A visit to a Karenni refugee camp

Many readers know that Better Burma has consistently supported IDP populations across Myanmar. The situation continues to worsen, and even as our donations have been drying up, the need in these camps has been increasing. A member of our local team recently visited various Karenni camps and collected some information about them, which we publish below. Please consider a small donation earmarked to these camps which are now in such critical need.

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After the arbitrary coup by the Military Council, war-mongering has spread throughout Myanmar. There is no stopping and the number of people affected by war is increasing. Refugee camps along the Myanmar border are in need of aid. From the basic needs of every individual to humanitarian aid is needed.

There are three (3) refugee camps in the eastern part of Loikkaw town in Karenni. Among the 3 camps, in the elephant camp there are 831 families and 3,659 displaced people in the IDP camp. In those refugee camps, They are in need for basic food such as rice, oil, salt and dry food. When the food supply is completely cut off and there are no donors, they have to survive on only boiled corn. Sometimes there is not enough even of corn and so the adults will not eat if necessary.

Due to the intense war in Karenni, most of the adult men are no longer able to continue farming, they are trying to protect other Karenni civilians from the military attacks. Only women and young children and elderly are usually sheltered now. There is always a shortage of donors due to constant offensive attacks.