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....Motto: "Voice for the voiceless,neglected and hidden"....
Burma Human Right History
7:14 PM
Organs of the United Nations and major international human rights organisations have issued repeated and consistent reports of widespread and systematic human rights violations in Burma. The United Nations General Assembly has repeatedly [1] called on the Burmese Military Junta to respect human rights and in November 2009 the General Assembly adopted a resolution ""strongly condemning the ongoing systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms" and calling on the Burmese Military Regime "to take urgent measures to put an end to violations of international human rights and humanitarian law."[2] International human rights organisations including Human Rights Watch [3] and Amnesty International.
Violations of human rights claimed include claims that there is no independent judiciary in Burma. That the military government restricts Internet access through software-based censorship that limits the material citizens can access on-line.[5][6] That Forced labour , human trafficking , and child labour are common.[7] and the rampant use of sexual violence as an instrument of control, including systematic rapes and taking of sex slaves as porters for the military. A strong women's pro-democracy movement has formed in exile, largely along the Thai border and in Chiang Mai. There is a growing international movement to defend women's human rights issues.[8]
The Freedom in the World 2004 report by Freedom House notes that "The junta rules by decree, controls the judiciary, suppresses all basic rights, and commits human rights abuses with impunity . Military officers hold all cabinet positions, and active or retired officers hold all top posts in all ministries. Official corruption is reportedly rampant both at the higher and local levels."[9]
Brad Adams, director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, in a 2004 address described the human rights situation in the country as appalling: "Burma is the textbook example of a police state. Government informants and spies are omnipresent. Average Burmese people are afraid to speak to foreigners except in most superficial of manners for fear of being hauled in later for questioning or worse. There is no freedom of speech, assembly or association."[10]
Collected by Salai Sang Hre
Malaysia gets poor marks for human rights
4:26 PM
By
Salai Sang Hre
KUALA LUMPUR: To ensure it stays in control and in power, the Malaysian Government has turned its back on promises to protect people’s rights, said Human Rights Watch.
In its report released Thursday, it said that when Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took over as prime minister in April 2009, he promised to respect the fundamental rights of the people but his government has failed to undertake the systematic reforms needed to fulfil that pledge.
It said the Government harassed the Opposition, improperly restricted the right to peaceful expression, association, and assembly, and mistreated migrants.
When it comes to human rights, Malaysia is more about rhetoric than reality, it said.
“The Malaysian Government appears to be more interested in pursuing short-term political advantage rather than safeguarding rights,” said Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson.
The 612-page World Report 2010 reviewed human rights practices around the world over the last year.
It said the release of a number of Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees early in Najib’s term was a positive development, but stressed that Parliament should repeal the ISA and other repressive laws including the Police Act 1967, which it said, was used to justify a “violent crackdown” on a citizens’ march against the ISA.
The report also said that following the impact of the Internet on the last general election, the Government has tried to rein in non-traditional media, putting them and bloggers under closer scrutiny.
It also voiced concern over continued government control of the traditional media and called for the Printing Presses and Publications Act to be rescinded.
The report also criticised the Government for failing to distinguish refugees and asylum seekers from undocumented migrants and for its use of an “ill trained, abusive civilian force” (Rela) to crack down on undocumented migrants.
It said detainees were kept under inhumane conditions causing several of them to die last year while dozens were infected with leptospirosis, a disease spread by animal faeces in unclean water.
“How many more migrants have to die in detention before Malaysian policymakers wake up?” said Robertson.
The report also criticized Malaysia for continuing to crimininalise adult consensual sexual behaviour including sodomy and said it is about time the government brought its criminal code into the 21st century.
KUALA LUMPUR: To ensure it stays in control and in power, the Malaysian Government has turned its back on promises to protect people’s rights, said Human Rights Watch.
In its report released Thursday, it said that when Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took over as prime minister in April 2009, he promised to respect the fundamental rights of the people but his government has failed to undertake the systematic reforms needed to fulfil that pledge.
It said the Government harassed the Opposition, improperly restricted the right to peaceful expression, association, and assembly, and mistreated migrants.
When it comes to human rights, Malaysia is more about rhetoric than reality, it said.
“The Malaysian Government appears to be more interested in pursuing short-term political advantage rather than safeguarding rights,” said Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phil Robertson.
The 612-page World Report 2010 reviewed human rights practices around the world over the last year.
It said the release of a number of Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees early in Najib’s term was a positive development, but stressed that Parliament should repeal the ISA and other repressive laws including the Police Act 1967, which it said, was used to justify a “violent crackdown” on a citizens’ march against the ISA.
The report also said that following the impact of the Internet on the last general election, the Government has tried to rein in non-traditional media, putting them and bloggers under closer scrutiny.
It also voiced concern over continued government control of the traditional media and called for the Printing Presses and Publications Act to be rescinded.
The report also criticised the Government for failing to distinguish refugees and asylum seekers from undocumented migrants and for its use of an “ill trained, abusive civilian force” (Rela) to crack down on undocumented migrants.
It said detainees were kept under inhumane conditions causing several of them to die last year while dozens were infected with leptospirosis, a disease spread by animal faeces in unclean water.
“How many more migrants have to die in detention before Malaysian policymakers wake up?” said Robertson.
The report also criticized Malaysia for continuing to crimininalise adult consensual sexual behaviour including sodomy and said it is about time the government brought its criminal code into the 21st century.
Immigration to act against employers harbouring illegal foreign workers
8:49 PM
By LESTER KONG
PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department will begin a nationwide crackdown from Feb 15 on thousands of employers believed to be harbouring or employing illegal workers.
The operation will be carried out with the help of police and Rela.
Currently there are about 1.8 million approved foreign workers in the country, and the department be-lieves there are at least an equal number of illegal ones.
Immigration director-general Datuk Abdul Rahman Othman said the department was already meeting with employer associations and groups before the deadline to “educate” them on the immigration laws and policies for hiring foreign workers.
“From Jan 5, we have been having dialogues with associations such as the Malaysian Employers’ Federation and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers,” Abdul Rahman said in an interview yesterday.
He said employers should be more responsible and understand that the Immigration Act prohibited keeping workers with expired visas.
“The opportunities for work here and willingness of some employers to keep illegal workers are to be blamed. It’s all about supply and demand,” he added.
Abdul Rahman said no employers had been charged lately as it was difficult to gather enough evidence to enable prosecution.
“To build a proper case, we would need the punch cards, salary slips and contracts between the employers and their workers,” he said.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told Indian journalists that more than 39,000 Indian tourists, mostly from Chennai, had abused their visa-on-arrival (VOA).
Abdul Rahman said most of the 39,000 “missing” Indians were believed to be in the country’s economic hotspots of the Klang Valley, Penang, Perak and Johor Baru, which had many employment opportunities.
It was reported that 75,645 out of 248,939 foreigners issued with VOAs between September 2006 and September 2008 had misused their visas.
They were from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka, Myan-mar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Abdul Rahman said enforcement was also hindered by the easy assimilation of the southern Indians to Malaysian society.
