Burma Humanitarian Mission was formed in 1999 after recognizing the dire humanitarian conditions that existed in eastern Burma among the Karen people.
In December 1999 through January 2000, BHM volunteers traveled to the region and delivered six months' worth of medicine for 8,000 people living in Karen-occupied camps in the border areas of Burma. They also provided blankets, mosquito netting, clothes and other supplies. In addition, they provided emergency funds to a medical program for Burmese migrant workers.
In January of 2001, BHM returned to Burma with medical supplies for villages of 10,000 people for six months, and the funding to continue to supply these villages for the remainder of 2001.
Visiting Burma was both an inspiring and emotionally troubling experience. BHM volunteers fell in love with the spiritual beauty, integrity and commitment to freedom expressed by the Karen people; however, having witnessed the living conditions of the internally displaced people in Burma, the externally displaced people and refugees in Thailand, and having heard their stories of the horrors in Burma, BHM decided to expand it mission.
This support now includes fund raising within the United States and similar public awareness efforts to shine a light on the suffering of the Karen whom exist far from the world’s spotlight.
BHM’s support now includes training medics and helping to build schools, dormitories to allow backpack health care workers to receive critical training
All of the individuals involved with BHM are volunteers. There are no paid positions. The individuals who participate pay for their own travel expenses to the Thai/Burma border. Virtually all of the money raised goes directly to medicine and other supplies for the Karen.
While other organizations support and pursue a political solution, BHM is dedicated to providing critical humanitarian medical assistance to the Karen tribes in eastern Burma and the camps. A few facts make BHM unique:
- Our focus is on alleviating the suffering and not endorsing or pursuing political solutions for Burma.
- We are volunteers. BHM members absorb all costs associated with running the organization. Every dollar collected goes to providing medical supplies, training and materials. We are non-profit as recognized by the IRS 501 ( c ) 3.
- We travel the region to assess the needs and impact of our support. We are in routine contact with Karen medical personnel to ensure we adjust to their needs.
- We are convinced we are making a difference in the lives of families who show bravery and character in face of tremendous suffering. We appreciate you visiting our site and welcome your support – you will make a difference!
