More Rohingya land in Thailand, allege Burma abuse

More Rohingya land in Thailand, allege Burma abuse

By Vithoon Amorn

Source : www.reuters.com

BANGKOK (Reuters) - More Rohingya migrants from Myanmar have arrived in Thailand and are being held by police rather than the army, which has towed hundreds of others far out to sea before abandoning them, police said Tuesday.

Police Colonel Veerasilp Kwanseng, head of Paknam district station in Ranong in southwest Thailand, said the navy had handed over 78 Rohingya, an oppressed Muslim minority from the former Burma's northwest.

It is not clear whether this is a change of policy or a publicity stunt widely shown on Thai television to defuse international outrage at persistent allegations of the army abandoning nearly 1,000 Rohingya at sea.

"Most of them were suffering from quite serious exhaustion and required medical assistance. We have local medics looking after them," he told Reuters. "Many had wounds on their bodies, but I don't know exactly what caused them."

Another officer said the migrants, a dozen of whom were under 18, had reported the wounds as whiplashes inflicted by officials in military-ruled Myanmar.

The group's handling by police is a break with the army's secretive processing of other Rohingya on a remote Andaman Sea island before towing them out to sea and abandoning them in rickety, engine-less boats.

A Rohingya rights group says 550 of nearly 1,000 towed out to sea by the army since early December are feared to have drowned.

NBT television showed pictures of the emaciated and exhausted men in the latest group being treated by medics and holding registration papers.

Veerasilp said the men, who were found floating near Thailand's Surin Islands after an unknown period at sea, would be prosecuted for illegal immigration.

The offence carries a fine of up to 2,000 baht, but is seldom enforced in the case of destitute migrants.

"ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION"

More than 230,000 Rohingya are living a precarious, stateless existence in Bangladesh, having fled decades of persecution at the hands of Myanmar's Buddhist generals, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR).

Tens of thousands more have left, often in rickety wooden boats, in search of a better life elsewhere. Many have ended up in Malaysia, where more than 14,000 are formally registered as refugees and thousands more work as casual laborers.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who has made much of putting human rights at the center of government but who relies on support from the army, said he wanted four-way talks between Thailand, Bangladesh, India and the UNHCR to address the problem.

"We must work out a solution acceptable to all parties but it must be stressed that we will not allow sustained illegal migration that may put our security at risk," he said, adding that the Foreign Ministry had been asked to approach the UNHCR.

His words do not seem to be getting through.

The UNHCR in Bangkok wrote a formal letter a week ago asking for access to a batch of 126 Rohingya in military custody, but is yet to hear a response to its request.

The army has told the government the group in question is no longer in the country.

A spokesman said Foreign Minister Kasit Piromyas was trying to arrange a meeting with UNHCR in Bangkok but was having problems due to his busy schedule.

However, Kasit has a meeting slated for February 2 with UNHCR chief Antonio Guterres in Geneva after this week's Davos World Economic Forum.

(Additional reporting and writing by Ed Cropley; Editing by Darren Schuettler and Bill Tarrant)

ROHINGYA PROTESTS ON BOATPEOPLE IN FRONT OF THAI AND BURMESE EMBASSIES IN LONDON

ROHINGYA PROTESTS ON BOATPEOPLE IN FRONT OF THAI AND BURMESE EMBASSIES IN LONDON

The video report of Al Jazeera TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsk5E6yquFw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p-WyHJb_T4

Report of AlJazeera.net
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/01/20091257424655753.html

The Rohingya community in the United Kingdom staged two separate demonstrations in front of the Burmese and Thai embassies in London on January 26.

The demonstrations were jointly organized by the Arakan Rohingya National Organization (ARNO) and Burmese Rohingya Organization UK (BROUK).

During the demonstrations, the Rohingya groups protested and condemned the Rohingya extermination policy of the SPDC and the recent inhuman action of the Thai Navy against innocent Rohingya people. The Rohingyas, were innocent and were trying to flee large-scale persecution in Arakan State, and had travelled in search of peace, safe shelter and protection.

Many Burmese organizations, Burmese support groups and human rights organizations, such as, the Burmese Muslim Association (BMA), Burmese Democratic Movement Association (BDMA), Kachin National Organization (KNO), Burma Democratic Concern (BDC), Burma Campaign UK, Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), and members of other ethnic minorities of Burma and local communities joined the Rohingya groups in the demonstrations.

In the demonstrations, the ARNO and BROUK issued two separate joint statements were issued, with an open letter addressed to Thai Ambassador H.E. Kitti Wasinnondh, and was handed over to the Thai Embassy by Nurul Islam and Tun Khin, following a meeting with First Secretary of the Thai Embassy.

The statements are:-

Joint Statement by Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) and Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK) issued on 26th January 2009

CONCERN ON THE ROHINGYA BOATPEOPLE

(1) The Thai navy had intercepted at least 992 Rohingya and Bangladeshi boatpeople on Thai territorial waters in Andaman Sea between December 18 and 30, 2008. Some of the boatpeople were beaten. Then the Thai navy, after intentionally removing the engines from the captured boats, tied the hands of these helpless people and forced and towed them in engineless boats into the high sea, without navigational equipments, sufficient food and water, and abandoned them to die. More than 500 boatpeople are reportedly missing and feared dead. We have never expected such a treatment from a neighbouring democratic country like Thailand. It is a violation of international humanitarian laws and standards. We strongly protest and condemn these atrocious actions.

(2) The Rohingya, who are rendered stateless, are worst victims of systematic, persistent and widespread human rights violations in Burma, including denial of citizenship rights, severe restrictions on freedom of movement, education, marriage and religion, forced labour, rape, land confiscation, arbitrary arrests, torture, extra judicial killings and extortion on daily basis. So far about 1.5 million them were expelled from the country or have had to leave their homeland to save their lives since 1948. These crimes against humanity which are arguably 'slow-burning genocide' forced the Rohingyas to leave their homes in search of peace, safe shelter, and protection. Government of Thailand should treat them humanitarianly while addressing the root cause of their flights from Arakan.

(3) The longstanding Rohingya problem with the issue of the boatpeople affects Thailand and other countries and is essentially a regional issue having dimension in the perspective of internationalism that demands a 'permanent solution'. In this connection, being an important neighbouring country in the region and its current chairmanship of the ASEAN, we hope Thailand can play a 'key role'.

(4) We are grateful to the Governments of India and Indonesia for rescuing and looking after the drifting boatpeople. Meanwhile, we welcome the statement of Thai Prime Minister H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva to investigate the boatpeople incident.

At this point in time, we demand the Government of Thailand:

1. To treat the boatpeople humanely, and to stop forcing them to the risk of sinking and drowning;

2. Not to push back the Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers, including the boatpeople, to Burma where their lives will be in danger;

3. To conduct an impartial inquiry, and to take appropriate actions against those responsible for the loss of lives and tragedy of the boatpeople;

4. To allow UNHCR access to the Rohingya boatpeople in Thai custody to determine their status or to see if they are in need of international protection;

5. To try for a 'permanent solution' of the longstanding Rohingya problem.


===============================================

Joint Statement of Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) and Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK), issued in London

on 26 January 2009

STOP ROHINGYA EXTERMINATION

The indigenous Rohingya, with a long history and glorious past in Arakan, are not tolerated in Burma. The ruling Burmese military SPDC is systematically exterminating this particular ethnic Muslim community from their ancestral homeland with intent to turn Arakan into a Muslim free region. About 1.5 million of them are in Diaspora in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Gulf States, Thailand and Malaysia. They are vulnerable in those countries without status.

The SPDC has declared Rohingya as non-nationals rendering them stateless. They have become the worst victims of systematic, persistent and widespread human rights violations in Burma, including denial of citizenship rights, severe restrictions on freedom of movement, education, marriage and religion, forced labour, rape, land confiscation, arbitrary arrests, torture, extra judicial killings and extortion on daily basis. These crimes against humanity which are arguably 'slow-burning genocide' have forced the Rohingyas to leave their homes for various destinations in search of peace, safe shelter, and protection.

From 18-30 December 2008, about 1000 boatpeople, most of them Rohingyas fleeing large-scale persecution in Arakan were intercepted by the Thai navy on Thai territorial waters in Andaman Sea. Over 500 boatpeople are missing or feared dead after being forced back into the sea by the Thai navy in engineless boats. Some of the drifting boatpeople were rescued by the Indian and Indonesian coastguards. We condemn this terrible action of the Thai navy. We also strongly condemn SPDC for creating an impossible situation for a peaceful living of these people and is more responsible for this human tragedy.

