Letter from the field – Rudi Kohnert, Burmese Refugee Programs
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January 2009 I am writing from Thailand, where I have been recently visiting Austcare’s Burmese refugee program. The camps along the Thai-Burma border now form the second oldest refugee settlement in the world and are home to over 150,000 people. Two decades of armed conflict between the Burmese Army and ethnic armed groups calling for independence in Burma, along with widespread persecution and human rights violations, have caused large numbers of refugees to flee across the border into Thailand. Some of those seeking refuge are not recognised as refugees and, with no formal status in Thailand, survive as "migrant workers". Denied their basic rights, they are extremely vulnerable to exploitation. Women and girls are particularly at risk of sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking. Working through local partners, the main focus of Austcare’s work with these refugee communities is to increase awareness of sexual abuse and gender-based violence, reduce the incidence of violent behaviour towards women and provide protection for victims of violence, which is commonplace in these communities. Ask any of the women who have participated in the program and they will speak with conviction about how important it is for them to have greater awareness of their rights, what constitutes violence, and what they can do about it. All of the women I have spoken to report feeling more assertive now than a year ago and having grown in confidence. One woman said, “I used to believe if I suffered violence, it is my fate and I must put up with it. Now I know I have rights and I don't have to suffer this. I can ask for help.” An 18-year-old woman in one camp said, “I understand that I was forced by my parents to get engaged to an old man who I hate. But now after I attended the workshop I dare to tell my parents that I have a choice to choose my partner.” As a result of the project, there have been reports of an increase in the numbers of girls and women who refuse to keep quiet about the violence they suffer. More women have reported their experiences and sought help and advice. Many are now encouraging friends to also report violent incidents. It is clear to me that Austcare and its local partners have made a real and significant contribution to enhancing the lives of these refugees. Thank you for your continued support for Austcare’s work in the field – without it, we would not be able to continue our vital work in places such as the Thai-Burma border. Rudi Kohnert |
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