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Anti-Slavery International would like to draw the attention of
the Commission to the current repressive policies implemented by
the Thai Government against Burmese pro-democracy activists and
urban refugees. By forcing them to relocate to closed border camps,
the Thai authorities are effectively silencing their voices with
the clear purpose of enhancing its relations with the military regime.
In Burma, there is no freedom of expression. Reporters sans Frontières
denounced the current detention of at least 15 journalists; independent
NGOs are not allowed to operate and political activists continue
to be arrested. In February 2005, U Hkun Htun Oo and other Shan
leaders were detained after attending a meeting in Taungyi.
Until recently, the Thai Government had allowed exiled Burmese
activists and other persons of concern to the UNHCR to live in urban
centres and border towns and to carry out pro-democracy activities
as well as social work. However, on 9 March 2005, the National Security
Council of Thailand ordered all those recognised as "persons
of concern" by the UNHCR to move to refugee camps by 31 March.
The use of mobile phones and other electronic devices was prohibited,
leaving them incommunicado. Up to 3,000 refugees were expected to
be transferred to the overcrowded and undersupplied camps. And 250,
including women and children, due to be resettled this month were
sent to the Special Detention Centre in Bangkok. Those who resist
"encampment" would no longer receive protection from the
UNHCR, would be barred from resettlement and would face arrest or
deportation to Burma. This exercise, which also left a number of
families split, seriously undermines efforts to promote human rights
and democracy in Burma.
In Bangladesh, the Government is likely to adopt similar measures
against over 100 Burmese urban refugees by preventing the UNHCR
and its implementing partner from assisting them, and by threatening
to deport them or confine them to segregated shelters. This group,
mostly Rakhine, have recently become vocal against the gas
pipeline project being negotiated between Burma, India and Bangladesh.
It is widely believed that this sudden change of policies is also
related to the new economic relations between Burma and Bangladesh.
Also in Bangladesh, the 20,000 Rohingya refugees remaining
in two camps are facing further restrictions. Meetings among refugees
have been banned. On 18 November 2004, a meeting was violently halted
in Kutupalong camp and three refugees were shot dead by police.
Refugees have also been arrested simply for writing letters to the
UNHCR.
Mr Chairman,
Anti-Slavery International calls upon the Commission to urge the
Burmese Government to respect fundamental human rights, including
freedom of expression. No transition to democracy can be achieved
as long as one faces arrest for peacefully expressing one's opinion.
Anti-Slavery International also calls upon the members of the Commission
to urge the Thai authorities to reverse its decision of "encamping"
persons of concern to the UNHCR, many of whom are activists, and
to encourage the Bangladesh Government to continue providing temporary
asylum to refugees and allow them to conduct peaceful human rights
and
pro-democracy activities.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.
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