A/HRC/13/48 E. Protection of civilians 61. The Special Rapporteur remains deeply concerned about ongoing conflict in border areas, particularly in eastern Myanmar. Since 1996, up to 1 million people in Myanmar, half of them in the eastern part of the country, have been displaced. Entire communities have been forced to relocate and their houses and food supplies burned to prevent their return. Those who refuse forced relocations and choose to hide risk military attacks. While the number of conflict-affected areas has been reduced with ceasefire agreements, armed clashes affecting civilians caught in the middle continue to be reported. 62. It is estimated that there are over 184,000 refugees originating from Myanmar. An estimated 2 million migrants from Myanmar are currently found in Thailand. Thousands of ethnic Chin have crossed the border to the State of Mizoram in India, where some 75,000– 100,000 undocumented Chin from Myanmar live. Muslim residents from Northern Rakhine State of Myanmar continue to seek asylum in neighbouring countries and beyond. Approximately 28,000 are residing in two refugee camps in Bangladesh and have been there since 1991 in addition to about 100,000–200,0001 residing in Bangladesh with no legal status. There are also some 40,000 individuals of concern from Myanmar in Malaysia. 63. The presence and conduct of the military are central to the plight of these civilians. Military operations have placed a particularly heavy burden on rural populations, affecting their ability to sustain livelihoods. There have been numerous and frequent reports of civilians being forced to serve as porters and guides for the military, to build and maintain roads, to construct military camps and to labour for infrastructure projects. Cases of rape and sexual violence, many of them against young girls and adolescents, have been reported by human rights organizations over the past years as committed by military personnel. As with all allegations of serious human rights violations, proper investigations must be conducted and justice provided to the victims. 64. While civilians living in conflict affected areas live in fear of being suspected as sympathizers of armed rebel groups, they are also vulnerable to abuses by some rebel groups. 65. The Special Rapporteur is alarmed by the dire human rights situation in Shan State. Since 27 July 2009, it is reported that the military have burned down over 500 houses and scores of granaries, and forcibly relocated almost 40 villages, mostly in the Laikha township. According to reports, over 100 villagers, both men and women, have been arrested and tortured. At least three villagers have been killed. This would be the largest forced relocation since 1996–1998, when over 300,000 villagers in southern and central Shan State were displaced. 66. Battles between Government forces and ethnic groups in Shan State in August 2009 and along the Thai border region in June 2009 have raised serious concerns about security both inside Myanmar and its spillover effects in neighbouring countries. As many as 37,000 people may have fled into Nansan County in China to flee fighting between Myanmar Government troops and Kokang fighters. Despite Government control of the Kokang territory following these battles, the situation in north-eastern Myanmar remains tense according to reports received by the Special Rapporteur. 67. The Special Rapporteur is seriously concerned about the continuing armed conflict in Kayin State, which severely affects the civilian population. It has been reported that in Hsaw Law Kho village, three villagers were killed and over a dozen more tortured by 1 GE.10-11915 According to estimates of the Government of Bangladesh. 13