He added that the three countries with the most number of “missing” citizens in Malaysia were India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, but was unable to furnish any figures.
Tourism Malaysia figures placed arrivals from India at 590,000 in 2009, a 7.1% increase from 2008. Most of them cited sight-seeing, visiting friends and attending conferences as their reasons for coming here.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Employers’ Federation executive director Samsudin Baradan said the federation had warned its members not to retain or hire workers whose visas had expired.
However, Samsudin said it was understandable that some companies were hiring and harbouring workers illegally.
However, Samsudin said it was understandable that some companies were hiring and harbouring workers illegally.
“It is not easy to get foreign workers because of the costs and procedures involved,” he said.
He added that the federation had been pleading with the department to be more consistent in its policies regarding foreign workers.
He added that the federation had been pleading with the department to be more consistent in its policies regarding foreign workers.
“The policies keep changing. We only come to know the changes through the media.
“The department should brief our members before implementing such policies,” he said.
For example, Samsudin said many companies were caught by surprise by an April 2009 policy that forced them, instead of their workers, to pay the levy of about RM1,800 per worker per year.
For example, Samsudin said many companies were caught by surprise by an April 2009 policy that forced them, instead of their workers, to pay the levy of about RM1,800 per worker per year.
“It’s like you can do it today but tomorrow, you cannot. It is ad hoc, it is a knee-jerk reaction,” he said.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/14/nation/5466539&sec=nation
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/14/nation/5466539&sec=nation
Malaysian Authorities Resume Selling Refugees
10:39 PM
VOCR
3rd January, 2010
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
According to a confirmed source, a long controversial about refugee deportation and selling to fishing boats and plantation sites at Thai-Malay border has already been resumed by Malaysian immigration personnel and human traffickers. After the US senate Foreign Relation had released the record which stated human trafficking in Thai-Malaysia border, the selling refugee process and refugee deportation in the border has been paused for a while. However, before the criticizing has finished, “Refugee for sale” program had been started by the authorities.
On 24th December, 2009, two Chin refugees formally known as Zam Tuang(33) and Kam Khua Tuan (25) were sold into the hands of human traffickers by two Malaysian immigration officers at the border. The two victims and their three colleagues were arrested by the police at their workplace in Penang on 13.11.2009. The first time they all were detained in Police lock-up but three days later, the police sent them to Juru detention camp.
On 26th November, both victims appeared to court and convicted for two months of imprisonment due to being undocumented. After the trial had finished, both victims were transferred to Pakoksena prison and they spent almost two months. When their imprisonment period was about to finish, both victims were transferred back to Blantik camp. After fifteen minutes, they arrived to Blantik camp, two immigration officers with one van came saying they sent them to a wrong place and forced them to be aboard into the van.
“When the two officers told us to be aboard into the van, I though that we will transfer to another camp. But we headed to Thai-Malaysia border instead of going to another detention camp. I was very scared as I heard that many refugees had been sold with brutal human traffickers and forced them to work on fishing boats by the gang” said Mr. Zam Tuang.
The two victims said that the immigration officers and human trafficker met at a remote village and the human trafficker (agent) (believed to be Burman because he has Burmese name and he can speak Burmese fluently) waiting for them. When we arrived to the village we were dumped at the roadside and we saw the human trafficker paying the money with two immigration officers.
“When we arrived to the agent house in the forest he forced us to call our relatives and asked them to bring RM 2600 to be released. The agent known as Aung Naing Oo also told us that if your relatives did not bring the money, I am going to sell both of you” they added.
Luckily, both victims were released after three days by the help of their relatives and community and they can participate in New Year celebration with their relatives and community members. But they are worrying that the rest three detainees would also be sold back with human traffickers.
Before the Malaysian government has paused deportation into Thai-Malay border, many of Chin refugees were sold in the border. As a result, the human traffickers sold them on fishing boat and many women were raped.
According to a confirmed source, a long controversial about refugee deportation and selling to fishing boats and plantation sites at Thai-Malay border has already been resumed by Malaysian immigration personnel and human traffickers. After the US senate Foreign Relation had released the record which stated human trafficking in Thai-Malaysia border, the selling refugee process and refugee deportation in the border has been paused for a while. However, before the criticizing has finished, “Refugee for sale” program had been started by the authorities.
On 24th December, 2009, two Chin refugees formally known as Zam Tuang(33) and Kam Khua Tuan (25) were sold into the hands of human traffickers by two Malaysian immigration officers at the border. The two victims and their three colleagues were arrested by the police at their workplace in Penang on 13.11.2009. The first time they all were detained in Police lock-up but three days later, the police sent them to Juru detention camp.
On 26th November, both victims appeared to court and convicted for two months of imprisonment due to being undocumented. After the trial had finished, both victims were transferred to Pakoksena prison and they spent almost two months. When their imprisonment period was about to finish, both victims were transferred back to Blantik camp. After fifteen minutes, they arrived to Blantik camp, two immigration officers with one van came saying they sent them to a wrong place and forced them to be aboard into the van.
“When the two officers told us to be aboard into the van, I though that we will transfer to another camp. But we headed to Thai-Malaysia border instead of going to another detention camp. I was very scared as I heard that many refugees had been sold with brutal human traffickers and forced them to work on fishing boats by the gang” said Mr. Zam Tuang.
The two victims said that the immigration officers and human trafficker met at a remote village and the human trafficker (agent) (believed to be Burman because he has Burmese name and he can speak Burmese fluently) waiting for them. When we arrived to the village we were dumped at the roadside and we saw the human trafficker paying the money with two immigration officers.
“When we arrived to the agent house in the forest he forced us to call our relatives and asked them to bring RM 2600 to be released. The agent known as Aung Naing Oo also told us that if your relatives did not bring the money, I am going to sell both of you” they added.
Luckily, both victims were released after three days by the help of their relatives and community and they can participate in New Year celebration with their relatives and community members. But they are worrying that the rest three detainees would also be sold back with human traffickers.
Before the Malaysian government has paused deportation into Thai-Malay border, many of Chin refugees were sold in the border. As a result, the human traffickers sold them on fishing boat and many women were raped.
Acknowledgement and Concern of Chin Refugees Resettled to USA
2:57 PM
Chin refugees those who arrived to USA feel safe and happy in their new homes in USA. Tha Tha A Chin refugee women in Texas said, "In Malaysia, I had never have a sound sleep for three years because I was always afraid of night raids. But here in USA I feel completely safe. I know that there is no more night raids, here in USA."
Hundreds of Chin refugees have been resettled to USA within the last 3 years. Many of them are known to have reunion with their family members those who left the country earlier due to on going inhuman military oppression in Chin State. A leader of Chin Youth Organization of North America said "After arriving to USA, it is obvious that we the Chin people help one another in our community. For example, a newly arrived refugee family does not have a car to go to groceries but the neighbors would surely help them and even help them to find a job where they have been working." As all of Chin people are Christian, they have Christian brotherly love to one another in terms of facing the challenges.
