HRW: Thousands of Ethnic Karen Resident Flee Army Attacks

[Read in Burmese]

30 November 2006 (VOA) - Human Rights Watch says thousands of Burmese citizens have been forced to flee army attacks in eastern Burma's Karen state.

The U.S.  based organization issued a statement today saying some 3,000 ethnic Karen civilians are on the move in search of food and protection. It says around 200 have trekked to camps along the Thai border.

The organization says a year-long military offensive against members of the Karen National Union rebel force has displaced 27,000 civilians and killed at least 45.

It said recent attacks killed seven villagers and forced more than 14,00 to flee.

Human Rights Watch says since 1996, more than 3,000 villages have been destroyed or abandoned in eastern Burma and more than one million people displaced.

It is calling on Burma to end its attacks on Karen villagers, and to stop other abuses that prompt people to flee.