Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles
Individual Documents
Description:
"...[R]eport on the Women?s Commission Reproductive Health Project site visit in February 2000 to the Mae Tao Clinic in Mae Sot, Thailand [Dr Cynthia?s clinic].
One key finding in this report is that reproductive health data collection has steadily improved at the Mae Tao Clinic. This is a
good sign of progress as data collection is essential to establish a baseline of information about the community that a provider is
assisting. The data allows the Clinic staff to objectively identify and prioritize community health problems and thereby design
their health services to address these problems.
In addition, the Clinic family planning program contraceptive user-rate has increased annually due to family planning education
conducted by the staff. The significant unmet need for family planning services, however, is evident in the numbers of women
and girls presenting to the Clinic with complications of unsafe abortion. An alarming 23% of the 277 women presenting to the
Clinic with abortion complications in 1999 were under 20 years old and almost the same percentage had already had one
abortion."
Source/publisher:
Women?s Commission for Refugee Women and Children
Date of publication:
2000-02-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles, Articles, reports and sites relating to women of Burma, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Health of Burmese refugees and migrants, Refugee Health Care
Language:
English
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Description:
" The closure of the Maneeloy holding center for Burmese dissidents has chilled hopes of a rapid
resettlement for those left behind..."
Neil Lawrence
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy" Vol. 10, No. 1
Date of publication:
2002-01-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
Important, authoritative and timely report.
I. THAI GOVERNMENT CLASSIFICATION FOR PEOPLE FROM BURMA:
Temporarily Displaced; Students and Political Dissidents ; Migrants .
II. BRIEF PROFILE OF THE MIGRANTS FROM BURMA .
III REASONS FOR LEAVING BURMA :
Forced Relocations and Land Confiscation ;
Forced Labor and Portering;
War and Political Oppression;
Taxation and Loss of Livelihood;
Economic Conditions .
IV. FEAR OF RETURN.
V. RECEPTION CENTERS.
VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS....
"Recent estimates indicate that up to two million people from Burma currently reside in Thailand, reflecting one of the largest migration flows in Southeast Asia. Many factors contribute to this mass exodus, but the vast majority of people leaving Burma are clearly fleeing persecution, fear and human rights abuses. While the initial reasons for leaving may be expressed in economic terms, underlying causes surface that explain the realities of their lives in Burma and their vulnerabilities upon return. Accounts given in Thailand, whether it be in the border camps, towns, cities, factories or farms, describe instances of forced relocation and confiscation of land; forced labor and portering; taxation and loss of livelihood; war and political oppression in Burma. Many of those who have fled had lived as internally displaced persons in Burma before crossing the border into Thailand. For most, it is the inability to survive or find safety in their home country that causes them to leave.
Once in Thailand, both the Royal Thai Government (RTG) and the international community have taken to classifying the people from Burma under specific categories that are at best misleading, and in the worst instances, dangerous. These categories distort the grave circumstances surrounding this migration by failing to take into account the realities that have brought people across the border. They also dictate people?s legal status within the country, the level of support and assistance that might be available to them and the degree of protection afforded them under international mechanisms. Consequently, most live in fear of deportation back into the hands of their persecutors or to the abusive environments from which they fled..." Additional keywords: IDPs, Internal displacement, displaced, refoulement.
Therese M. Caouette, Mary E. Pack
Source/publisher:
Refugees International and Open Society Institute
Date of publication:
2002-12-19
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles, Refoulement, push-backs and rejection at borders, Migrants' rights: reports of violations, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Migration from Burma: mixed and general articles and reports, Policies towards Burmese migrants and refugees, Migrant workers from Burma : general and mixed articles and reports
Language:
English
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Description:
A Karen man from Huay Kalok, refugee camp whose house was the first set ablaze by rebel troops from Burma recalled, "When I looked out there [to the rice field], I saw some people coming toward my house. I suddenly realize they were enemies so I screamed and ran. Then they started shooting." Around 1 am on March 11 the Rangoon-backed Karen guerrillas known as the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army DKBA began pounding the camp with mortar shells before they moved in. Approximately 200 troops attacked the refugees, armed with M-79 machine guns.