Mr. Uk, who was stay in Baltimore, Maryland expresses, "There is no Chin case worker in resettlement office but only Burmese. I can understand only a very little Burmese language. Sometimes interpreters are provided for me by telephone that is actually not preferable because by telephone it is very difficult to understand one another. Sometimes, I have many problems but I just try to ignore it." Hundreds of Chin refugees are in Maryland State, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Dallas but it can be seen that in all of those places only Burmese Case workers are employed in order to handle Chin refugees. A Chin University student in US comments regarding this issue, "There is a big misunderstanding that Chins are still called as Burmese. Actually Chins and Burmese are different nations. Chins are ruled and abuse by Burmese military government."
Hundreds of Chin refugees have been resettled to USA within the last 3 years. Many of them are known to have reunion with their family members those who left the country earlier due to on going inhuman military oppression in Chin State. A leader of Chin Youth Organization of North America said "After arriving to USA, it is obvious that we the Chin people help one another in our community. For example, a newly arrived refugee family does not have a car to go to groceries but the neighbors would surely help them and even help them to find a job where they have been working." As all of Chin people are Christian, they have Christian brotherly love to one another in terms of facing the challenges.
Mr. Uk, who was stay in Baltimore, Maryland expresses, "There is no Chin case worker in resettlement office but only Burmese. I can understand only a very little Burmese language. Sometimes interpreters are provided for me by telephone that is actually not preferable because by telephone it is very difficult to understand one another. Sometimes, I have many problems but I just try to ignore it." Hundreds of Chin refugees are in Maryland State, Indianapolis, Kansas City and Dallas but it can be seen that in all of those places only Burmese Case workers are employed in order to handle Chin refugees. A Chin University student in US comments regarding this issue, "There is a big misunderstanding that Chins are still called as Burmese. Actually Chins and Burmese are different nations. Chins are ruled and abuse by Burmese military government."
A Chin refugee hit by car in Malaysia
7:40 PM
VOCR
21st December,2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
A chin refugee, Mr. Za Hnin (37) from Leitak village was hit by a car on 20th December, 2009 at Jalan Loke Yew, Kuala Lumpur. The accident happened when he was crossing the highway between his friend house and his residence. He was injured several places on his head and his face. His thigh also is broken and was admitted to UKM hospital.
“When Mr. Za Hnin crossed the highway alone and hit by a car to break his leg and unable to walk, he had nobody to call for help around him. But after a moment, the rescuers from fire department arrived and called Ambulance to rush him to the hospital. When the Ambulance arrived, one of Chin refugee, who lives near Za Hnin’s residence, accompanied him to the hospital before the Chin Community Committee worker arrived. Right now, everything is going well and we had already done every thing in the hospital but we still cannot find out the driver” his friend said.
“Mr. Za Hnin, holder of UNHCR card and lives in cramp flat with his wife and one child, has financial problem for his medical treatment. He gained registration as refugee on September this year and he still have to stay in Malaysia for two or three years and needs to take care of his family in Malaysia. We really worry that whether he will recover properly” the roommate said.
Previously, One of Mr. Za Hnin’s roommate also was hit by a car and admitted to General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur but he paid RM 7,000 for recovery.
In Malaysia, Local NGOs as well as Legal Aid cannot help this kind of accident cases in court except supporting the patients financially .
“When Mr. Za Hnin crossed the highway alone and hit by a car to break his leg and unable to walk, he had nobody to call for help around him. But after a moment, the rescuers from fire department arrived and called Ambulance to rush him to the hospital. When the Ambulance arrived, one of Chin refugee, who lives near Za Hnin’s residence, accompanied him to the hospital before the Chin Community Committee worker arrived. Right now, everything is going well and we had already done every thing in the hospital but we still cannot find out the driver” his friend said.
“Mr. Za Hnin, holder of UNHCR card and lives in cramp flat with his wife and one child, has financial problem for his medical treatment. He gained registration as refugee on September this year and he still have to stay in Malaysia for two or three years and needs to take care of his family in Malaysia. We really worry that whether he will recover properly” the roommate said.
Previously, One of Mr. Za Hnin’s roommate also was hit by a car and admitted to General Hospital in Kuala Lumpur but he paid RM 7,000 for recovery.
In Malaysia, Local NGOs as well as Legal Aid cannot help this kind of accident cases in court except supporting the patients financially .
A Chin refugee detainee suddenly laid down in custody
8:32 PM
VOCR
18th December, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
This is a gain. “A Chin refugee detainee A Thang who is being detained at Langkap immigration in Malaysia fell down and became unconscious yesterday. He fell down because of depression and unbearable agony inside his heart after he was excluded among 60 detainees who were released by the UNHCR team recently,” one inmate said.
A Thang, holder of UNHCR card file no. 791-08C 01498 from Hriangpi village, was arrested by People Volunteer Corp at his workplace in Cameron highland, 220 km away from Kuala Lumpur, on 13th October, 2009.
Lautu Refugee Coordinator and Bawinu weekly newsletter Editor Salai Tin Hmung said that Mr. A Thang who has four children in Myanmar and working at the farm in Cameron Highland was fainted and fell down on concrete floor with unknown disease. He believed that A Thang was demoralized and fell down because he was excluded in the detainee list brought by UNHCR team to be released.
“I don’t believe that the camp authority will send him to the hospital even though he is in critical condition. They (the camp authority) always denied to access healthcare into the camp and some foreign detainees had died in the camp” Salai Tin Hmung added.
Despite the UNHCR team had released at least 60 detainees within this week, more than 15 refugee detainees are still remained in the camp.
This is a gain. “A Chin refugee detainee A Thang who is being detained at Langkap immigration in Malaysia fell down and became unconscious yesterday. He fell down because of depression and unbearable agony inside his heart after he was excluded among 60 detainees who were released by the UNHCR team recently,” one inmate said.
A Thang, holder of UNHCR card file no. 791-08C 01498 from Hriangpi village, was arrested by People Volunteer Corp at his workplace in Cameron highland, 220 km away from Kuala Lumpur, on 13th October, 2009.
Lautu Refugee Coordinator and Bawinu weekly newsletter Editor Salai Tin Hmung said that Mr. A Thang who has four children in Myanmar and working at the farm in Cameron Highland was fainted and fell down on concrete floor with unknown disease. He believed that A Thang was demoralized and fell down because he was excluded in the detainee list brought by UNHCR team to be released.
“I don’t believe that the camp authority will send him to the hospital even though he is in critical condition. They (the camp authority) always denied to access healthcare into the camp and some foreign detainees had died in the camp” Salai Tin Hmung added.
Despite the UNHCR team had released at least 60 detainees within this week, more than 15 refugee detainees are still remained in the camp.
A female Chin refugee charged over suspecting fake UNHCR card holder
11:40 PM
VOCR
17th December,2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
A Chin refugee Tawk Tial, holder of UNHCR card file no. 354-08C03557 who works at TV game shop, was charged over holding fake UNHCR card by the injustice Malaysia court. She was arrested by the police at her workplace and was detained for twelve days in Sentul police station.
