The collection of voices from female IDPs in Karenni State.
Here is the collection of the voices of female IDPs who are taking shelter at the IDP camps in Karenni State for nearly two years, over their concerns about their life safety and the dangers of the military council’s shelling and airstrikes and other security challenges.
Ma Nan Aung
“I am worried about violence. Because there is no law now. I try to be safe. I believe that no one is safe now. I am always concerned about whether heavy shells shall land on me or IDP camp or my hut as heavy shells always land.”
Daw Rosy
“I faced artillery shelling before. Now the army uses jet fighters. I am more scared of airstrikes. I have dug bomb shelters. I have to hide in the bomb shelters for a certain period of time as I cannot exactly know where heavy shells will land. Not only female IDPs but also, I have no safety. Because I am concerned about when and where heavy shells will land. I am no longer safe. Female IDPs who have many children are more worried.”
Maw Pe Mar
“We have to carefully stay here. Females are concerned about their safety as they have to live in places they have never been to. We are not safe when we go outside alone. We feel safe only when we have companions.”
A female IDP
“I am not safe. Being a female, I can’t flee. I have no safety as I am afraid of artillery shelling and airstrikes. I face livelihood difficulties. I cannot rely on my husband as he drinks too much alcohol. I don’t know how to make money.”
Ma Immanuel
“I don’t know what will happen as the soldiers are drunk. We are at risk. I don’t know when they will attack me. I am not safe when I go outside. I am concerned about our safety. Because there is frequent artillery shelling. We are afraid of jet fighters and helicopters. In particular, I am concerned about violence.”
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times