KAREN REFUGEES RALLY AT THEIR CHURCH NEAR THE THAI-MYANMAR BORDER, 1998-02-16 (photo)

Karen schoolgirls carry a banner during a protest on relocation of Karen refugees outside their church near the Thai-Myanmar border on February 12. About 1,800 Karen from Mae Yae Tha camp refused to transfer to a holding camp, voicing concerns of lack of security and in adequate facilities. The move is part of a plan to relocate over 10,000 Karen refugees to a single camp called Mae Lama Luang located deeper in Thai territory. The operation to move the Karen refugees is said to be an effort to combat illegal logging which is taking place in the area. Picture taken 12FEB98. THAILAND KAREN