DISPLACED FLOCK TO THE BORDER
(Based on IMNA report, September 3, 2003)

Internally displaced persons recently fled human rights violation in southern Burma to a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border.

According to the Halockhanee refugee committee, over 50 Mon families have fled to the border to escape systematic persecution by the Burmese Army from conflict areas during the raining season.

A relief worker from the Mon camp says that new arrivals mostly come from southern Ye and some from Yebyu Township while others have been arriving from Kyaikmayaw and Mudon Townships of central Mon State. “Most villagers from southern Ye and Yebyu fled fighting between the BA and rebel forces where grave human rights violations occur; but those from central Mon State fled due to economic hardship and unemployment”, said the relief worker.

Some families leave the refugee camp to seek employment in Thailand as migrant laborers. About 25% of new arrivals flee serious persecution, such as forced labour, portering and torture related to presumed support to rebel insurgents and will remain in the Halockhanee resettlement area.

The Mon resettlement area is located on the Thai-Burma border inside Burma, opposite of Karnchanabui Province in Thailand. Being in the black area (remote area controlled by rebel groups) defined by the BA, the Mon and Tavoyan farmers are accused of being rebel supporters. A family from southern Ye said they escaped arrest after the Burmese troops searched for them following fighting between the BA and the Mon armed group. All villagers flee at the last minute not wanting to leave home, but have no choice or they may be killed or die of starvation.

The BA and Mon offensive continue to wreak havoc on communities in Ye and Yebyu townships. According to sources, the civilians in Yebyu and Tavoy Township, Tenasserim Division, are forced to attend military training for counter insurgency militia groups.

Estimates vary, but there are one million to 600,000 internally displaced people in Burma. Thousands live in a desperate situation, unable to feed themselves and are systematically targeted by the BA and insurgent forces. Information on IDP in Burma is downloadable from http://www.idpproject.org.