SPDC is an illegitimate military regime perpetrating crimes against humanity particularly in ethnic areas. Besides, it is now destroying mosques, churches and places of worship across the country. The regime is making increased demographic changes, particularly in North Arakan, by expelling the Rohingya population and establishing Buddhist settler villages on the Rohingyas' lands.

It may be stressed that, today the SPDC has made the Rohingya people as the most illiterate section in Burma's society. Virtually they have become 'living dead' and are 'dying alive' without any rights of man. They are helpless, hapless and defenceless and so 'the responsibly to protect' this highly vulnerable people lies with the international community.

On this occasion, we demand SPDC:

1. To stop Rohingya extermination and their expulsion;

2. To restore the Burmese citizenship of the Rohingya, and lift forthwith all restrictions on their right to education, right to get married and freedom of movement;

3. To stop religious persecution, destruction of mosques, churches and places of worship, and cease all human rights violations across the country;

4. To free Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, U Kayw Min, U Khun Tun Oo and all political prisoners;

5. To start genuinely all inclusive democratic and political process in accordance with the will of the people of Burma.

======================================

AN OPEN LETTER TO H.E. KITTI WASINNODH, THE AMBASSADOR OF THAILAND IN LONDON

Date: 26th January 2009


H.E. Kitti Wasinnondh
The Ambassador of Thailand
Royal Thai Embassy
29-30 Queen's Gate
London SW7 5JB

Subject: Concern on the Rohingya boatpeople.

Your Excellency,

Regarding Rohingya boatpeople we would like to express our concerns as follows:

1. The Thai Navy had intercepted at least 992 Rohingya and Bangladeshi boatpeople on Thai territorial waters in Andaman Sea between December 18 and 30, 2008. Some of the boatpeople were beaten. Then the Thai navy, after intentionally removing the engines from the captured boats, tied the hands of these helpless people and forced and towed them in engineless boats into the high sea, without navigational equipments, sufficient food and water, and abandoned them to expose to the risk of sinking and drowning. According to survivors, more than 500 boatpeople are missing or feared dead. We have never expected such a treatment from a neighbouring democratic country like Thailand. It is a violation of international humanitarian laws and standards. We strongly protest and condemn it.

2. The Rohingya are a people under constant tyranny. So far about 1.5 million them were expelled from the country or have had to leave their homeland to save their lives since 1948. They are rendered stateless facing institutionalized persecution while living in abject poverty. Crimes against humanity have been perpetrated against them, including denial of citizenship rights, severe restrictions on freedom of movement, education, marriage and religion, forced labour, rape, land confiscation, arbitrary arrests, torture, extra judicial killings and extortion on daily basis. This extreme situation causes them to flee their homeland for various destinations of the world including neighbouring Bangladesh and Thailand in search of peace, safe shelter, and protection. Government of Thailand should, therefore, treat them humanely while addressing their problems.

3. The Rohingya problem, including the issue of the boatpeople, affects Thailand and other countries in the region and the world. It is essentially a regional issue having dimension in the perspective of internationalism. It is, therefore, imperative to address the root cause of their flights from Arakan towards finding a 'permanent solution'. In this connection, being an important neighbouring country in the region as well as its current chairmanship of the ASEAN, we hope the Government of Thailand can play a key role.

4. We welcome the statement of Thai Prime Minister H.E. Abhisit Vejjajiva to investigate the boatpeople incident. Meanwhile, we hope the proposed Regional Conference will address the Rohingya issue and problem.

In observation of the above facts, we demand the followings:

1. To treat the boatpeople humanely, and not to force them to the risk of sinking and drowning;

2. Not to send back the Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers, including the boatpeople, to Burma where their lives will be in danger;

3. To conduct an impartial inquiry, and to take appropriate actions against those responsible for the loss of lives and tragedy of the boatpeople;

4. To allow UNHCR access to the Rohingya boatpeople in Thai custody to determine their status or to see if they are in need of international protection;

5. To try for a 'permanent solution' of the longstanding Rohingya problem.

With highest regards.


Nurul Islam
President
Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO)
Arakan, Burma.


Tun Khin Ziaul Gaffar
President
Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK (BROUK)
===========================================

News & Information Department
Arakan Rohingya National Organization (ARNO)

================================================

Thailand govt is greedy and corrupted for money. The membership of Burma and Thailand should be canceled from ASEAN organization and also other helping organization . Trade embargo with those govt. who are helping a non-elected and genocide govt. of BURMA. Burma under UN watched, in this time Thailand and China is giving full support to Military Junta.

