March 2012 Action Item

Act!

Despite the restrictive and repressive environment for many within China, two desperate situations along China's borders have driven many to seek refuge there. However, China's response to these crises is tenuous at best. We are calling on the Chinese government to offer reasonable assistance and protections to those seeking refuge and possibly asylum there.

In the northern region of Burma, in Kachin state, a civil conflict has raged, displacing and endangering thousands, creating a flood of refugees along the Chinese-Burmese border. Of the estimated 40,000 refugees gathered here, approximately 25,000 are Burmese Christians belonging to the Jingpo minority group. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, the local Chinese government is refusing to help, but the numerous Chinese house churches in the area have responded with as much aid as they are able to provide. We are calling on the Chinese government to provide protection and physical provisions for the Burmese displaced in China.

Additionally, in recent weeks approximately 30 North Korean defectors were detained in China, and they are now facing repatriation to North Korea, where they (and likely their extended family members) will face execution. We are calling on the Chinese government to investigate their status as asylum-seekers and allow them protection within China's borders.


WRITE TO:

Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Li Baodong
350 E. 35th Street
New York, N.Y. 10016

Ambassador Zhang Yesui
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington DC 20008

President Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
Beijing
People's Republic of CHINA

Suggested points for letter:

  • Indicate that it is your belief, and the common practice of developed, fortunate, and prosperous nations to assist civilians from other nations who, due to natural disaster, armed conflict, or persecution, find it dangerous and even life-threatening to remain in their country of origin.
  • State that you understand that the 40,000 Burmese refugees fleeing the conflict in Kachin state certainly constitute those in dire need of assistance, but as of yet it appears that the Chinese government has done nothing to assist these refugees.
  • Express your deep concern, also, for the plight of the 30 North Koreans asylum-seekers who have been detained in China, especially since it is commonly known that they will face certain death if they are repatriated.
  • Urge the Chinese government to do what is right and just, and to offer aid and protection to these vulnerable people—both the Burmese refugees and the North Korean asylum-seekers, all of whose lives literally hang in the balance.