Even though she is holder of real UNHCR card, the immigration and police accused her of holding fake UNHCR card. She has been recognized refugee from Myanmar by the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees in Malaysia and issued the card in the same year.
When she was arrested by the police, her boss said to her husband that she had already been fined RM 2000 for her release. But later, her case was referred to immigration office and accused her of undocumented person.
She appeared to court on 17th December, 2009 and was found guilty under holding fake UNHCR card and working without proper document in Malaysia. As the lawyer approved the offence which was brought by the immigration office, she was given another appointment in January next year and was transferred from the police station to Kajang immigration camp.
The husband with tear said that he went to UNHCR office to inform that his wife is appointed to appear to court and asked UNHCR office to send one interpreter during her trail but the OPI team denied his claim. He also mentioned to the OPI officer that his wife is holder of real UNHCR card and asked the officer to write recommendation letter for his wife. But the officer told him that they could not help him anything regarding the matter.
“I believed that my wife would be released if we had recommendation letter from UNHCR office. We have one lawyer from Legal Aid office. But when the magistrate asked the lawyer to show recommendation letter for my wife from UNHCR office, our lawyer has nothing to show” the husband added.
Chin refugee detainee died in custody
12:12 AM
VOCR
10th December, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
A chin refugee formally known as Mr. Ngo Za Pau (45) from Thuklai village, Teddim Township, died at KLIA immigration camp in Malaysia on 9th December 2009. He arrived to Malaysia in 2004 and was arrested by the police on the unknown date and was detained in Seminyih camp.
He was seriously sick and admitted to the hospital by the camp authority because his condition become worse and was dying. Some community workers believed that the camp authority admitted him to the hospital when he was dying because they feared that he might die inside the custody. His body has been still keeping in Putra Jaya hospital for further investigation.
He had already registered with United Nation High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) since 2004 and had been issued the card in the same year. He was also engaged to resettle to United State and had passed all interviews which were set up by the UNHCR office for refugees.
Even though he had UNHCR card the police arrested him at Pudu car parking on his way back from workplace and spontaneously taken him to Seminyih camp. But no information was given to his relatives and refugee community in Malaysia. Eventually, he was transferred to KLIA camp because the camp authorities and Burmese detainees riot at seminyih camp in July, 2009.
According to his cousin brother, “Mr. Ngo Za Pau was not allowed to contact me within two weeks since he was under arrest. That time, we think that he had already lost to come back home. After two weeks, he was allowed to contact us but he had already been accused of undocumented and illegal entrance to the country by immigration”.
According to the law quotation brochure released by Bar Council, every arrestee has a right to inform one’s relative or one’s relevant community within fourteen days before they appear to court.
As the camp authority in KLIA denied to access medical team to the camp, two of Chin refugees and other detainees had passed away in the camp. The camp analyzers who often visited to the camp said that the detention camp condition is getting worse but harassment made by the authority is increasing day by day. The local NGOs also released a statement regarding the camp condition that says, “Denying to access healthcare inside the camp and custody is violation to life”.
In other hand, all foreign prisoners in Seremban custody are not allowed to use their mother-tongue except Bahasa and English to contact their relatives and community.
Chin refugee detainees in dilemma
10:11 AM
VOCR
28th October, 2009
Kula Lumpur, Malaysia
By Salai C C
According to confirm information, approximately 250 Chin and 300 Burmese detainees are still detained in Lenggeng immigration camp. On 10/10/09 one of Chin detainees in the camp formally known as Mr. Tei Khar Lian informed to Chin refugee committee office that the camp authorities are begging the money with detainees in order to meet with the UNHCR team.
“In previous visit of the UNHCR team to the camp, we did not need to pay the money to meet the UNHCR team. But now, the Burmese detainees are paying RM 1000 each to immigration officers in order to meet with the UNHCR team. So, we (Chin detainees) have been denied to meet with the UNHCR team because we are unavailable to pay. Even though we are formally holders of UNHCR card the camp authorities denied our claim to meet with UNHCR team” he said.
In the last couple months, the UNHCR team had released many refugee detainees from other detention facilities such as Langkap, Seminyih camp but no one has been released from Lenggeng camp after Mr. Duh Sang was released on 19/08/2009.
According to confirm information, approximately 250 Chin and 300 Burmese detainees are still detained in Lenggeng immigration camp. On 10/10/09 one of Chin detainees in the camp formally known as Mr. Tei Khar Lian informed to Chin refugee committee office that the camp authorities are begging the money with detainees in order to meet with the UNHCR team.
“In previous visit of the UNHCR team to the camp, we did not need to pay the money to meet the UNHCR team. But now, the Burmese detainees are paying RM 1000 each to immigration officers in order to meet with the UNHCR team. So, we (Chin detainees) have been denied to meet with the UNHCR team because we are unavailable to pay. Even though we are formally holders of UNHCR card the camp authorities denied our claim to meet with UNHCR team” he said.
In the last couple months, the UNHCR team had released many refugee detainees from other detention facilities such as Langkap, Seminyih camp but no one has been released from Lenggeng camp after Mr. Duh Sang was released on 19/08/2009.
Photo exhibition portrays horrors of Burmese refugees
12:08 PM
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/115282
Photo exhibition portrays horrors of Burmese refugees
Christine Chan
Oct 17, 09
9:07am
Images of refugees in deplorable living conditions, poignant facial expressions, and distraught children form the gist of the work of five international photojournalists who documented the lives of Burmeserefugees in Malaysia.
A rare exhibition titled 'No Refugee' depicting the conditions of refugees was launched yesterday at The Annexe Gallery in Kuala Lumpur's Central Market. The exhibition will last until the Oct 25.
“The work of Greg Constantine (USA), Halim Berbar (France), Rahman Roslan (Malaysia), Simon Wheatley (UK) and Zhang Wubin (Singapore) reveals the underside of the most marginalized people in Malaysia,” said Klang member of parliament, Charles Santiago.
In his speech when opening the event, he said that a report had been published by the US Department of State on trafficking activities in Malaysia, where refugees were sold at the Thai and Malaysia's border.
No refugee exhibition 151009-08.jpg“In the report, refugees who are now residing in the US, and who once lived in Malaysia, were interviewed and they have one thing in common. All of them have been sold,” he told a crowd of 60 people.
He also accused the government of being in denial on the issues of human trafficking.
Kicking them when down
klscah launch civil society award 191207 charles santiagoHowever, Santiago (right) credited the government for taking some action to arrest traffickers in the last couple of months.
Kicking them when down
klscah launch civil society award 191207 charles santiagoHowever, Santiago (right) credited the government for taking some action to arrest traffickers in the last couple of months.
“But this will not solve the problem because trafficking is a systemic collaboration of government officers and syndicates, therefore we need to fix this at the level of structure and enforcement,” he adds.
Arts programme director of The Annexe, Pang Khee Teik, in commenting on the trafficking and the harsh living conditions, said that this was akin to 'kicking them when they are down'.
