“Nearly 99% of all civilian casualties in eastern Burma are caused by either the government or affiliated militia groups” -Genocide Intervention Network
The country of Burma lies to the east of the Andaman Sea nestled between India, China, Thailand, Laos, and a sliver of Bangladesh. Beyond the cities and the beauty of rivers and trees, the people of Burma have faced suppression and conflict for almost 50 years.
In 1962 General Ne Win staged a coup d’etat, gaining control of the entire country. Because of Ne Win’s economic and political isolation policies he was able to dominate the government as he wished. These policies destroyed the country’s economy, which has only continued to decline making Burma one of the poorest nations in the world. In 1988 the military took complete control. Now known as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), this military dictatorship continues to displace, persecute, and kill thousands of their own people.
“There are over 1 million internally displaced people, and over 1 million refugees who have fled the country. There is continual environmental destruction, an HIV/AIDS epidemic, the ongoing laying of landmines, human trafficking and religious persecution.” –Free Burma Rangers
This past semester I had the opportunity to study abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I spent four months learning about the entire Mekong region (Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Burma). I remember sitting in the cramped upper room of The Garden of Hope, frozen from shock at the corruption and atrocities occurring under the same skies as I sat under. After learning of the plight of the Karen hill tribe of Burma, all I could do was cry. When I finished crying I made a silent promise to the Karen people and thousands of others suffering under the fist of the SPDC that I would do anything in my power to get their story out, to help in the fight against genocide.
I’m not exactly sure why my feelings towards the Karen people are so strong. Maybe it’s because I have never been so physically close to an issue that I have been learning about. Maybe it’s because I walked on Burma’s soil, laughed with the Burmese children, and met people who are fighting against the military regime in an attempt to help the Burmese survive another day. Maybe it’s because there’s no denying the injustice that has been occurring there for almost 50 years. Whatever it is that has drawn me to these people, I am forever connected to their struggle and will not rest until they can rest on their own land with their own families.
While the Burmese government continues to commit crimes against humanity, the international community must act quickly. 50 years of oppression is 50 years too long. Even though there are roadblocks to face, there is always a way to move around them. There needs to be continual pressure on our governments, the UN, and the ICC. The conflict runs deep and across borders, but can be put to an end with the help of the international community.
To learn more about genocide in Burma:
- http://www.freeburmarangers.org/
- http://www.genocidewatch.org/
- http://www.genocideintervention.net/
- http://uscampaignforburma.org/about-us-campaign-for-burma
- Documentary: Burma-A Secret Genocide
