A harrowing trip to Karenni state
Following is the story of one brave volunteer who describes his journey to deliver aid to an undisclosed IDP camp in Karenni state. It is thanks to the generous donations we receive from our donors that he was able to undertake such a trip. Thank you!
“In February 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup d'état and seized power from the civilian government. The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) immediately denounced the coup, and has called for international intervention to restore democracy in Myanmar.
The KNPP is based in the Karenni State of Myanmar. Due to the ongoing conflict with the Tatmadaw, there are several IDP (internally displaced person) camps which came to formed in various parts of Karenni State. These camps provide shelter and aid to people who have been forced to flee their homes due to the conflict.
The IDP camps in the Karenni State are a direct result of the military coup in 2021. The Tatmadaw has intensified its campaign of violence against the Karenni people since the coup, and this has forced many people to flee their homes. The IDP camps are a vital lifeline for these people, and provide them with essential supplies and support.
The military coup in Myanmar has had a devastating impact on the Karenni people. The KNPP is working to protect the Karenni people, and to restore democracy in Myanmar. The IDP camps in the Karenni State are a direct result of the military coup, and are a vital lifeline for the people who have been forced to flee their homes.
Allow me to write something more personal about my experience at these camps.
I’ve just returned from a trip to one Karenni IDP camps and I’m still reeling from what I saw. The conditions there are absolutely terrible – it’s hard to even imagine how people are surviving in such conditions. And yet, despite everything, the people we met were so incredibly grateful for the support from our donors.
Just getting to the camps was a challenge in itself. The journey there is incredibly dangerous, and we had to travel in a convoy with constant fear that the military would loot our supplies, and even arrest us, or worse. Even then, there was a nearby air assault at one point and we had to take cover in a ditch until it was safe to move again.
When we finally arrived at the camps, we were met with scenes of utter devastation. The camps are overcrowded and there is very little food or clean water. Disease is rife, and there are no proper medical facilities. People are living in makeshift shelters made out of whatever they can find.
And yet, despite all of this, the people we met were so incredibly resilient. They have been through so much, and yet they are still fighting. They are still hoping for a better future.
It was an honor to be able to help these people, even in a small way. I can only hope that we can continue to provide them with the support they need to get through this incredibly difficult time.”