Burma's military dictatorship has just announced victory in Burma's first elections in 20 years. Based onreports on the ground, the process was dominated, restricted and manipulated by the military junta. Theelections have left the country more volatile than ever, with eruptions of violence causing citizens to seekrefuge.
This Christmas, church-goers will be able to share the gifts of food, shelter, medicine and education withrefugees that have sought security from violence and persecution in the sprawling camps that line theThailand-Burma border.
Mr Alistair Gee, Executive Director of Act for Peace (the international aid agency of the National Council ofChurches in Australia) said, "The situation in Burma is extremely unpredictable. In the past days we haveseen around 20,000 people flee violence between ethnic rebels and Burmese government forces. Thefighting has now ceased and the people are returning to Burma, but this underscores the continuedbuilding of tension in Burma."
Mr Gee said, "The Christmas Bowl has played an important role in establishing security for Burmeserefugees living on the Thai-Burma border for the past 25 years. It is vital that these camps continue to bea safe-haven for people who have lost everything due to ongoing violence. The camps already house140,000 people; we are monitoring the post-election situation in Burma and preparing for the possibility ofan influx of refugees."
"We are encouraging churches and people of faith around Australia to give generously to the ChristmasBowl to support the people of Burma during this pivotal time and to support civilians caught in other crisesunraveling around the world", said Mr Gee.
With the help of Australian churches, Act for Peace hopes to raise over $2.7 million for the ChristmasBowl program this year. Reaching this target is vital to effectively assist the people of Burma and Sudan.Particularly as the Sudan 2011 Referendum approaches on 7 January, where the North and South willvote for cessation.
Mr Gee said, "We are already seeing population movements in Sudan as southerners residing in theNorth ask our partners to organise safe passage back to their villages in southern Sudan. Threats andintimidation are already taking place and there is a climate of fear. We must be prepared logistically andfinancially to deal with the humanitarian consequences of large scale migration and violence."
To make a tax deductible gift or to order the Christmas Bowl resources, visit: www.actforpeace.org.au