Burma Lifeline is dedicated to raising funds to help refugees from the tyranny
in Burma to survive in neighboring countries (principally Thailand).
The Tragedy of Burma
Burma has been run by a military dictatorship since 1962. The country now
has one of the worst human rights records in the world, including murder,
rape, torture, arbitrary imprisonment, forced labor and forced relocation
committed by the military government. The areas most affected are populated
by ethnic minorities which make up about 40% of the country's population.
Burma, previously the biggest rice exporter of Southeast Asia, has been
declared one of the world's poorest countries by the United Nations in
1989. Mismanagement is responsible for poverty, a severe AIDS problem
and terrible environmental degradation within the country. According to
State Department figures, Burma is the second largest producer of opium
and heroin. That is the business of choice for the military government.
Hope
Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy, in
1990 won more than 82% of the vote in a free election; but were not
allowed to form a government. Since then, she has led the popular
opposition while living under the harshest personal conditions. In 1991,
Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her father, Aung San,
is Burma's greatest national hero, having won the battle for independence
for his people from the British in 1948. Sadly, he was assassinated
shortly before independence. Aung San Suu Kyi keeps the flame of democracy
alive in Burma while we help those who have had to flee the country.
Burma Lifeline Objectives
Help refugees from Burma survive. There are approximately 1 million refugees
hiding in neighboring countries. Most are not in camps. US$20 will help a family of five survive for a month.
Provide basic medical care to the refugees.
Help refugees give their children a basic education.
Burma Lifeline received tax exempt status from the IRS in December of 1999. However,
we have conducted Burma refugee relief efforts since 1995 depending on another
non-profit organization to send money to Thailand. Before receiving IRS status,
approximately $20,000 was raised and sent to relief organizations in Thailand.
Every dollar sent to Thailand has been accounted for in detailed spending reports
which are available for inspection at Burma Lifeline's office.
Board Members
Inge Sargent, President
Howard (Tad) Sargent, Executive Director
Dr. William McNeill, Treasurer
Linda Towe, Secretary
Poppy Copeland
Anthony Craig
Rose Marie Khubchandani
Robert Pritzker
