Camp officials say existing food stocks inadequate to cope with recent influx of 3000 fleeing from their torched villages Mae Hong Son Myanmar- Thai border
The Dawnoeku camp, established to provide refuge for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Karenni State along the Thailand-Myanmar border, is currently grappling with a critical shortage of food supplies, IDPs and camp officials said.
In the aftermath of the coup, a little over 2000 individuals sought refuge in the Dawnoeku camp as a result of the escalating conflict in Karenni State. However, as of 2023, the camp's population has surged to nearly 5000 people.
In light of the ongoing crisis, Khun Robert, the managing head of the camp's administrative committee office, appealed to many organizations to increase their aid and support efforts. He also urged for the reopening of supply channels that had been blocked by Thai authorities.
"I respectfully appeal to the Thai authorities for assistance in reopening the roads, enabling the transportation of food to reach IDPs. Considering the humanitarian aspect, I sincerely hope that they will positively respond to this request”, he said.
Naw Mu Sei, the warehouse manager of the Dawnoeku camp's administrative committee, highlighted the critical food shortage due to a simultaneous rise in the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) arriving, a decrease in the number of donors, and the Thai authorities imposing restrictions on food imports.
"In 2023, we witnessed a notable increase in the number of displaced individuals seeking shelter in the camp. However unlike last year, we are now unable to provide monthly supplies of rice to the IDPs. Moreover the closure of certain routes has aggravated the problems, and the food situation has significantly worsened. The current ratio of available food for distribution among the population is no longer sufficient to meet their needs”, she told NMG.
Within the camp, the shortage of food remains a pressing concern; however, there is also a critical need for essential consumer goods, including shelter, toilet facilities, and kitchen utensils.
Khun Robert conveyed his intention to not only seek support for food and consumer goods, but also to implore the international community to exert pressure on the Military Council, which has been indiscriminately targeting civilians.
"I earnestly appeal for assistance not only for our camp, but also for IDPs throughout the entire country. Help is urgently required in numerous villages and communities. I also implore the international community to impose sanctions on the Military Council, whose actions are inflicting harm upon the general public. It is crucial to halt their hostile actions. Most importantly, there is a pressing need to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches distressed IDPs in greater abundance than the current state”, emphasized Khun Robert.
The majority of individuals seeking refuge in the Dawnoeku camp are local residents from Demoso, Loikaw, and Shadaw townships in Karenni State, along with a percentage of locals from southern Shan State.
Several IDPs who have arrived at the camp have shared their accounts, revealing that the relentless airstrikes and shelling conducted by the Military Council, have rendered the homes in their native villages unfit for people to return. The severity of the situation has forced them to make the difficult decision to flee for their safety, and seek refuge in the IDP camp.
Both IDPs and humanitarian aid organizations have issued a plea to the international community, urging them to address the pressing issue of food shortages in numerous locations where people have sought refuge due to ongoing conflicts. This appeal extends beyond the Dawnoeku camp and encompasses the entire Karenni State. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for the Thai authorities to reopen food import channels, and the calls for immediate action.
