Myanmar refugees thank Palau

Myanmar refugees thank Palau

KOROR (Palau Horizon) — Palau has become a sanctuary to 11 Burmese who fled Myanmar to avoid the persecution of its military government.

The refugees are thankful to this island nation for giving them a temporary home while they await another country to provide them political asylum. Seven of the 11 Burmese live in Ngaraard in a farm owned by Sen. Joel Toribiong, while the rest are staying at another house in the same village.The 11 arrived here in February, after first seeking refuge in Manila, the Philippines. But their money ran out and they had to make do with the $60 a month provided to each of them by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

Toribiong offered to temporarily host and sponsor the Burmese who are seeking political asylum either in Australia or the United States. U Pyianananda, a monk who left Myanmar in 2007 after an anti-government uprising, said they want to leave Palau to continue fighting for freedom for their nation, which has been ruled by military dictators since 1962. Pyianananda said they are grateful for Toribiong’s good heart.

“But this is not my home, not my country and not my monastery,” Pyianananda said. H Tien Lien said they are thankful for Palau’s hospitality. Seven of them live in Toribiong’s farmhouse with neither electricity nor running water. 

A stream within the farm is their shower area.  Toribiong regularly sends them supplies, but they are also proud of what they have done in the farm in four months.  “If we do not plant, we do not have enough food,” Pyianananda said. “Life is hard but we will continue to live,” Lien said. 
UNCHR representatives visited Palau recently and told the Burmese that they meet international refugee status.

The processing of their documents, however, will take several months. Palau is also the temporary home for six former Guantanamo detainees — ethnic Uighurs from China who are looking for another country that can provide them a permanent home.