The U.S. government’s temporary suspension of some humanitarian aid to Myanmar has affected 35,000 people across five townships in Karenni (Kayah) State, said U Banyar, Secretary-2 of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC).
“As for humanitarian aid, the IEC isn’t directly affected in terms of food supplies. But, the Early Warning Early Response (EWER) program has been impacted. Some civil society organizations have been affected in terms of humanitarian budgets, whether it’s self-spending or cash assistance,” said U Banyar.
Although some aid has been suspended in Loikaw, Pekon, Demoso, Hpruso, and Mese Townships, efforts are being made on all fronts to ensure continued international humanitarian assistance, he added.
Similarly, Ko Tint from Nway Oo Guru Lay Myar, which has been actively assisting displaced persons throughout the revolution, said that the withdrawal of some partner organizations has made their work more challenging.
“Air raid defense projects have been halted. Projects with our partner organizations, such as building shelters in schools, have stopped. Also, our partner organizations were providing medicines to hospitals and clinics – all of that has stopped. The professional fees that were being paid to these medical facilities have all been suspended. The situation has become more constrained,” said Ko Tint.
U Banyar urged the people not to lose heart over these challenges after enduring four years of revolution, stating that everyone will work together to do their best in overcoming these difficulties.
Since 27 January, all health services under the International Rescue Committee (IRC) at refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border have been temporarily suspended, with patients being sent back to their homes.
According to those working in IDP assistance, there are approximately 300,000 people displaced in Karenni State due to fighting following the military coup. While some IDPs are surviving through nearby farming and agricultural work, there remain significant unmet needs.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.
