The Australia Karen Organization commemorated World Refugee Day by calling for the international community to give more support to Karen people living in refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border. Under its banner, ‘Restoring Hope’, the Australia Karen Organization (AKO) and as many as 250 people gathered in Villawood, Sydney on June 22.
The celebration was attended by over 250 participants including Australian members of parliament, Kachin ethnic group, delegations from the Burmese Muslim Association, political organizations, religious organizations and resettled member of the Burmese community.
Speaking at the ceremony, an AKO chairperson, Saw Lwin Oo said.
“The refugee situation is related to politics in Burma. No matter how many ceasefire agreements are being signed, if there is no political settlement, it will be unacceptable to carry out any refugee repatriation program. Karen and Kachin refugees from eastern and northern Burma are stateless due to the Burma Armies per