Human rights abuse, such as torture on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Burma by Burmese Army troops seems be decreasing because the ruling junta has to think of the 2010 elections.

“IDPs from ethnic regions, such as in Karenni State have been detained for guiding troops on the front lines, used as porters and tortured widely last year. However, torture has decreased on ethnic IDPs given that elections are around the corner,” said Mr. Tawti, a Karenni relief worker.

“Since 1996 the ‘Four cuts policy’ has been on but off late abuses on IDPs is on the decrease. But they are scared all the same, living as they do under the control of the junta,” he added.

Meanwhile, an IDP in Karenni state said that every weekend headmen in villages have to report to the base military camps for voluntary work by villagers for Burmese troops.

“We have been ordered to report to the Burmese Army. Sometimes we have to chop wood and bamboo for the needs of the camp. Villagers are also ordered to clean up the camps,” a headman said.

“We are sometimes unable to do our daily chores because we are ordered to work for the army. Sometimes we failed to report and could not send our people as ordered. But we were not tortured. They just cautioned that this is the last chance for you. Next time do not make the same mistake. While there are no human rights violations but IDPs are still threatened,” he added.

Khu Phe Bu, Karenni Social Welfare and Development Center (KSWDC) Director, said that many new comers were facing difficulties under junta control.

He added that “There are no more conflicts forcing IDPs to leave their homeland, but earlier conflicts affected the economy and we will see more new comers in Thai-Burma border refugee camps.”