Ethical Traveler

On February 4, 2010, 28 members of the US House of Representatives endorsed a letter to the Prime Minister of Thailand expressing grave concerns regarding recent forced repatriation of Karen refugees from Burma.

Ethical Traveler acknowledges and thanks those representatives who signed the letter - especially Congressman Joseph Crowley and Congressman Joseph R. Pitts who lead the effort.

Ethical Traveler's acknowledgment has been formalized in a letter to the signatories. The text of the letter is included below.

9 February 2010

The Honorable Joseph Crowley
2404 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington D.C. 20515-3207

Dear Representative Crowley,

We are writing today to express our heartfelt thanks to you and your congressional colleagues for standing up for the Karen people who have been forced to flee their homes in Burma for the relative safety of Thailand.

Thank you for expressing your concerns to the Prime Minister of Thailand regarding Thai policy to forcefully repatriate thousands of ethnic Karen back to Burma where recent history has shown us they will face great harm. As you wrote in your letter:

"They will undoubtedly be subject to forced labour, executions, torture and mutilations, forced recruitment as soldiers, including child soldiers, and theft and extortion, making their survival very difficult."

Over the past 25 years Thailand has earned the respect of the international community by giving shelter to refugees fleeing abuses in Burma. With their recent actions, the Thai authorities risk doing damage to Thailand's reputation.

Learning of your letter to Prime Minister Abhisit on this topic gives us hope that the Thai authorities will change their policy.

Ethical Traveler is a US-based, global alliance that uses the power of tourism to protect human rights and the environment. Especially given that Thailand is a major tourist destination, we appreciate your stance as a factor in increasing awareness amongst our members and the general public.

Sincerely,

Jeff Greenwald, Director
Gregg Butensky, Burma Action Committee

Ethicaltraveler.org
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Update from Burma Campaign UK [10 Feb 2010]:

The reason for halting the deportations was undoubtedly the international attention being paid to what they were doing. Thousands of people answered our request and sent emails to the Thai Prime Minister and the local governor. Media, including The Independent, reported on what was going on, and European governments also called on Thailand to halt the deportations.

Now we have heard further good news, the three families who were forced back to Burma were able to return to the temporary refugee camp in Thailand yesterday.

This crisis campaign is a great example of how we can all work together, Burma Campaign groups, individuals, working with and supporting Karen organisations defending their people. Together we have made a difference, and no doubt saved lives and prevented horrific injuries. Thank you for your support.

However, the danger is not completely over yet. Local soldiers have still been pressuring the refugees to agree to return, and no permanent solution has yet been agreed that means the refugees are safe and secure. Senior level meetings involving Karen organisations and government officials are being held in Thailand to try to find a solution.