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 6. No. 2
Date of publication:
1998-04-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
Nearing the end of her decade-long tenure as the UN?s High Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata recently made what may have been her last stand on behalf of refugees fleeing from conflict in Burma. Saying that she was "shocked" by conditions at the Tham Hin camp on the Thai-Burma border, Ogata irked Bangkok but won a measure of respect from those who have long decried the treatment ofrefugees sheltering on Thai soil.
Editorial
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol. 8. No. 10
Date of publication:
2000-10-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
"...The problem of Burmese refugees in Thailand will persist while the underlying
factors conducing displacement continue in the sending state. So long as fear and
insecurity exists in Burma, Thailand is bound to receive forced migrants across its
western border. Meanwhile, it is necessary to approach an understanding of
appropriate forms of protection responsive to the specific realities of displacement.
Thailand also should be persuaded to continue its adherence to the broad principles of
refugee protection. And the difficult question of ?under what conditions should the
refugees return in the future?? remains open to discussion and hinges on developments
conducing a durable solution within Burma..."
Hazel Lang (Australian National University)
Source/publisher:
UNHCR ("New Issues in Refugee Research" Working Paper No. 46)
Date of publication:
2001-07-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
"The violent flood hit Mae Khong Kha Refugee Camp in September 2002 which left 26 victims and caused great damage. Soon after the news came, Burmese Relief Center - Japan (BRC-J) began to raise fund for rehabilitation of camp facilities and emergency aid through Japanese media and via Internet. In this report the organization thanked the individuals and groups that donated money and clothing, and cited letters from local Karen Women's Organization that explained that their money arrived there and that it was used to help the affected people."
Note:
Burmese Relief Center - Japan (BRC-J) is a non-governmental organization based in Osaka, Japan. The organization has been working for refugees and affected people along the Thai-Burma border area since 1988. Contact address is at [email protected]
Source/publisher:
Burmese Relief Center - Japan (BRC-J)
Date of publication:
2002-11-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
Japanese
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Description:
Detailed report with photos on the damage caused by the flood at Mae Khong Kha refugee camp on 2 September, 2002, as well as the distribution of emergency aid goods by SVA. SVA works for the library project in Karen refugee camps along the border. One of their libraries at Mae Khong Kha was also destroyed.
Note:
Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA): A non-governmental organization (NGO) with the purpose of international cooperation, supporting the educational and cultural activities in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. With the authorization as an incorporated organization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, name was changed from Sotoshu Volunteer Association to the current name.
Sotoshu, or Soto Zen School is the largest Buddhist Zen school in Japan.
Mae Sot office of Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)
Source/publisher:
Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)
Date of publication:
2002-09-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
Japanese
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Description:
Transcript of part of a recorded conversation, southern Burma, mid-94. Insight into attitudes regarding villagers, NGOs, forced labour etc.
Source/publisher:
Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) Regional & Thematic Reports
Date of publication:
1994-09-25
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Non-ILO Reports on forced labour, including forced portering, in Burma and the region, Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles
Language:
English
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Description:
Karen State. Aug-Nov 94. Karen Men, women, children. List of people killed, wounded, arrested, disappeared, by SLORC. Killings; wounding; EO; ransoming; looting, pillaging; forced portering; torture; arbitrary detention; extortion; inhuman treatment (beating); forced labour.
Source/publisher:
Karen Human Rights Group Regional & Thematic Reports (KHRG #95-02)
Date of publication:
1995-01-14
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Discrimination against the Karen, Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles, HURFOM and other human rights material about the Mon
Language:
English
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Description:
"Statement by Karenni refugees fleeing a SLORC ultimatum to all villagers in a large part of the State where the Karenni opposition is strong to leave their villages or die. Their statements describe some of the SLORC army?s activities in civilian villages of western Karenni..."
