Refugees from Burma
Burma (Myanmar) is a small, ethnically diverse country in Southeast Asia which is bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. The country is divided into seven states and seven regions. The regions are predominantly populated by Bamar, the dominant ethnic group, while the states are home to different ethnic minority groups. The refugees that resettle in Albany belong primarily to the Karen and Karenni ethnic groups, with smaller numbers from the Chin and other ethnic groups.
A Brief History of Burma
Burma was colonized by the British and formed one of many states in British-ruled India until 1937, when it became a separately administered colony. In the following years, an independence movement formed, supported primarily by the Burman ethnic group led by Aung San. When Burma gained independence in January 1948, civil war immediately broke out. This civil war involved a number of smaller conflicts including an insurrection lead by the Communist Party of Burma, an insurrection lead by the Karen minority group, and armed struggles with other minority groups, including the Karenni, Mon, Pa-o, and Rakhine.
In 1962, Ne Win, a former colleague of Aung San, seized control of the government and imposed military rule. Under his rule, the Burmese military gradually regained control of many parts of Burma through the 'four cuts' policy, which involved cutting the opposition off from their key sources of survival: food, funds, recruits, and information. Upon gaining power, Ne Win also launched the Burmese Way to Socialism, a government program which involved nationalizing private industries, expelling foreigners, and closing the country off to the outside world.
The economic degradation and authoritarian rule that was prevalent under Ne Win lead to a pro-democratic uprising in August 1988. The military regime's response was brutal; in the weeks following the uprising an estimated 3,000 people were killed by security services. Though Ne Win resigned in 1988, he was replaced by a new group of ruling generals known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). They promised a general election and many new political parties were formed, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Aung San. However, the generals tried to prevent the NLD from winning the elections by arresting thousands of its supporters and placing Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. The NLD won the election, but the SLORC ignored the results and held onto power.
In May 2008, Burma was struck by Cyclone Nargis, which left thousands homeless and over 138,000 dead. It was the worst recorded natural disaster in Burma's history. Relief efforts after this disaster were slowed by the military government which initially resisted accepting international aid.
In 2010, a new general election was held, though there were widespread accusations of fraud and the election was boycotted by the NLD. Still, the election resulted in the creation of a nominally civilian government under President Thein Sein. The new government has made several significant steps towards democratization, including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. Despite these changes, military offensives against minority groups continue and many key positions of power remain in the hands of the military junta. Freedom of expression also remains limited.
The Karen Minority
The Karen minority forms about 7% of the total population of Burma, and they are the primary minority group from Burma resettled in the Capital Region. The Karen have historically been mountain dwelling farmers, though today many have fled their home state in Burma to refugee camps in Thailand. Their ethnic language is also called Karen, of which there are several dialects; many Karen also speak the Burmese language. Karen in the Capital Region practice a number of religions, including Christianity (in particular Baptist and Seventh Day Adventist), Theravada Buddhism, and Islam; others follow animist practices. As with any people, some do not ascribe to a religious tradition.
The Karenni Minority
The Karenni are the second most numerous minority group resettled in the Capital Region. The Karenni are most commonly Christian or Buddhist. The Karenni are primarily farmers and hunters, though they are also skilled weavers and basket makers.
More information on Refugees from Burma can be found here. More information on the conflict and refugee crisis in Burma can be found on the Human Rights Watch Website and the Amnesty International Website.
A Brief History of Burma
Burma was colonized by the British and formed one of many states in British-ruled India until 1937, when it became a separately administered colony. In the following years, an independence movement formed, supported primarily by the Burman ethnic group led by Aung San. When Burma gained independence in January 1948, civil war immediately broke out. This civil war involved a number of smaller conflicts including an insurrection lead by the Communist Party of Burma, an insurrection lead by the Karen minority group, and armed struggles with other minority groups, including the Karenni, Mon, Pa-o, and Rakhine.
In 1962, Ne Win, a former colleague of Aung San, seized control of the government and imposed military rule. Under his rule, the Burmese military gradually regained control of many parts of Burma through the 'four cuts' policy, which involved cutting the opposition off from their key sources of survival: food, funds, recruits, and information. Upon gaining power, Ne Win also launched the Burmese Way to Socialism, a government program which involved nationalizing private industries, expelling foreigners, and closing the country off to the outside world.
The economic degradation and authoritarian rule that was prevalent under Ne Win lead to a pro-democratic uprising in August 1988. The military regime's response was brutal; in the weeks following the uprising an estimated 3,000 people were killed by security services. Though Ne Win resigned in 1988, he was replaced by a new group of ruling generals known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). They promised a general election and many new political parties were formed, including the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Aung San. However, the generals tried to prevent the NLD from winning the elections by arresting thousands of its supporters and placing Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest. The NLD won the election, but the SLORC ignored the results and held onto power.
In May 2008, Burma was struck by Cyclone Nargis, which left thousands homeless and over 138,000 dead. It was the worst recorded natural disaster in Burma's history. Relief efforts after this disaster were slowed by the military government which initially resisted accepting international aid.
In 2010, a new general election was held, though there were widespread accusations of fraud and the election was boycotted by the NLD. Still, the election resulted in the creation of a nominally civilian government under President Thein Sein. The new government has made several significant steps towards democratization, including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. Despite these changes, military offensives against minority groups continue and many key positions of power remain in the hands of the military junta. Freedom of expression also remains limited.
The Karen Minority
The Karen minority forms about 7% of the total population of Burma, and they are the primary minority group from Burma resettled in the Capital Region. The Karen have historically been mountain dwelling farmers, though today many have fled their home state in Burma to refugee camps in Thailand. Their ethnic language is also called Karen, of which there are several dialects; many Karen also speak the Burmese language. Karen in the Capital Region practice a number of religions, including Christianity (in particular Baptist and Seventh Day Adventist), Theravada Buddhism, and Islam; others follow animist practices. As with any people, some do not ascribe to a religious tradition.
The Karenni Minority
The Karenni are the second most numerous minority group resettled in the Capital Region. The Karenni are most commonly Christian or Buddhist. The Karenni are primarily farmers and hunters, though they are also skilled weavers and basket makers.
More information on Refugees from Burma can be found here. More information on the conflict and refugee crisis in Burma can be found on the Human Rights Watch Website and the Amnesty International Website.
