WASHINGTON—A humanitarian crisis is surfacing in northern Burma for the Kachin ethnic minority. Thousands are fleeing fresh fighting between the Burmese military and the Kachin Independence Army.
Brianna Oliver, spokeswoman for the U.S. Campaign for Burma, says fierce fighting, shelling, and human rights abuses have driven whole Kachin communities from their homes. Around 100,000 refugees are now desperate for food and shelter.
“The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burmese Army have been planting land mines and have been fighting around communities,” she said in a phone interview. “A lot of civilians have been hurt.”
According to Human Rights Watch (HRW) there are more than 85 camps of internally displaced people in Kachin State. Limited international resources have been allowed in, but in some areas humanitarian aid and food shortages are critical, reports HRW.
“President Thein Sein urgently needs to let the aid agencies reach everyone who needs their help,” said Bill Frelick HRW Refugee Program director in a statement.
After 50 years of oppressive military rule, Burmese leader, former Gen. Thein Sein, has made dramatic progress on democratic reforms. Ethnic minorities, however, continue to suffer.