Source/publisher:
Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) Regional & Thematic Reports
Date of publication:
1992-06-12
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Discrimination against the Karenni (Kayah), Forced relocation of Karenni (Kayah), Internal displacement/forced migration of Karenni villagers, Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles
Language:
English
more
Description:
The "Safe Area" for Burmese student activists has long been regarded by exilesand Thais alike as one of most dangerous places in Thailand. But for many who still reside in the camp, recent calls for its closure have raised fears about their future in a country where they are clearly not wanted. Neil Lawrence reports from Ban Maneeloy.
Neil Lawrence
Source/publisher:
"The Irrawaddy", Vol 9. No. 5
Date of publication:
2001-06-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Language:
English
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Description:
"The effects of displacement on culture can have significant impacts on the psychological and physical welfare of
individual refugees and on the social dynamics within a refugee population.
Yet, refugees and relief agencies alike often underestimate or feel too overworked to incorporate the importance of cultural
factors in assistance programmes. Potential cultural conflicts between refugee communities, host communities and relief
agencies are of course important. Less often recognised, however, is the importance of cultural variation and tension within the
refugee community.
This article argues that if relief agencies develop a greater awareness of cultural patterns and potential cultural conflict within as
well as between communities, their assistance programmes may be more effectively and appropriately designed and
implemented...This article is based on anthropological field research, conducted by the author at the request of the NGO concerned during the
course of wider field research conducted in 1996-7 and 1998, with Karenni refugees living in camps on the Burmese border, in
Thailand?s northwestern province of Mae Hong Son. Karenni people have been fleeing from Karenni (Kayah) State in eastern
Burma and seeking refuge on the Thai side of the border for some years, the first significant numbers arriving in 1989..."
Sandra Dudley
Source/publisher:
"Forced Migration Review" No. 6
Date of publication:
1999-12-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles, Karenni (Kayah) - cultural, political, Anthropological literature on refugees and migrants
Language:
English
more
Description:
Maps, tables, photos and text. "Main Objectives
and Activities:
Support the voluntary repatriation,
reintegration, and stabilisation of
returnees in Northern Rakhine
State, and monitor the situation in
areas hosting them; promote activities
conducive to self-reliance, and
provide special assistance to the
most vulnerable within the Muslim
population; prepare for the United
Nations Integrated Development
Plan for Northern Rakhine State
which will permit the gradual phasing
out of UNHCR�s assistance
programme. ..."
Source/publisher:
UNHCR
Date of publication:
2000-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Refugees from Burma: general reports, Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles
Language:
English
more
Description:
1. Introduction;
1.1. Background;
1.2. Project Profile;
1.3. Project Objectives;
2. The Participatory Action Research (PAR) Process;
2.1. Methods of Working with Migrant Children and Youth;
2.2. Implementation Strategy;
2.3. Ethical Considerations;
2.4. Research Team;
2.5. Sites and Participants;
2.6. Establishing Research Guidelines;
2.7. Data Collection Tools;
2.8. Documentation;
2.9. Translation;
2.10Country and Regional Workshops;
2.11Analysis, Methods of Reporting Findings and Dissemination Strategy;
2.12. Obstacles and Limitations;
3. PAR Interventions;
3.1. Strengthening Social Structures;
3.2. Awareness Raising;
3.3. Capacity Building;
3.4. Life Skills Development;
3.5. Outreach Services;
3.6. Networking and Advocacy;
4. The Participatory Review;
4.1. Aims of the Review;
4.2. Review Guidelines;
4.3. Review Approach and Tools;
4.4. Summary of Review Outcomes;
4.4.1. Myanmar;
4.4.2. Thailand;
4.4.3. China;
5. Conclusion and Recommendations;
6. Bibliography of Resources.
Therese Caouette et al
Source/publisher:
Save the Children (UK)
Date of publication:
2001-05-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-04-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Children, Migrant children and youth, Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles, Migrants' rights: reports of violations, Child labour in Burma, Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against more than one ethnic group, Trafficking: Burma-specific material, Ethnic groups in Burma: general studies and articles, Burmese and other stateless people in Thailand and Malaysia
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
191.33 KB
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Description:
A Participatory Action Research Project
of Save the Children(UK)...
