Suchergebnisse

AbstractThe past decade has seen the rapid development of transnationalism research, but transnationalism from below in situations of mass refugee influx has received little attention. However, the case study of Burmese refugees in Thailand clearly demonstrates that those refugees can maintain economic, social, cultural and political links with co‐nationals in all the domains of the refugee diaspora, even if their capabilities are in principle strained. It is argued here that the legal status of the person or diaspora organization concerned, as well as the country of origin and the host country have a larger influence on the type of transnationalism than the label 'migrant' or 'refugee'. The concept of transnationalism should thus be conceived in a more encompassing sense, both geographically, thematically and including all emigrants regardless of their original motivations for migration. The article is based on fieldwork, including over 150 interviews with Burmese refugees and political activists.

Draws on 2007/07 fieldwork along the Thai-Burmese border to explore the impact of Burmese refugees on Thailand. Discussion opens with a look at why the Burmese are leaving their country & the character of Thai policies related to their migration. Focus turns to the effect this refugee group has on Thai security, politics, environment & economy. It is asserted that, despite concerns regarding health care, crime, & environmental degradation, Burmese refugees benefit more than harm the Thai economy. D. Edelman

Burmese refugees in Thailand maintain economic, social and political links with their country of origin, but these transnational activities are influenced by the politics and level of development of the country of origin and the host country. Through transnational activities, refugees can have a positive impact on the home country by contributing to peace-building and development or they can enhance conflict, as the discussion on community engagement and political transnationalism will illustrate. Clearly, the increased capacity and networks of the Burmese diaspora have bestowed it with a large (future) potential to influence peace-building, development and conflict. Therefore, it is argued here that the various civil, political and military groups in exile should be included in the peace-building process initiated by international actors, next to stakeholders inside the country. (JCSA/GIGA)

Burmese refugees in Thailand maintain economic, social and political links with their country of origin, but these transnational activities are influenced by the politics and level of development of the country of origin and the host country. Through transnational activities, refugees can have a positive impact on the home country by contributing to peace-building and development or they can enhance conflict, as the discussion on community engagement and political transnationalism will illustrate. Clearly, the increased capacity and networks of the Burmese diaspora have bestowed it with a large (future) potential to influence peace-building, development and conflict. Therefore, it is argued here that the various civil, political and military groups in exile should be included in the peace-building process initiated by international actors, next to stakeholders inside the country. Adapted from the source document.

An examination of the forced displacement of Burmese people notes that international interest in the September protests led by Burmese Buddhist monks has waned. Although governments around the world condemned the violent government crackdown that ended what it called a "disruption of stability," it is pointed out that the long-time call for cultural autonomy by the ethnic minorities continues to be ignored, & almost half a million people have been internally displaced over the last decade on the eastern border alone. Millions more have crossed into neighboring countries like Thailand where an estimated two million Burmese are trying to eke out a living as illegal migrants subject to arrest & deportation. There are many more Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, India, China, & Malaysia. The current focus is on resettlement & several Western countries have agreed to accept groups of Burmese refugees. Difficult issues raised by resettlement are explored, along with the critical need for other durable regional solutions, & for the United Nations to push for dialogue between the various stakeholders in Burma. J. Lindroth