“This is what Malaysias are doing to the refugees,” he said.
The audiences were also treated to a performance by two Burmese musicians.
Thiam Pui, a refugee from the Chin state sang about how much she misses her country and she was accompanied by Sang Kawn, another refugee from the Mon state who played the guitar.
“This is what Malaysias are doing to the refugees,” he said.
The audiences were also treated to a performance by two Burmese musicians.
Thiam Pui, a refugee from the Chin state sang about how much she misses her country and she was accompanied by Sang Kawn, another refugee from the Mon state who played the guitar.
No protection for refugees
Santiago also launched a nationwide petition campaign by Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) entitled “Sign the Refugee Convention and Stop the Arrest, Detention and Deportation of Refugees”.
Suaram is expecting to collect at least 10,000 signatures from Malaysians by May 21, 2010 to be submitted to Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.
This is a move to ensure that refugees are recognized and given better access to livelihood and to encourage cooperation between the government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR).
Unfortunately, Malaysia is one of the few remaining countries that has ratified neither the 1951 Refugee Convention nor the 1967 Protocol and it has also failed to enact any legislation for the protection of refugees.
Refugees, adults and children alike, are instead treated as 'illegal immigrants' and are subjected to harsh penalties, detention and deportation under the Immigration Act.
They risk fines of up to RM10, 000 or jail terms of up to five years or both. They are also liable to be whipped up to six strokes of the cane.
They risk fines of up to RM10, 000 or jail terms of up to five years or both. They are also liable to be whipped up to six strokes of the cane.
Jungle colony worrying residents
11:43 PM
By LIM CHIA YING
The presence of a settlement of foreigners hidden in the jungles of Kepong hill, near Segambut, is causing much fear and concern among residents in the area.
The hill is a popular spot for joggers and trekkers, but deeper into it are wooden huts and houses sheltered by bushes and overgrown trees.
The presence of a settlement of foreigners hidden in the jungles of Kepong hill, near Segambut, is causing much fear and concern among residents in the area.
The hill is a popular spot for joggers and trekkers, but deeper into it are wooden huts and houses sheltered by bushes and overgrown trees.
Angus Ng, who lives in Taman Flora Impian housing area just a short distance down the foothill, said many residents and their families felt their safety was being threatened by the existence of the foreigners.
Our play area: This looks like a makeshift playground amid the wooden homes in one of the foreign colonies that the residents ventured into
“As we are a guarded community, our security personnel said these foreigners would come down from the hill in the wee hours of the morning. Even one of our security men was threatened and slashed,” said Ng, who is the Flora Impian action committee pro tem chairman.
“What we want is for the authorities to take action to demolish the settlement, and take the landowner to court if the squatters being harboured here are indeed illegals,” he said.
It is learnt that the hill also connects to various other residential townships including Sg Penchala, Desa ParkCity, Bukit Lanjan, Bukit Segambut, Sri Hartamas and Mont Kiara.
Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said from his own experience of climbing up the hill recently, he could hear chirping noises like that of birds before reaching the area, only to learn later that the sounds were made by humans. “The sounds are made by colony members to alert their own people that there are ‘outsiders’ like us coming in,” said Lim.
A resident said there were probably more than 50 wooden houses for this one colony, including a place of worship heavily guarded by dogs. We believe there are more entrenched deeper,” the resident said.
Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Zakaria Pagan said he would immediately check on the matter and take the necessary action.
“If these foreigners are involved in crime, we will take action. If they are illegals, we have to seek the assistance of the Immigration Department. But we are not the only ones responsible to book them as the City Hall and other authorities are involved, too,” he said.
Interview with Chin detainee detained in Kawhtaung
5:30 PM
VOCR
10 September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
Mr. Ni Cung (40) was arrested with others four Chin fellows on 15. 08. 2009 and detained for two months in Ayemyakantha township councilor office in Kawhtaung. In his detaining period, the authorities did not provide commodity and enough food. He was suspected as ceasefire arm group even though he has Burmese national identity card. After detaining at township councilor office in Kawhtaung, they broke the office wall and ran away to Malaysia for safety and he arrived at Malaysia on 6th September, 2009. .
VOCR: Could you tell me your name and which part of Chin state are you from?
Mr. Ni Cung (40) was arrested with others four Chin fellows on 15. 08. 2009 and detained for two months in Ayemyakantha township councilor office in Kawhtaung. In his detaining period, the authorities did not provide commodity and enough food. He was suspected as ceasefire arm group even though he has Burmese national identity card. After detaining at township councilor office in Kawhtaung, they broke the office wall and ran away to Malaysia for safety and he arrived at Malaysia on 6th September, 2009. .
VOCR: Could you tell me your name and which part of Chin state are you from?
NC: My name is Ni Cung. I am from Belhar village, Thantlang Township, northern part of Chin State.
VOCR: Where did the Myanmar Immigration arrested you? How long and where were you detained?
NC: I was arrested when our plane from Yangon landed at Kawhtaung airport and I was taken to Ayemyakantha township councilor office for further investigation. I had been detained for almost two months in that office.
VOCR: Where did the Myanmar Immigration arrested you? How long and where were you detained?
NC: I was arrested when our plane from Yangon landed at Kawhtaung airport and I was taken to Ayemyakantha township councilor office for further investigation. I had been detained for almost two months in that office.
VOCR: While in detention, did the immigration provide you commodity and enough food?
NC: No, absolutely not. They didn’t provide anything. They told us to buy food ourselves. If we begged them to buy us food, they scolded us and kicked us.
VOCR: If the authorities did not provide you food, how did you survive in your detention period and what actually did you eat?
NC: As we have no relatives in Kawhtaung to come and visit us, we bought food with our own money. Food also was very expensive that we could eat only one time per day.
VOCR: If you don’t have any relatives in Kawhtaung, to whom did the authorities inform that you are under arrest?
VOCR: If the authorities did not provide you food, how did you survive in your detention period and what actually did you eat?
NC: As we have no relatives in Kawhtaung to come and visit us, we bought food with our own money. Food also was very expensive that we could eat only one time per day.
VOCR: If you don’t have any relatives in Kawhtaung, to whom did the authorities inform that you are under arrest?
NC: I think that the authorities did not inform to anyone because we were isolated and were being suspected as (MNLA) Mon National Liberty Army which made ceasefire with the military regime recently.“Even though they recognized us as Chin ethnicity which also is shown on our Identity card, we were suspected and questioned like insurgent group”.
VOCR: You said that four Chin fellows also were arrested at the same time. Consequently, do you know where they were taken to and were detained? Do they have Burmese identity card?
NC: They also detained with me including seven years old child. We all have identity cards but the captain who questioned us denied our identity cards. In questioning room, the captain also said that our identity cards were invalid and lured us to show MNLA cards.
VOCR: In your detention period, did you see other ethnic minorities like Kachin, Shan etc. who were detained under such cases?
VOCR: You said that four Chin fellows also were arrested at the same time. Consequently, do you know where they were taken to and were detained? Do they have Burmese identity card?
