News: Arbitrary taxation in Pa?an Township burdens phone operators to near breaking point... Commentary: HURFOM Welcomes the UN Commission of Inquiry on War Crimes in Burma... Report: LIKE BIRDS IN A CAGE: Impacts of continued conflict on civilian populations in Kyainnseikyi and Three Pagodas area: The Background of the local armed conflicts; Abuses of Power; Injuries and conflict induced violence; Portering and Human Shields; Hostage village; Miscommunication and beatings; Theft; Extortion; Travel Restrictions; Conclusion... SUMMARY: "While the sudden conflict that erupted on November 7th between the Burmese State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and splinter Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) forces drew much attention internationally, and concern from Burma?s ASEAN neighbors, the local impacts from the continuation and even expansion, of this conflict have garnered less attention.. For this months report the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) has documented the commission of crimes against humanity and assorted human rights abuses, on local ethnic residents between Kyainnseikyi Township, and Three Pagodas Pass Township, Karen State. In areas of continued fighting, civilians have suffered from direct exposure to violence, as bystanders to indiscriminate mortar, RPG, and small arms fire, use as forced porters, human shields, human land mine triggers, and physical abuse. Armed groups have also abused civilian communities through theft, extortion, and travel restrictions. Direct exposure to these threats undermines key methods of survival for local communities, who, though capable of addressing normal military presence, face greater threat to safety and live hood with enlarged and aggressive military presence. This uncommon level of disruption must be resolved for communities to ensure their safety and livelihood. Three HURFOM field reporters who conducted this field research recorded accounts from over thirty victims who have faced these abuses and hardships inflicted by ongoing armed conflict. In certain cases victims omitted personal information due to their security concerns. Additionally as this data was gathered in a live conflict zone, areas that were cut off ongoing action have not been visited. These accounts gathered by HURFOM field reporters give a clear sample of the abuses perpetrated in these areas and others not yet reached by field reporters, as further research efforts continue over the next months."