Title of Article: Myanmar Refugees in Limbo in Thailand
Author: Hanna Hindstorm
Date Published: May 24, 2015
Summary:
The article discusses the trouble that Myanmar refugees have had to face since escaping to Thailand for whatever harsh reasons. The nine camps of refugees scattered across Western Thailand is not enough for some refugees. U Zaw Shwe is an activist from Myanmar’s Rakhine state and is upset about not being seen as an actual refugee because he didn't register in time. He is hoping something is done to improve him and his family's status and resettle him and his family. He has been working and petitioning with the United Nations for a long time, and they said to just wait, and somehow after all these years he is still waiting. Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees is working with Thailand governemnt to find a solution to this crisis, but somehow even more questions are brought up than solutions. It looks like U Zaw Shwe will have to wait much longer to improve his and his family's inadequate status.
Personal Thoughts:
I believe that this situation is just unfair, but I also see the government's side of the story. Where are they going to put all of these people? Will it overpopulate and take the jobs of their own people? There are many questions that can be brought up, but after all of this time how have they not found some sort of solution? The solution does not have to be perfect, it just has to be a sturdy compromise for both sides. The families escaping terror, war, discrimination deserve the right to start a whole new life again and if they are good and hard workers why not allow them that chance? Stop pushing them away and pretending there is no possible solution, just find a compromise and allow the process of these refugees to integrate into society and not some dreadful camps cramped with disillusioned people.
Ties to the Political Life:
Refugees is a big part of politics, after all the politicians are the ones who decide to accept or reject the people looking for help. Obviously there are scare concerns on whether these refugees will bring bad into the country or if they are genuine in their search for relief. There is also the idea of too many coming in and ruining the "settled culture" of the people already in Thailand. The refugees could bring ideas or even religions unwanted by the government or people and suddenly there is an ethnic or religious war. Not something a country needs. The politicians hand's seem to be tied but they have to figure something out because it is unfair and soon all hell will break loose if nothing is fixed.