Yangon, October (28)
Following the coup, the intensified conflict and military council’s persecution led to mass displacement and a new humanitarian emergency in southeastern Myanmar, according to a report released by the Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) on October 26.
According to the report, more than 7,500 refugees fled the war in Taungoo District after the military coup, more than 60,000 in Nyaunglaybin District, more than 96,000 in Hpapon District, nearly 75,000 in Thaton District, more than 85,000 in Dooplaya District, and more than 20,000 in Tanintharyi, totaling more than 340,000 IDPs.
Furthermore, to address the emergency needs after the military coup, border-based Karen community organizations raised funds from diaspora and international donors, and from February 2021 to July 2022, more than 388,000 beneficiaries received food aid worth US $ 8.7 million.
The report also stated that as support in Myanmar has dwindled as a result of the junta’s weaponization of humanitarian assistance, including blockades, diversion, and destruction of relief deliveries, border-based aid is of significant importance.
Long-term assistance is clearly needed to address the food shortages brought by farmers’ inability to grow rice crops because of the fighting.
According to the report, Karen community-based organizations will have to raise up to USD 17 million for food aid in the upcoming year alone.
They call for a new dialogue with international donors in order to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of the people and to support their right to stay in Myanmar, the report said.
News – Than Lwin Times