Boycott ASEAN from
ASEAN Regional Forum
East Asia Summit

An open letter to Government of Israel And HAMAS

By Faisal Alam

An open letter to Government of Israel And HAMAS
Date : January 15, 2009

To
Government of Israel

Im begging and requesting to the government of Israel to open the border-points with Gaza in order to allow for evacuation of civilians (children and woman) from the battle zone to a safe location, until they can be returned to their families with the cessation of hostilities.

Im deeply concern life of the thousand civilians (Children and Woman) Who are trapped in Gaza. They are killed thousand number, which are deeply humanitarian fall of civilization.

From the ancient history of War says civilians (Children and Woman) untouchable. Even barbarian age the warrior take the children and woman as slave never killed those races.

So as democratic and civilized country please give the right to live civilians (Children and Woman). they became victim of war between you and HAMAS .

As far as history says ( I know ) those children will became HAMAS. Aggressive them HAMAS and new Another group (Those who will hate more Israel, then HAMAS group). This will be never end project for your state. You have to invest weapon and arms. Negotiations is the key. You can take vaccination for virus , cannot killed the virus which on you.

To
HAMAS

I deplore HAMAS indiscriminate rocket attacks on civilian of Israel, Im writing to HAMAS leaders to urge them cease such attacks and agree to ceasefire. It is shame that you are using civilian as your shield. Art of war never allow that.

In closing, i wish to underscore my profound alarm at the increasingly desperate circumstances facing civilians (Children and Woman) in GAZA

Im begging you would see these concerns your urgent attention.

Please dont make human civilization in shame. What you (both) will give the answer your past people and future people.Make your love for mankind.

Amin

If anyone agree with me, refine my odd and mistake of the letter and make same voice,

"We are in peace, the war is over

Widowers in northern Arakan to wait for three years for remarriage

Kaladan News

January 1, 2009

Widowers in northern Arakan to wait for three years for remarriage

Buthidaung, Arakan State: In Northern Arakan State, including the townships of Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung, widowers have to wait for a minimum of three years to re-marry, a widower from Buthidaung said on condition of anonymity.

A widower named Hussain (not his real name), who hails from Buthidaung Township told Kaladan Press Network that his wife had died of cancer three months ago. She had left three children and they did not have a grandmother also, who could look after them.

Hussain is a farmer, who spends most of his time cultivating land and is therefore unable to look after his children. He goes to work after handing over the children to a neighbor, for the day.

After collecting all the necessary documents, the widower submitted an application to the Nasaka, Burma's border security force, to seek permission for remarriage. However, the concerned Nasaka officer asked him to wait for at least three years to seek permission. After speaking to the Nasaka officer, the widower said he had been facing difficulties with his children and asked them to grant permission. The Nasaka, however, did not relent.

In order to get permission for remarriage, there are more formalities. Initially, the applicant had to get forms from the concerned office where he had to pay kyat 5,000. After collecting the forms, these would be filled up by the clerk of the Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC), where the applicant had to pay kyat 3,000. Then the application would be sent to the VPDC office for a recommendation letter from the VPDC Chairman, where again the applicant had to pay kyat 5,000, a bridegroom's father, who declined to be named, said.

Afterwards, the application would be sent to the Sarapa (Military Intelligence) of Nasaka for a recommendation letter, where the candidate would have to pay kyat 15,000. Followed by this, the application including two photographs would be sent to the Doctor of Nasaka for medical checking and again for a recommendation where the candidate had to pay kyat 10,000. After that the application with all other documents would be sent to the Immigration of Nasaka, where two witnesses including the father and mother are called. They are asked whether the bride and the bridegroom agree to be with each other.

Subsequently, the application is sent to the local Nasaka headquarters for checking, where the candidate has to pay kyat 15,000. The new bridegroom has to wait for at least three months to get permission. If the candidate is a widower, the time span of three years is compulsory.

If the new bridegroom pays a bribe of kyat 200,000 to 300,000 to the concerned authority, he is likely to get permission within 15 days, a close aide of Nasaka said.

Later all the documents have to be sent to the local Nasaka camp, where the candidate again has to pay kyat 5,000. ##