NC: They also detained with me including seven years old child. We all have identity cards but the captain who questioned us denied our identity cards. In questioning room, the captain also said that our identity cards were invalid and lured us to show MNLA cards.
VOCR: In your detention period, did you see other ethnic minorities like Kachin, Shan etc. who were detained under such cases?
NC: Yes. Many other ethnics also were arrested but they detained for only two or three days. After three days, the authorities demanded them to pay 55,000 kyat for their release. If they could pay the demand, they were repatriated. But we were not demanded to pay money for our release. Even if we tried to explain that we were able to pay 55,000 kyat like other ethnic detainees, the authorities refused our claims.
VOCR: Can you explain me how did you escape?
VOCR: Can you explain me how did you escape?
NC: After we had been detained for almost two months, I explained all my friends that we would be detained for a long time since we were subjected as insurgent case. I also suggested them to find out the way to escape. One night, we broke the office wall and ran away to monastery which is located on the hill. The monks did not allow us to stay in the monastery. At that time, it was raining heavily but we stayed under the heavy rain because we got no place to take refuge. After two days in the forest around Kawhtuang, we headed our journey to Malaysia and arrived on 6th September, 2009.
VOCR: Thank you very much for giving us your time. May your dream come true!
NC: Same to you.
VOCR: Thank you very much for giving us your time. May your dream come true!
NC: Same to you.
NGO set up mobile clinic for refugees
5:02 PM
VOCR
06 September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
On 3rd and 4th of September, one of local NGOs called A Call to Service (ACTS) set up mobile clinic in Malacca and Muar where many refugees live. ACTS in one of local NGO and based in Kuala Lumpur and it provides medical treatment to both legal and illegal foreigners in Malaysia.
The mobile clinic was conducted by two doctors and some volunteer workers from ACTS main office.
On the first day, only 15 of Chin refugees attended in mobile clinic to receive medical treatment because they had difficulties for transportation, as they stay in different places. But on the second day, the clinic set up at Saint Peter Church the downtown in Malacca and more than 50 patients from different places attended including Vietnamese and Indonesians. On that day, five volunteer workers from CRC also joint as interpreters for Chin refugees patients. After the patients in Malacca had been finished examining their health and received medical treatment, the mobile clinic teams sifted to Muar, about 60 kilometers away from Malacca.
When the mobile clinic team arrived to Muar, the Emanuel Church in Muar hailed them. Besides, the church also was offered as a clinic. In Muar, only 15 Chin refugee patients and some Nepalese could attend it.
“Many refugees have been suffering from variety of diseases, such as Tuberculosis, Kidney problem, scratch and womb problem. This is reliable for the Chin refugees who stay out of Kuala Lumpur area as they could not approach hospital” one volunteer worker said.
Last month, the ACTS had already conducted mobile clinic for Chin refugees in Cameron Highland and we hope that would be continued it.
On 3rd and 4th of September, one of local NGOs called A Call to Service (ACTS) set up mobile clinic in Malacca and Muar where many refugees live. ACTS in one of local NGO and based in Kuala Lumpur and it provides medical treatment to both legal and illegal foreigners in Malaysia.
The mobile clinic was conducted by two doctors and some volunteer workers from ACTS main office.
On the first day, only 15 of Chin refugees attended in mobile clinic to receive medical treatment because they had difficulties for transportation, as they stay in different places. But on the second day, the clinic set up at Saint Peter Church the downtown in Malacca and more than 50 patients from different places attended including Vietnamese and Indonesians. On that day, five volunteer workers from CRC also joint as interpreters for Chin refugees patients. After the patients in Malacca had been finished examining their health and received medical treatment, the mobile clinic teams sifted to Muar, about 60 kilometers away from Malacca.
When the mobile clinic team arrived to Muar, the Emanuel Church in Muar hailed them. Besides, the church also was offered as a clinic. In Muar, only 15 Chin refugee patients and some Nepalese could attend it.
“Many refugees have been suffering from variety of diseases, such as Tuberculosis, Kidney problem, scratch and womb problem. This is reliable for the Chin refugees who stay out of Kuala Lumpur area as they could not approach hospital” one volunteer worker said.
Last month, the ACTS had already conducted mobile clinic for Chin refugees in Cameron Highland and we hope that would be continued it.
Five Chin refugee women arrested in Immigration and RELA raid
6:16 PM
VOCR
30th September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C,
On
According to Chin Refugee Committee, “three women were taken to Putra Jaya immigration camp for further investigation and questioning. Among them, Ms. Biak Chin Sung is very pitiable because she was just released from Leng Kap immigration camp and she is now arrest again. After she escaped from long time imprisonment in Leng Kap camp, and spent only three days with her relative she got arrested a gain” one volunteer worker said.
Photo- charlshector At the same time, two Chin refugee women formally known as Lyly Par and Iang Zi also arrested at their workplace in Sungai Long. Ms. Lyly Par, holder of RSD document which issued by UNHCR office in
According to her husband, my wife is seven months pregnancy and she is almost to born a new baby but unfortunately, she is arrested being undocumented. About
When ask did you manage to do anything for releasing your wife, he answered that as we have no right at all in
Malaysia NGO demand on immigration detention centre deaths
2:35 PM
malaysiakini.com - http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/113632
Several human rights groups have urged the government to curb the increasing number of 'death in custody' resulting from lack of proper health care and poor sanitary conditions.
In a joint statement today, 14 human rights groups claimed that the current immigration detention centers are in deplorable state.
According to them, most centers are overcrowded, poorly sanitized, had insufficient food and inadequate access to medical and health services.
In May, two Burmese asylum seekers died from Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that is caused by water or food contaminated by animal urine.
Yesterday, according to the NGOs, six more Burmese detainees died, allegedly from same the cause.
Last month, a Togolese detainee was reported to have died in the same detention centre from Influenza A (H1N1).
Conduct inquest on deaths
Among the actions that groups are calling upon the government authorities such as the Immigration Department and the Health Ministry is to conduct an inquest into the recent deaths of the Burmese detainees.
They recommended that the government make public the results of the post-mortem of all the detainees and to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of diseases to the others.
"The Ministry of Health should monitor the detention centres, set up permanent clinics at immigration detention centres and include foreign workers and refugees in health prevention programme," said the statement.
Meanwhile, the group is also pushing for the government to recognize refugee status, asylum seekers and stateless persons.
The group of 14 includes Amnesty International Malaysia (AIM), Bar Council Human Rights Committee, Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Tenaganita and Women's Aid Organisation (WAO).
Myanmar's Chin people persecuted
9:29 PM
By DENIS D. GRAY
BANGKOK,
Thailand (AP) — The Chin people, Christians living in the remote mountains of northwestern Myanmar, are subject to forced labor, torture, extrajudicial killings and religious persecution by the country's military regime, a human rights group said Wednesday.