1. Introduction;
2. Background;
2.1. Population;
2.2. Geography;
2.3. Political Dimensions;
2.4. Economic Dimensions;
2.5. Social Dimensions;
2.6. Vulnerability of Children and Youth;
3. Research Design;
3.1. Project Objectives;
3.2. Ethical Considerations;
3.3. Research Team;
3.4. Research Sites and Participants;
3.5. Data Collection Tools;
3.6. Data Analysis Strategy;
3.7. Obstacles and Limitations;
4. Preliminary Research Findings;
4.1. The Migrants;
4.2. Reasons for migrating;
4.3. Channels of Migration;
4.4. Occupations;
4.5. Working and Living Conditions;
4.6. Health;
4.7. Education;
4.8. Drugs;
4.9. Child Labour;
4.10. Trafficking of Persons;
4.11. Vulnerabilities of Children;
4.12. Return and Reintegration;
4.13. Community Responses;
5. Conclusion and Recommendations...
Recommendations to empower migrant children and youth in the Mekong sub-region...
"This report provides an awareness of the realities and perspectives among migrant children, youth and their communities, as a means of building respect and partnerships to address their vulnerabilities to exploitation and abusive environments. The needs and concerns of migrants along the borders of China, Myanmar and Thailand are highlighted and recommendations to address these are made.
The main findings of the participatory action research include:
* those most impacted by migration are the peoples along the mountainous border areas between China, Myanmar and Thailand, who represent a variety of ethnic groups
* both the countries of origin and countries of destination find that those migrating are largely young people and often include children
* there is little awareness as to young migrants' concerns and needs, with extremely few interventions undertaken to reach out to them
* the majority of the cross-border migrants were young, came from rural areas and had little or no formal education
* the decision to migrate is complex and usually involves numerous overlapping factors
* migrants travelled a number of routes that changed frequently according to their political and economic situations. The vast majority are identified as illegal immigrants
* generally, migrants leave their homes not knowing for certain what kind of job they will actually find abroad. The actual jobs available to migrants were very gender specific
* though the living and working conditions of cross-border migrants vary according to the place, job and employer, nearly all the participants noted their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse without protection or redress
* for all illnesses, most of the participants explained that it was difficult to access public health services due to distance, cost and/or their illegal status
* along all the borders, most of the children did not attend school and among those who did only a very few had finished primary level education
* drug production, trafficking and addiction were critical issues identified by the communities at all of the research sites along the borders
* child labour was found in all three countries
* trafficking of persons, predominantly children and youth, was common at all the study sites
* orphaned children along the border areas were found to be the most vulnerable
* Migrants frequently considered their options and opportunities to return home
Based on the project?s findings, recommendations are made at the conclusion of this report to address the critical issues faced by migrant children and youth along the borders. These recommendations include: methods of working with migrant youth, effective interventions, strategies for advocacy, identification of vulnerable populations and critical issues requiring further research.
The following interventions were identified as most effective in empowering migrant children and youth in the Mekong sub-region: life skills training and literacy education, strengthening protection efforts, securing channels for safe return and providing support for reintegration to home countries. These efforts need to be initiated in tandem with advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices that will better protect and serve migrant children and youth."
Therese M. Caouette
Source/publisher:
Save the Children (UK)
Date of publication:
2001-00-00
Date of entry/update:
2003-04-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Refugees from Burma: general reports, Karen and other refugees from Burma in Thailand - general reports and articles, Migrants' rights: reports of violations, Child labour in Burma, Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against more than one ethnic group, Trafficking: Burma-specific material, Ethnic groups in Burma: general studies and articles, Burmese and other stateless people in Thailand and Malaysia, Migrant children and youth
Language:
English
Format :
pdf
Size:
343.98 KB
Local URL:
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