PROTEST!

Who:

Come join American Universitys Thai-Burma Alternative Break group, the DC Area Burmese Community, US Campaign for Burma, and more! Sunday, November 6, 2011, 2-4pm Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States 3505 International Place, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 To protest the construction of hydroelectric dams in the Kachin State of Burma that are leading to conflict/violence against civilians in Burma Contact ThaiBurmaAltBreak@gmail.com

Time: Place:

Purpose: Questions?

Background
The Irrawaddy River is one of the most important resources to the people of Burma. Indeed it is the lifeblood of the country. The watershed of the Irrawaddy River spans over 60% of the country, and people depend on it for the livelihoods, agricultural production, transportation, and much more. This vital river is facing severe risk because of plans to build a series of dams in Kachin state, northern Burma where the river originates. Chinese companies are working with Burmas military leaders to build the dams, and all the power generated from the dam will go to China. Myintsone dam in particular is forcing thousands of Kachin villages and people to relocate without compensation. Although Burmas president Thein Sein announced the suspension of the dam, the construction is still going on at the Myintsone dam site. As a result, the tension between Kachin armed groups and Burma Army forces has escalated to fighting, systematic human rights abuses, and humanitarian crisis. The Kachin civilians are in limbo situation where they cant flee to China border because the Chinese government close down the border and they cant stay in their home town because they are not safe. Thus, they have to relocate at the internally displaced persons site where there is little or no humanitarian assistance. The Burmese military regime doesnt accept international assistance and is claiming that the local community can handle the situation. However, the community has very limited or no resources to look after each other. There has been strong resistance from the people of Kachin state who will be drastically affected by this dam. More and more people throughout Burma are also calling out for a stop to this dam as it will affect the socio-economic situation of the whole country. In solidarity with the people of Burma, the Burmese community in the D.C. metro area has held a number of protests to bring attention to the plight of the rivers and people dependent on them for life. Please join us this Sunday to protest the construction of these dams.