The New York-based Human Right Watch said as many as 100,000 people have fled the Chin homeland into neighboring India, where they face abuse and the risk of being forced back into Myanmar."The Chin are unsafe in Burma and unprotected in India," a report from the group said. The report said the regime in Myanmar, also known as Burma, continues to commit atrocities against its other ethnic minorities.Myanmar's ruling junta has been widely accused of widespread human rights violations in ethnic minority areas where anti-government insurgent groups are fighting for autonomy.
The government has repeatedly denied such charges. An e-mailed request for comment on the new report was not immediately answered.
Photo- CHRO
Chief Secretary Vanhela Pachau, a top official for India's Mizoram state, said he had not seen the report and could not comment."(The police) hit me in my mouth and broke my front teeth. They split my head open and I was bleeding badly. They also shocked me with electricity," the group quoted a Chin man accused of supporting the insurgents, who are small in number and largely ineffective.He was one of some 140 Chin people interviewed by the human rights group from 2005 to 2008. The group said the names of those interviewed were withheld to prevent reprisals.
A number of people spoke of being forced out of their villages to serve as unpaid porters for the army or to build roads, sentry posts and army barracks.Amy Alexander, a consultant for Human Rights Watch, told a news conference that insurgents of the Chin National Front also committed abuses such as extorting money from villagers to fund their operations.Alexander said Myanmar's government, attempting to suppress minority cultures, was destroying churches, desecrating crosses, interfering with worship services by forcing Christians to work on Sundays and promoting Buddhism through threats and inducements. Some 90 percent of the Chin are Christians, most of them adherents to the American Baptist Church.Ethnic insurgencies erupted in Myanmar in the late 1940s when the country gained independence from Great Britain.
Former junta member Gen. Khin Nyunt negotiated cease-fires with 17 of the insurgent groups before he was ousted by rival generals in 2004.Among rebels still fighting are groups from the Karen, Karenni, Shan and Chin minorities.At least half a million minority people have been internally displaced in eastern Myanmar as a result of the regime's brutal military campaigns while refugees continue to flee to the Thai-Myanmar border. More than 145,000 refugees receive international humanitarian assistance in Thai border camps.Alexander said that some 30,000 Chin have also sought refuge in Malaysia while about 500 were living in Thai border camps.
Malaysia Chin Christian Youth Fellowship Assembly held successfully
11:54 PM
VOCR
23, September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C,
”By the grace of God and through his guidance and protection Malaysia Chin Christian Youth Fellowship (MCCYF) Assembly was successfully held on 21 Sept, 2009. In the Assembly, the leaders divided three kinds of competitions such as Literature, singing contest (solo) and choir contest.
In literature contest, Avid Sing Cung Mang from Lautu Fellowship won first prize, Salai Za Hre Thang from Mi-E Fellowship second prize, and Mai Bawi Ram Iang from Zophei Fellowship third prize.
But Mai Tial Za Len from CCYF, Cheras won first prize in solo contest, Mai Sui Tin Par from CCYF, Puchong second and Mai Ma Kim from Matu Fellowship third. In choir contest, CCYF, Cheras won first place, Mi-E Fellowship second place, and Senthang Fellowship third place.
In a reported of one leader, 17 Fellowships were participated in the assembly. Among 17 Fellowships, 11 Fellowships could join choir contest. We had twice worship service and Rev. Bawi Thian Ting from FCC (Falam) was a speaker in the first time service but the second preacher was Rev. F. Za Thang from Mi-E fellowship.
”We believe that all who attended the service would be around 1500 persons. The Church is not big enough for all participants that some worshiped into the church and some into Hall next to the church through projector. Many persons came but no seat is left that they returned back” Salai Tha Hei said.
“Pu Zo Tum Hmung who visited us from USA also made a short speech in our service and we were very appreciated him. The main purpose and aim of the assembly is that we like to show that we are one in Christ and we are one in Chin” he continued.
“This is the scene of the second time MCCYF Assembly held on 21st September, 2009. It is God who guided and led the assembly joyful. The Assembly scene will be released in VCD tape. We would like to beg your prayer. It is beyond value that we could hold the Assembly in Malaysia amidst arrests and detentions” SHL Cinzah added.
In literature contest, Avid Sing Cung Mang from Lautu Fellowship won first prize, Salai Za Hre Thang from Mi-E Fellowship second prize, and Mai Bawi Ram Iang from Zophei Fellowship third prize.
But Mai Tial Za Len from CCYF, Cheras won first prize in solo contest, Mai Sui Tin Par from CCYF, Puchong second and Mai Ma Kim from Matu Fellowship third. In choir contest, CCYF, Cheras won first place, Mi-E Fellowship second place, and Senthang Fellowship third place.
In a reported of one leader, 17 Fellowships were participated in the assembly. Among 17 Fellowships, 11 Fellowships could join choir contest. We had twice worship service and Rev. Bawi Thian Ting from FCC (Falam) was a speaker in the first time service but the second preacher was Rev. F. Za Thang from Mi-E fellowship.
”We believe that all who attended the service would be around 1500 persons. The Church is not big enough for all participants that some worshiped into the church and some into Hall next to the church through projector. Many persons came but no seat is left that they returned back” Salai Tha Hei said.
“Pu Zo Tum Hmung who visited us from USA also made a short speech in our service and we were very appreciated him. The main purpose and aim of the assembly is that we like to show that we are one in Christ and we are one in Chin” he continued.
“This is the scene of the second time MCCYF Assembly held on 21st September, 2009. It is God who guided and led the assembly joyful. The Assembly scene will be released in VCD tape. We would like to beg your prayer. It is beyond value that we could hold the Assembly in Malaysia amidst arrests and detentions” SHL Cinzah added.
Chin Refugee Detainee Died at Lenggeng Camp
4:08 PM
VOCR
18, September, 2009
Kuala Lumpur
By Salai C C
Mr. Aung Lyn from Khua Kawng, Rezua Township died at Lenggeng Immigration camp on 15 September, 2009. Mr. Aung Lyn arrivied at Malaysia in February, 2007 and he stayed for more than two years in Malaysia. He was arrested on 29 May, 2009 in a raid of People Volunteer Corp (RELA), Immigration and Police at Putra Jaya where he worked.
According to the report of his brother, Mr. Aung Lyn was still healthy when he called him on 28 August but a moment later, his brother suddenly heard the news that Aung Lin died at the depot. His death is unbelievable and very difficult to bear for us, he added.
His fellow inmate also informed to Chin Refugee Committee, saying he was swelling and died within a few days. We believed that he might have been suffering from Meningitis. When he felt sick, his eyes became yellow and felt weak. A moment later, he died because he was neglected to admit to hospital for medical treatment by camp authorities.
After he died, his remaining was taken by the camp authority to Seremban hospital without giving information to any refugee organization and NGO so any organization could not know where the remaining was being kept. After three days, the Chin Refugee Committee came to know that his body was taken to Seremban Hospital. Fortunately, the body was released with the help of Chin refugee leaders without pay.
According to his relatives and villagers in Malaysia, one of Aung Lyn brother-in-laws also passed away at General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur on 17 July, 2009. He also was arrested for being undocumented and detained at Kajang Immigration camp. When he became sick, the camp authority admitted him to the hospital but he passed away a week later. He left his wife with seven months pregnancy, and the wife is being taken cared by the villagers in Malaysia.
