Safe Houses
We thank all our generous donors who have trusted in our mission to support our continued work aiding those resisting military oppression in Burma. We have sent part of our donation fund to a Thai-based group who has managed a secret network bringing the families of defected soldiers to safety, despite the risk posed by authorities in both countries. Please read the following report to see how your contribution has kept this program alive!
Executive Summary:
This report outlines the challenges faced by Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) families and activists who have taken refuge on the Thai-Myanmar border due to the precarious political situation in Myanmar. It emphasizes the risks and difficulties that defected soldiers and their families encounter, particularly the threat of deportation to the Myanmar military. Additionally, it highlights the financial disparities and the limitations of safe houses in the area. The report also details the impact of Better Burma's support, particularly in providing house rent assistance to CDM families in need.
Background:
The political situation in Myanmar has been marked by instability and uncertainty in recent years. As a result, many individuals, including defected soldiers and their families, have sought refuge along the Thai-Myanmar border, facing the danger of being searched by Thai police and deported back to the Myanmar military.
Risk to Defected Soldiers and Families:
Soldiers who have defected, along with their family members on the Thai border are exposed to higher risks than other CDM participants. The possibility of being identified by Thai police and sent back to the Myanmar military is a constant and imminent threat. This peril is further compounded by the fact that defected soldiers face potentially graver consequences compared to politicians. If they are deported, they face almost certain torture and execution for leaving their post, so as to make an example for other soldiers considering defection.
Challenges Faced by CDM Families:
One of the significant challenges faced by CDM family members is the lack of Thai ID cards, which makes it exceedingly difficult for them to find work outside their shelter. The fear of being apprehended by Thai police has effectively barred them from even engaging in general labor activities.
Additionally, due to financial disparities and the overall high cost of living in the area, the burden of rent has become an unbearable expense for these families. The continuous presence of Thai police patrolling their neighborhoods restricts their daily activities, including essential tasks such as shopping for basic necessities.
Limited Safe House Availability:
Safe houses, a refuge for many CDM families, can only accommodate residents for a short period, typically ranging from 3 to 6 months. However, these houses often reach their maximum occupancy due to the high demand for shelter and limited support.
Impact of Better Burma's Support:
Better Burma has played a crucial role in alleviating the hardships faced by CDM families in the region. By providing support for three (3) monthly house rents, six (6) CDM families grappling with these difficulties have received financial assistance, alleviating a portion of their house rent expenses. This aid has provided not only financial relief but also psychological support by alleviating anxiety and uncertainty.
Future Initiatives:
While the support has made a tangible difference in the lives of these CDM families, it is important to recognize that the challenges they face are ongoing. Better Burma remains committed to providing further assistance to these families, addressing their immediate needs, and helping them navigate the perilous environment on the Thai-Myanmar border. We hope that donors to Better Burma recognize the extent to which they have helped those people still striving for democracy, and we thank you for your continued support to our cause.
Acknowledgment:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Better Burma for their ongoing support and dedication to improving the lives of these brave individuals and their families. Your contribution is invaluable, and we look forward to the continued positive impact your organization will have in the future.