"...The human rights situation in Myanmar's Kayin (Karen) State has deteriorated sharply since December 1994 when the Democratic Kayin Buddhist Organization (DKBO) broke away from the armed ethnic minority group, the Karen National Union (KNU). After the split the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC, Myanmar's ruling military authorities) decided to support the DKBO and renew its offensive against KNU bases in the eastern part of the Kayin State. Hundreds of civilians were arbitrarily seized by Myanmar's armed forces and forced to carry heavy loads for them. Porters were beaten and sometimes even killed if they could no longer carry their loads. As a result of the offensive, at least 10,000 refugees fled to Thailand from previously KNU-controlled areas. Beginning in February 1995 DKBO and SLORC forces began to attack refugee camps in Thai territory, abducting and killing a number of refugees in the process. Thousands of refugee homes were burned, leaving thousands homeless. Amnesty International is gravely concerned about the future of over 70,000 refugees, who are at risk of a full range of human rights violations, including forced portering, torture and killings, if they return to Myanmar. This decision has had serious human rights ramifications for both the population there and the Karen refugees in neighbouring Thailand. As in previous large-scale offensives, thousands of civilians were arbitrarily detained and forced to act as porters for the Myanmar army, the tatmadaw. As in former years, the porters were subjected to systematic ill-treatment, frequent beating and, in some cases, extrajudicial killing if they could no longer carry their appointed load..."