burma (Japan), by noon EST on October 30. The petition will be submitted when Khin Maung Latt and his family report to the Immigration Bureau on October 31. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mr. Taizo Nozawa, Minister of Justice I, the undersigned, present the requests below: 1. Please stop the execution of the deportation order of Khin Maung Latt (Burmese), Maria (Philippines), and their children Demi (9) and Michelle (6). 2. Please grant Khin Maung Latt and his family special status to enable them to reside in Japan. 3. Please refrain from making Khin Maung Latt and his family suffer
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City/Country: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return to the People's Forum on Burma (Japan), by noon EST on October 30. You can send by fax, or by email (by copying the petition section onto an email). People's Forum on Burma |
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