The Interim Executive Council of Karenni State (IEC) appealed to individuals of Myanmar origin residing worldwide, as well as international organizations, to extend their assistance in response to the escalating refugee crisis caused by the worsening conflict in Karenni (Kayah) State.
U Banyar, a member of IEC said that Karenni refugees are currently facing a dire situation, making it imperative for expatriate Myanmar citizens and international organizations to provide urgent assistance. "I urge Myanmar citizens residing abroad and international organizations to deeply consider the critical circumstances confronting Karenni people. The Military Council's deliberate obstruction of roads has made it arduous for refugees to escape, leaving them trapped.
Humanitarian organizations also face restrictions on their movement within the region. Therefore it would be more convenient for those interested in engaging in humanitarian efforts to contact us, in order to facilitate smoother and more effective aid coordination”, U Banyar told Kantarawaddy Times.
Some refugees have endured displacement for over two years as a result of the ongoing conflict in Karenni State. Moreover, the number of refugees has once again surged due to escalation of hostilities in June. The Karenni refugees are in critical need of immediate humanitarian assistance, particularly in terms of shelter, medicine, mosquito nets, and other essential necessities.
According to a member of the Karenni State IDP Assistant Network, over the past two years, the majority of funds required to support Karenni refugees escaping the war have been generously contributed by expatriate Myanmar citizens. However the current donations have experienced a significant 50 percent decline, resulting in even worse problems for the refugees.
"The funding landscape has undergone significant changes. In the past we would witness two to three groups of donors visiting the IDP (internally displaced people) camps on a monthly basis. However there are now instances where certain IDP camps go without any donor visits for three to four months. In essence, the donations received have declined by 50 percent”, he said.
Apart from the decrease in the number of donors, the Military Council has resorted to obstruction and blocking tactics, impeding aid distribution routes, causing significant delays in delivering essential humanitarian aid to the refugees.
Hence, for those intending to provide humanitarian aid to the Karenni refugees, reaching out to IEC would prove to be a more effective approach. Overseas Myanmar citizens are demonstrating their support by contributing through monthly donations and fundraising efforts to assist the Karenni refugees.
