Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) says that at least US$114 million is needed to provide 6 months’ worth of rice rations to over one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in all Karen National Union (KNU)-controlled areas for 2025, KPSN said at the online ceremony to introduce a report titled “Regaining Control of Our Lands.”
The KPSN said due to rice harvesting difficulties caused by natural disasters, food crises, and military conflicts, the number of IDPs in all Kawthoolei areas is expected to surpass one million by September 2024.
KPSN director Naw Wah Khu Shee said: “We have a plan to implement sequential cropping and grow substitute crops in response to the destruction of paddy plantations. We have planned to solve the problem by building the rice warehouses in some places. We have to rely on international aid. We receive support from Karen organizations abroad and churches to assist the IDPs.”
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Kawthoolei areas has risen from 347,000 in August 2022 to over 1 million by September 2024. Due to this increase, Karen organizations are currently able to provide only 3 months’ worth of food support, instead of the planned 6 months.
In addition, the region has been impacted by flooding due to natural disasters, which has led to the destruction of paddy plantations. According to KPSN, at least US$114 million is needed to provide six months’ worth of rice food support for each of the more than 1 million IDPs in 2025.
During nearly four years of military rule, the KNLA and allied forces have captured 70 army bases. According to the KPSN’s report, most of the KNU-controlled areas along the Thai-Myanmar border have been reclaimed over the past 40 years.
Due to the KNLA’s military expansion, the military council has intensified shelling and airstrikes, resulting in an increase in the number of IDPs in the Kawthoolei area.
According to the KPSN’s report, the number of civilian casualties in seven KNU districts from January 2021 to August 2024 reached 1,000, with Thaton and Nyaunglebin districts recording the highest numbers. By September 2024, Nyaunglebin District topped the list with more than 400,000 IDPs.
The region is located near the junta-controlled Sittoung Basin and Nay Pyi Taw. The military is intensifying its attacks on Nyaunglebin District, which has become a stronghold for the KNLA joint forces.
The KPSN reports that the total number of IDPs has increased by 40 percent compared to 2023.
As the number of IDPs rises, the response from Karen humanitarian organizations, including KPSN, has intensified. Despite their ability to reach all areas of Kawthoolei, KPSN highlights that the biggest challenge remains the inability to provide cross-border assistance.
Addressing the food and security crisis requires funding to support new community agriculture projects. KPSN also warns that without a solution, the number of IDPs leaving the Kawthoolei areas could rise significantly.
Sent by KIC