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Armed conflict in ethnic minority areas has escalated since the November 2010 elections were con-

ducted in Burma. The breakdown of the ceasefire between the Kachin Independence Organisation and

 the central government in June is the latest in a series of blows to the prospects for national reconcilia-

  tion. Over 11,000 civilians have been displaced while key infrastructure has been sabotaged since

fighting began in Kachin State.

This follows the Tatmadaw’s resumption of hostilities against the SSA -North in March after 22 years of 

a ceasefire and despite calls from the latter for dialogue to resolve differences relating to the Border

Guard Force. Hundreds of refugees from Laikha, Kyehti, Monghsu and Kunhing Townships in central

Shan State have arrived in Thailand’s Fang district since April. These refugees verified earlier reports

from Shan community organisations that indiscriminate artillery attacks by the Tatmadaw had affected

at least 10,000 people.

Conflict between the Tatmadaw and a breakaway DKBA battalion in Karen State has been ongoing 

since the elections in November. Over 6,000 refugees remain sheltering in 21 unofficial sites along the

Thailand border in June, but international access and protection is restricted and funding for food aid

is almost exhausted. Skirmishes and indiscriminate attacks continue in Kyain Seikgyi Township, while

 three more DKBA battalions recently defected to resume armed resistance in Hlaingbwe Township.

Ethnic Conflict Intensifies in Burma

Photo courtesy of CIDKP

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TBBC recently

held our an-

nual staff workshop, which is the only opportunity

 that all staff have to meet together as one organi-

sation. The first day included an update on TBBC’s

organisational restructuring and succession plans,

an exploration of TBBC’s core value, the introduc-

  tion of new security protocols, and a review of 

UNHCR’s recent Gender Dialogue with Women

and Girls. The second day started with staff direct-ing questions for management’s response, and

  then an introduction of the revised SPHERE standards and humanitarian charter was facilitated by

Church World Service. Entertainment in the evenings included a film night, staff party and recognition

for staff who have provided TBBC with 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service. As always, the workshop was

a great opportunity to learn more about each other and develop as an organisation.

Annual staff workshop

We regret to inform that Thomas

Ramsler, our very special ShelterExpert, passed away due to a

cardiac arrest in Bangkok on Tuesday, June 7th. Thomas had

been contributing greatly to the development of our complex

and very important refugee shelter pro-gramme. Thomas

started with TBBC in February 2010 and in just over a year had

brought many innovative and resourceful ideas to fruition. Tho-

mas will also be remembered for his dry sense of humour and

for his lip syncing stage performance at the recent annual staff 

workshop. Thomas will forever be remembered at TBBC. Our

hearts and prayers continue to go out to his wife, Branca, and

children, Lea and Carlo.

 www.tbbc.org

A Training of 

Trainers (TOT)

on Savings,

Loans and Mi-cro Insurance was conducted for three days in Mae Ra Ma

Luang Camp to develop the relevant knowledge and skills of 

camp based staff and members of camp based organizations.

This Savings, Loans and Micro Insurance Pilot Programme

aims at creating a fund for refugees, which they can use for

  their household and entrepreneurial needs. This pro-

gramme’s long term strategy is to develop the entrepreneu-

rial capabilities of refugees and to help them generate in-

come regularly through access to micro loans.

TOT on Savings, Loans and Micro

Insurance in Mae Ra Ma Luang

Thomas Ramsler