An interview with Saw Kelly, Deputy Director of the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP), on the increasing number of IDPs and the humanitarian aid situation
In the Karen National Union (KNU)-controlled territories, including the districts of , Myeik, Dawei, and Hpa-An within the Kawthoolei region, nearly 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were newly displaced due to conflict in March, according to a statement from the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP).
In addition to clashes between Karen armed groups and the military junta forces, local sources report that the junta continues to conduct troop movements, fire heavy artillery, and carry out airstrikes in KNU-controlled areas.
Karen Information Center (KIC) conducted this interview with Saw Kelly, Deputy Director of CIDKP, to learn more about the rising number of IDPs in KNU-controlled areas and the current state of humanitarian aid.
Q: We’ve heard that the number IDPs in KNU-controlled areas increased through March. Could you tell us more about this situation?
A: In March, the number of IDPs increased, particularly in Taungoo’s Brigade 2 and Dawei’s Brigade 4. In Taungoo’s Leik Tho area, the junta set fire to homes, forcing people to flee. There weren’t any direct clashes, but the arson caused displacement.
After the junta troops burned homes and left, the KNLA [Karen National Liberation Army] retaliated. In their anger, the junta then burned the monument stone pillars. Because of this, there’s a high chance the number of displaced people will grow further in April. In Dawei’s Brigade 4, many people fled from the other side, so the number of displaced people there has also risen.
Q: According to CIDKP data, there’s been no change in the number of IDPs in other districts like Hpapun and Kawkareik. In other words, it seems no displaced persons have returned to their homes. Why is that?
A: In Kawkareik and Hpapun, our data doesn’t show an increase, but that’s not entirely accurate. In Kawkariek, the number of IDPs has actually gone up. Our staff haven’t had time to collect data due to ongoing clashes, so we’ve only been able to make quick observations. Comprehensive data collection hasn’t happened yet. In March, there wasn’t a significant increase, but in April, the numbers are rising.
Even though junta camps exist in KNU/KNLA-controlled areas, the military council hasn’t taken any significant actions there, so there hasn’t been a notable increase in IDPs.
Q: What health challenges do IDPs sheltering in forested areas typically face during this season? How is CIDKP addressing these challenges?
A: Right now, IDPs are likely facing tough conditions. In some areas, heavy rain is a problem. With the rain, whether it’s finding a place to stay or getting food, it’s not easy to stay comfortable—you can imagine that. CIDKP does what we can to help, but there are delays. The rain came at an unexpected time, and we weren’t prepared.
We didn’t anticipate or prepare things like tarps for roofing, so the challenges are significant. For food, we’re planning for the long term, moving forward gradually, but we can’t say it’s fully sufficient. There are still many needs, and some challenges—like those caused by the conflict—get in the way. Even though we want to provide complete support, sometimes we can’t fully do so.
Q: CIDKP has previously said it can only support around 300,000 IDPs annually for health, food, and basic needs. With the number of IDPs continuing to rise, what are your organization’s plans for sustainability and ongoing support?
A: We’ve said before that we can support about 300,000 IDPs per year. With nearly 3,000 more people displaced in March, we’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing—finding ways to help as much as we can.
We want to assist, but the donations we receive aren’t enough. We have to prioritize the hardest-hit areas facing greatest difficulties. Those who usually receive regular aid might get a bit less. That’s how it’s unfolding, and that’s how we’ll proceed.
Q: Another issue is security. While CIDKP operates in KNU-controlled areas, what challenges do you face when providing aid in regions where the military council or other armed groups are active?
A: When it comes to security, we always have to think about what challenges or obstacles might arise and how to address them. Before we do anything, we first talk to the local leaders or those responsible for protecting the community. We follow their guidance on how to proceed and what actions to take.
The fact that KNU-controlled areas are expanding doesn’t necessarily make security harder for us yet. But since we have to pass through junta camps or checkpoints of other armed groups, our staff and we ourselves need to anticipate potential risks and plan for our safety in advance.
Q: Another issue is natural disasters. Last year, there were floods, and now we’re facing earthquakes. Displaced people in Kawthoolei are among those affected. In such situations, how does CIDKP balance aid between IDPs and communities hit by natural disasters? Are there any international efforts supporting natural disaster relief?
A: With the challenges caused by natural disasters, we have to consider the large number of IDPs. Earthquakes have increased the number of people we need to assist. In Brigade 2, Taungoo, the impact is particularly severe. According to our latest data, around 500 households have been affected in areas like Taungoo, Thandaung, and Htantabin.
External donations for natural disasters, especially earthquakes, have been significant. Many donors want to contribute to earthquake relief, and we’ve seen notable funds for recovery efforts. For those displaced by conflict, we continue providing regular support as usual. For our CIDKP staff, this means handling two or three additional tasks at once.
Q: It sounds like international donations are primarily focused on earthquake relief. Could this reduce the aid available for displaced people due to the earthquake?
A: The earthquake hasn’t led to a reduction in international aid for IDPs—it’s remained about the same. Earthquake relief is handled separately, so it doesn’t affect the support for IDPs. There’s no reduction in aid for them because of this.
Q: IDPs in KNU territories mainly rely on CIDKP for aid. With USAID halting its support, what percentage of aid for IDPs might be reduced?
A: CIDKP’s efforts focus on supporting IDPs, and we receive significant donations for this. However, USAID has cut its funding. Specifically, it has stopped providing about one million U.S. dollars that we were supposed to receive. We had a contract with an international partner for this amount, but that funding has been affected. Normally, this aid would come every year, but now it’s not arriving.
The suspension of USAID support has reduced our work with IDPs by about 30 percent. As a result, we’ve had to scale back slightly—not just on food but also on security, coordination, and healthcare. This reduction has affected the support we can provide to IDPs.
Q: International humanitarian aid for earthquakes often goes through the military council. Does this mean aid can reach earthquake-affected communities in KNU’s Brigade 2 and 3?
A: If aid must go through the military junta, it creates a major obstacle for earthquake-affected communities. However, CIDKP’s plan to assist Brigade 2 isn’t significantly affected. We follow the guidelines set by the KNU. For IDPs, we coordinate with relevant authorities, including security teams, and consult them before taking any action.
Every step we take is carefully planned. We consider potential challenges and how to address them in advance, so earthquake-related aid efforts aren’t heavily affected. That said, even if we provide funds for their use, getting supplies can be difficult.
When we buy and transport essentials like clothes or other items, checkpoints create issues, disrupting smooth operations. Still, we work diligently to ensure our financial support is effective. We’ve already delivered some aid, and there are more people we’ll support later. For the earthquake, we’ll likely need to make two or three more rounds of assistance.
When we buy and transport essentials like clothes or other items, checkpoints create issues, making things less smooth. