Harming the Young: Sexually Abused Children in Burma and the Migrant Communities of Thailand

October 3, 2009

WCRP:

Introduction

Burma’s military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) is notorious for its oppression of the democratic opposition led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and for human rights violations against ethnic nationalities who participate in liberation movements. In response to these violations and constant suppression, citizens are continually fleeing Burma. Read more

Thai government forces migrant workers to make temporary passports while Burmese officials cash in

September 29, 2009

WCRP: On July 15th, the Thai-Burmese governments agreed to implement a new temporary passport system. The temporary passports were designed to legalize Burmese migrant workers however SPDC troops in Mon State have been demanding additional funds and threatening imprisonment to those who can not afford to pay. Read more

Students pay excess maintenance fees in Ye Town

September 29, 2009

WCRP: About 20 primary, middle and high schools in Ye town, Mon State, are requiring excessive school maintenance fees from each student. According to sources, the fees will be collected a few times a year based on the school’s needs, as determined by the school’s principle. Read more

Villagers in Thaton and Pa-an Townships Struggle After DKBA invasion

September 28, 2009

HURFOM: Villagers in Thaton and Pa-an townships are encountering difficulties after fleeing their home villages in favor of the area’s larger township tracts. Many villagers in Pa-an township chose to relocate following the invasion of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) in August. Read more

DKBA soldiers beat and rob villagers in Thaton district

September 25, 2009

HURFOM, Thaton: Four soldiers from the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army Brigade No. 333 led by Captain Hpa Khe Nyo entered Talaikayin village Pa –an township, Thaton district, Karen State, and committed several abuses against villagers, beating them and making demands for money, cooking materials, chickens and rice. Read more

Profits dwindle under cane and cattle tax

September 16, 2009

HURFOM: Burmese army soldiers have been extorting money from northern Tenasserin Division residents trade efforts. As a result, residents have collected less profit from trading their products throughout the area.

A local resident from Kaleingaung sub-township, northern Tenasserin Division, described how Burmese army Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) No. 273, have demanded payment of arbitrary taxes from the residents and are fining residents who run businesses in the area. Read more

Arbitrary taxation increasing in Mudon Township

September 14, 2009

HURFOM: Mudon township authorities have been forced by Burmese army battalions to demand large and arbitrary taxes to cover military expenses, village security costs and VIP travel expenses in the area.

On September 5th, at about 9:30 am, 150 soldiers from Infantry Battalion (IB) No. 62 arrived into Taungkalay village, led by lieutenant colonel Myint Naing. Myint Naing commanded the village headman to collect 5,000 kyat from each household in the village. Read more

LIB no. 273, forced resident to serve portering into their operation

September 10, 2009

HURFOM, Yebyu: On August 13th, the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) no. 273 led by Captain Thein Sein, forced two villagers into service as porters for the column Kyauktalin to Natkyizin. The two Kyauktalin villagers were forced to carry bullets, food supplies, a cooking port, an a communication machine for two days.     Read more

TPDC arbitrary tax demands in Mudon Township balloon

September 9, 2009

HURFOM, Mudon Township: During the 1st week of July, the Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC) issued a command that the General Administration Department would collect a new “tax” in teashops, karaoke bars, music entertainment shops and restaurants where TV’s and audio systems are widely used. The tax is currently being collected in Mudon town and other 30 villages throughout Mudon Township, Mon State.   Read more

Fracturing Ceasefires and Regional Security Threats

September 7, 2009

Burma’s ruling junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), has moved forward with its 7-points roadmap towards ‘Disciplined Democracy’ by pressuring ethnic armed opposition groups to participate in this political process without guarantee of any rights for their people.   Read more

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