An NGO, which helps the refugees, denounced the situation inside the detention camp that the camp authority always denies to access for medical treatment. The main infected diseases spread due to the drinking water and mice (rats), the NGO added. As the camp authority do not provided drinking water, the tap water is used for drinking which comes from dirty tank where dead rats are floating.
According to the report of his brother, Mr. Aung Lyn was still healthy when he called him on 28 August but a moment later, his brother suddenly heard the news that Aung Lin died at the depot. His death is unbelievable and very difficult to bear for us, he added.
His fellow inmate also informed to Chin Refugee Committee, saying he was swelling and died within a few days. We believed that he might have been suffering from Meningitis. When he felt sick, his eyes became yellow and felt weak. A moment later, he died because he was neglected to admit to hospital for medical treatment by camp authorities.
After he died, his remaining was taken by the camp authority to Seremban hospital without giving information to any refugee organization and NGO so any organization could not know where the remaining was being kept. After three days, the Chin Refugee Committee came to know that his body was taken to Seremban Hospital. Fortunately, the body was released with the help of Chin refugee leaders without pay.
According to his relatives and villagers in Malaysia, one of Aung Lyn brother-in-laws also passed away at General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur on 17 July, 2009. He also was arrested for being undocumented and detained at Kajang Immigration camp. When he became sick, the camp authority admitted him to the hospital but he passed away a week later. He left his wife with seven months pregnancy, and the wife is being taken cared by the villagers in Malaysia.
An NGO, which helps the refugees, denounced the situation inside the detention camp that the camp authority always denies to access for medical treatment. The main infected diseases spread due to the drinking water and mice (rats), the NGO added. As the camp authority do not provided drinking water, the tap water is used for drinking which comes from dirty tank where dead rats are floating.
Bangladesh: Myanmar refugees weave together self-reliance and hope
1:00 AM
14 September 2009
In the remote Bangladeshi village of Faruk Para, 34-year-old Kil Cer, a Chin refugee from Myanmar, weaves a blanket under a self-reliance scheme funded by UNHCR.
FARUK PARA, Bangladesh, September 14 (UNHCR) – Kil Cer, a shy, petite 34-year Chin refugee from Myanmar, can be found every morning weaving blankets along with five other women in the village community centre in this remote lush green village in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
In the remote Bangladeshi village of Faruk Para, 34-year-old Kil Cer, a Chin refugee from Myanmar, weaves a blanket under a self-reliance scheme funded by UNHCR.
FARUK PARA, Bangladesh, September 14 (UNHCR) – Kil Cer, a shy, petite 34-year Chin refugee from Myanmar, can be found every morning weaving blankets along with five other women in the village community centre in this remote lush green village in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
But they're not just turning out the colourful traditional blankets their mothers and grandmothers have always made. In their own quiet way they've woven together a small-scale economic revolution in the settlement of 700, liberating their families from debt and dependence on handouts.
"I am happy now," says Kil Cer. "Before, it was a difficult struggle." Largely because of Kil Cer's weaving skills, her community has paid back all their debts. They are able to take care of their families without UNHCR's support and have invested money in other businesses, such as banana plantations, that also employ the local Bangladeshi host community, known as the Bawm.
"We speak almost the same language as they do and they have been very good to us," Kil Cer, a mother of two, says about her hosts.
"We speak almost the same language as they do and they have been very good to us," Kil Cer, a mother of two, says about her hosts.
Behind the success is a new UNHCR approach to developing self-reliance as part of UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres's focus on refugees living outside camps. Learning from earlier projects that gave grants to refugees who did not have the proper skills or business education to use the money properly, UNHCR began relying on the expertise of local businesses to develop the skills of refugees in Bangladesh living outside camps.
Eight months ago, Kil Cer and other refugees in the village were heavily in debt after many of their projects – small rice mills, grocery shops and farming – failed. For many years, they had relied on UNHCR to pay their rent and give them money for basic commodities. Even when Kil Cer tried to support herself with weaving, she was only able to earn US$2 per blanket – hardly enough to cover her expenses.
Eight months ago, Kil Cer and other refugees in the village were heavily in debt after many of their projects – small rice mills, grocery shops and farming – failed. For many years, they had relied on UNHCR to pay their rent and give them money for basic commodities. Even when Kil Cer tried to support herself with weaving, she was only able to earn US$2 per blanket – hardly enough to cover her expenses.
"Like many girls in Myanmar, I was taught to weave by my mother in Myanmar when I was 15 years old," she says. In Bangladesh, she began weaving blankets and passed on the skill to a few other young women, both refugees and Bangladeshis.
The turning point came when UNHCR introduced her to Samantha Morshed, chief executive officer of Hathay Bunano, a company that was already employing rural Bangladeshi women and other disadvantaged people to make soft toys for the international market under fair trade rules. She provided free professional advice to Kil Cer and her team on improving their products and marketing them, to make best use of a UNHCR start-up loan of US$250.
The turning point came when UNHCR introduced her to Samantha Morshed, chief executive officer of Hathay Bunano, a company that was already employing rural Bangladeshi women and other disadvantaged people to make soft toys for the international market under fair trade rules. She provided free professional advice to Kil Cer and her team on improving their products and marketing them, to make best use of a UNHCR start-up loan of US$250.
Today their offerings include shawls, scarves, ponchos, baby blankets, picnic blankets, bedspreads and bags marketed under Expression in Exile, a brand that is becoming popular with the urban elite in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. Within a month, they made a profit of US$800, a substantial amount for the residents of Farak Pura, and today demand is outstripping supply.
"I was excited when I first saw the blankets from Expression in Exile and am happy to give the group a little direction in terms of colours, sizes, pricing and raw materials," says Morshed. "I see no reason why these blankets cannot achieve mainstream export sales in the near future."
"I was excited when I first saw the blankets from Expression in Exile and am happy to give the group a little direction in terms of colours, sizes, pricing and raw materials," says Morshed. "I see no reason why these blankets cannot achieve mainstream export sales in the near future."
Now that her daily needs are taken care of, Kil Cer is already looking to a future she could scarcely have dreamed of a year ago. "I want to invest the money in my children's education," she says. Her 19-year-old colleague, Siang Khin Par, has similar high hopes: "I do this because I would like to be self-reliant. I would like to learn computing and English."
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Saber Azam says the programme is paying benefits not only for the refugees but for Bangladesh as well.
UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Saber Azam says the programme is paying benefits not only for the refugees but for Bangladesh as well.
"Ensuring that refugees are able to take care of themselves and their communities is often a more humanitarian activity than giving them free hand-outs for years," he says. "Kil Cer has also demonstrated how refugees can help their Bangladeshi hosts rather than being a burden on them."
By Jelvas Musau in Faruk Para and Arjun Jain in Dhaka, Bangladesh
By Jelvas Musau in Faruk Para and Arjun Jain in Dhaka, Bangladesh
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