|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
  |
 |
  |
BURMA
>> Regional Overview >> Burma Overview
Development Challenge FY2001 Program /
Activity & Budget InformationSummary Tables
Program Summary
Last updated: 33
Introduction
Since 1962, Burma has been ruled by a military junta that has brutally suppressed any form of dissent, and under whose leadership the country's economic and social performance has significantly deteriorated. Since the late 1980's, the regime has carried out aggressive military campaigns against ethnic populations, primarily located along the Thai-Burma border. These campaigns, along with the severe suppression of dissent and the deteriorating economy inside Burma, has led to a growing population of economic and political refugees both inside Burma and in surrounding countries. At this time, there are an estimated 120,000 refugees living in camps along the Thai-Burma border. Another estimated 700,000 Burmese live in Thailand, but outside formal refugee camps. Additionally, an estimated 65,000 - 75,000 Burmese refugees are living in India and Bangladesh . The regime's war against the ethnic populations along the Thai-Burma border has displaced another estimated 800,000 civilians, some of whom have been forcibly relocated to camps near military outposts while the remainder have elected to hide from the regime's army in the jungle.Beginning in fiscal year 1996, Congress earmarked funds for humanitarian and democracy programs related to the crisis in Burma and along Burma's border with Thailand. In FYs 1996 and 1997, the funds were primarily for activities designed to strengthen and support nascent democratic efforts inside and outside Burma. These funds were managed by the Department of State's Office for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (STATE/DRL). In 1998, Congress increased the funds appropriated for Burma to $5.0 million and specified that $1.5 million be programmed for humanitarian assistance to refugees located along the Thai-Burma border. These funds complement activities already being funded under the U.S. Department of State's Population, Refugee and Migration (STATE/PRM) program. USAID contributed $1.5 million in Development Assistance funds to meet this requirement, and began that year to manage the humanitarian activities under the earmark. In FYs 1999 and 2000, the earmark was increased to $6.5 million, of which $3.0 million was targeted for humanitarian activities and $3.5 million for democracy activities. USAID has continued to manage the humanitarian component while DRL manages the democracy component of the earmark.
The Development Challenge
The challenge facing the U.S. is how to effectively support and influence an eventual peaceful transition to a democratically elected government in Burma, while helping provide critical assistance to the growing number of refugees and displaced people living inside Burma and along Burma's borders. The U.S. government maintains a continued interest in the transition of Burma from a rogue state to a member of the world community. Until this transition takes place, the U.S. government is committed to help alleviate the suffering of displaced Burmese.
Country Background Information Resources CIA Factbook
Library of CongressNational Geographic Country Maps
State Dept. Country Information
 |
|||
Last Updated on: November 17, 2000 |
