Burma's Karen Refugees Escape to Thailand
by JONATHAN HARRIS, Managing Editor
Many members of Burma’s Karen minority have been fighting the Burmese military for the last 60 years. In recent days, Karen refugees have been forced to flee the Ler Per Her camp after the Burmese army initiated a massive offensive. Approximitely 4,000 Karens have sought safety and shelter in Thailand, though the Thai army has now moved to the border to quell the influx of refugees.
Never heard of the ethnic Karens in Burma or of the longest-running civil war in the world? I can’t exactly blame you, as the U.S. media has been largely silent about this issue in the last few days. In FOX News’ defense, this story about Joe Biden talking to police officers really does deserve front page coverage, but the silence of the media on the Burmese violence only perpetuates America’s indifference to the rest of the world.
But, I digress. There has been some great coverage of this story and there are ways you can help end this disastrous cycle of violence. First off, the U.S. Campaign for Burma has been diligent about releasing photos and calling for the United States to make a bold statement at the UN Security Council. You can call your Congressional office and urge your representative to sign the letter to President Obama, asking him to take action. The letter is being drafted by Joe Crowley (D-NY) and Don Manzullo (R-IL) and is the quickest and most effective way to reach President Obama concerning this issue.
The Karen people have been seeking independence from the Burmese government since 1949. Whether you agree with their quest for independence or not, the violence being perpetrated in the Irrawaddy delta is illegal and unjust. Many of the refugees have no connection to the Karen National Liberation Army or other militant groups.
If you think the media is as important as I do, tweet CNN, FOX News and MSNBC. Ask them to cover this story on their websites and on television. (Note to Rick Sanchez: if it turns out you have covered this story, I’m sorry. Don’t destroy me!)
Photo by U.S. Campaign for Burma
- Posted by Causecast
Related causes: Human Rights
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Interesting to see an article about the Karen people on a US website. I've volunteered with Karen people in Thailand, and I've recently been assisting on a documentary film about Karen refugee families from the Thai refugee camps who are relocated to the UK. The film's called Moving to Mars, and we're hoping that it will focus more attention on the plight of Karen refugees. We're on Twitter (@movingtomars) if anyone wants more info. Great and valuable article, anyway.
this has gone on too long. there's so much to the story on both sides of the border. human rights abuses all over the board. i hope many readers while be inspired to get more info and at the least begin discussing ways to do something to help
How can this have been going on so many years, & so many of us have never even heard of it? Are sports & celebrity gossip really ALL the media think we have an interest in?
I don't know the rights & wrongs of the civil war - but I DO know that 4,000 refugees (or maybe more by now) need help, & they aren't going to get it until people know they're there.
Most of these refugees will be civilians, & many of them children, growing up in an atmosphere of violence, fear, deprivation & resentment - the perfect breeding-ground for escalating conflict.
It's therefore in the world's best interests, as well as theirs, to end this cycle of misery & despair - and the first step is to make the world aware of it.
Seems like the media need all of us to remind them just how valuable a job they have to do.