No.16 - 02/2006
22 February 2006

Human Rights

SPDC places restrictions on ICRC movements in Kengtung

Phu Murng

The ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) has been working in Kengtung for many years since 1999, but since January 2006, their movements are under restriction, causing some staffs to quit, according to Pegasus from the border.

The local authorities did not allow them to work freely; they are not allowed to visit villagers in rural area and prisoners in the jails by themselves. But they still can carry on their movements, as long as a government official can accompany them.

Courtesy: icrc.org
One of ICRC's project areas in Burma

There were 4 foreigners and 11 local staffs, which include Shan, Burman and Lahu but now 1 foreigner and 9 locals remain. The restrictions had forced some of the staffs to quit their jobs, according to the source.

The ICRC used to rent 2 houses in Kengtung the biggest township in eastern Shan State, one located at Nawng Tong village in the west of Nawng Tong Lake for office, and the other one located at Wiang Mai (Myo Thit) village in the east of town for lodgings. But now that the work force has been reduced, all of them are staying and working at Myo Thit.

The ICRC established its presence in Burma 1986 with physical rehabilitation programmes for mine casualties and other disabled people. Later on in 1999 its delegates have been working regular visits to people deprived of their freedom in Shan, Karen and Mon states, according to ICRC webpage.

ICRC projects locations
Courtesy: icrc.org