A Norwegian human rights group says hundreds of thousands of people forcibly displaced by Burma's government are facing a desperate situation.
The group, the Norwegian Refugee Council, said the world has paid considerable attention to Burma's political crisis and the suppression of Aung San Suu Kyi's democracy movement.
But it said the Burmese government's displacement of 600,000 to one-million people "has gone largely unnoticed by the international community."
The group's report said Burma's government displaced the people in its campaign against rebel groups along Burma's eastern border with Thailand. It said the main targets are the Karen, Kerenni, and Shan ethic groups who the government says support the insurgents.
The report said the displaced people are exposed to ongoing violence and systematic human rights abuses at the hands of Burmese troops. It said they are without protection from "either their own government or the international humanitarian community" -- leaving their situation "desperate."
The non-governmental rights group said there are numerous reports of arbitrary executions, torture, and other human rights abuses. It said women are particularly at risk, with rape used by Burma's army as a tool to create fear.
The report said Burma's army is blocking international aid agencies from reaching the border area.
Information for this report is provided by Reuters.