A Symptom and the Disease
A Symptom and the Disease
Last week, Thailand announced that it is considering plans to return Burmese refugees to Burma. That’s 140,000 people who left because their homes were burned, or their relatives were killed, or made into forced laborers, or raped, or tortured, or unjustly jailed, or otherwise violently oppressed. Along with the logistical problems of kicking out that may people, there is the obvious question- what are they supposed to go back to? A government that chased them out in the first place?
This repatriation plan is only the latest in many years worth of absurd acts and suggestions, by many actors on many sides. What it confirms, though, is the need for continued high level effort to bring freedom, peace, and reconciliation to Burma. Discussion of repatriating refugees is just one expression of a much deeper and menacing problem. Refugees are a symptom; violently oppressive government rule is the disease. It must end.
Recently, Aung San Suu Kyi made this video address to a group of world leaders at the annual Davos conference. It is a call to people of conscience everywhere. Her voice is soft and clear, but her message is strong- the freedom of Burma is a global responsibility. We must all do it.
What can you do right now? Email your senator and ask them to sign a Senate resolution that is circulating right now! The resolution calls for the release of political prisoners, an end to violence, and continued international pressure for an investigation into crimes in Burma. Stay tuned.