Boat People: Setting sail for a better life

By Moo Ko Htee

More than 1,500 people have left Bangladesh by boat heading towards Malaysia in search of a better life in the past three months. Most of those setting sail are Rohingya from northern Arakan State, who have escaped from life under the Burmese military junta where they are severely discriminated against and faced systematic human rights violations, which directly hindered their ability to survive or provide for their family within Burma. The pull factors that draw people to Malaysia have also changed, making it an ideal destination for Rohingya to resettle as migrant workers. Sadly, most do not make it, instead they land in Thailand, are arrested and face an uncertain future.

By BI Staff

In January there was another split within the Karen National Union (KNU). The Karen National Liberation Army 7th Brigade leader Major-General Htain Maung with 30 of his men broke off from the KNU to form the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council. Following the split Htain Maung surrendered to the Burmese military junta. Over the past 12 years the KNU has been plagued with disunity and this split comes as the KNU leadership is in transition following the death of Bo Mya in December 2006. The affects of this split are beginning to emerge, however, time will tell the true impact it will have on the Karen, and the resistance movement in Burma.