Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – "The humanitarian response has been prompt and efficient. The problem of ethnic minorities goes way back in time. However, if the Burmese regime collapses abruptly, civil war will break out, with disastrous effects of suffering and displacement." This is the opinion of the Jesuit Father Bernard Arputhasamy, SJ, Regional Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Asia-Pacific, based in Bangkok.
Fr. Bernard, returning from a mission on the border with Myanmar and obtaining information from the staff in Mae Sot, also confirms the ongoing humanitarian crisis: "More than 20,000 people of the ethnic group Karen have crossed the border to escape the conflict between the Burmese army and ethnic groups, following elections. We were prepared for this possibility. At this time, the emergency response is being managed in a joint effort between the Thai government, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and a group of NGOs, including the Jesuit Refugee Service. We are bringing tents, food, drinking water, and medicine to the refugees."
Both an on-site collaborator and a direct observer of the situation, the Jesuit offers Fides his analysis on the Burmese conflict: "The problem of ethnic minorities in Myanmar is very complex and goes back years, to prior to the country's independence. Many groups, such as the Karen, Shan, and Kachin are seeking territorial independence. They want their own state. Each group is internally divided and does not speak with one voice. In any case, the Burmese regime is the one, albeit superficially and brutally, ensuring territorial unity by force. If the regime were to collapse abruptly any time soon, I fear there would be a civil war and Myanmar would end up like the Balkans or Iraq."
The Director of JRS continues: "I think sometimes the international community views Myanmar with too much romance, or the country is attributed with a sort of 'ideology of democracy' which does not take into account the situation on the ground, the historical and social conditions. We demand freedom and human rights, but I think the solution is in a progressive involvement of the Burmese junta in a democratic transition, made of small steps forward...also, perhaps through the intervention of states like China and India, which have strong trade relations with Myanmar. It is a long and tiring path, which also involves educating the diverse population of Myanmar in the prospect of a federal state. But, I think this is a non-violent approach." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/09/2010)
