Aiding Kayah Communities Amid Ongoing Crisis
A recent post described a local group, KayahLi Phu Youth, which we at Better Burma are now supporting by providing funds for humanitarian projects in the wake of ongoing assaults from the Burmese military. This group has a longstanding history of supporting their local community, and have been especially active since the 2021 military coup. Please take a moment to read the current problems facing the Kayah community, and if you are able to support us in providing further relief, please consider a donation of any amount!
In Karenni State, countless individuals are enduring the harsh consequences of the military regime’s seizure of power. The escalation of conflict has led to a growing exodus of people seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict, as well as those forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Today, the staggering total of refugees seeking shelter from the ongoing conflict in Karenni State has increased to nearly 200,000 according to the survey data of Karenni Humanitarian Team!
These refugees often arrive with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, having witnessed the destruction of their homes and communities. Families have been torn apart, with loved ones arrested or tragically lost. The physical and economic infrastructure has been decimated, leading to severe food shortages, limited access to essential services, and the disruption of daily life. Amidst this turmoil, there is a pressing need for emotional support as well. The challenges are numerous, encompassing food scarcity, withdrawal from vital medications, the severing of communication channels, and the breakdown of transportation networks. The precarious state of life and housing security, coupled with the absence of adequate health and education services, has left the population in a state of deep concern. One particularly distressing consequence of the ongoing crisis is the displacement of teenagers who have been unable to attend school due to the volatile political situation. This disruption has led to a range of issues, including mood swings and premature marriages. Furthermore, the economic hardships resulting from the conflict have exacerbated domestic violence.
Vulnerable groups, including children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities, face even greater adversity from consequences of conflict. Currently, displaced individuals in Karenni are scattered across the region, with those in the eastern part of Loikaw Township finding it especially challenging to receive aids due to transportation and communication constraints, including the lack of phone and internet access. In response to this multifaceted crisis, KayahLi Phu Youth is committed to implementing a project in the eastern part of Loikaw Township. The project aims to address the pressing needs of the elderly, who have endured prolonged displacement and financial hardships. It also seeks to provide support to the disabled, who are among the most vulnerable victims of the war. Through this initiative, we aspire to bring much-needed relief and assistance to those who have suffered the most in these trying times. We are dedicated to mitigating the impact of the conflict and contributing to the well-being and resilience of the affected communities. Yet we cannot do so without further support, and so we call on outside donors to consider providing us any financial assistance so that we can help our peoples. Thank you for your consideration.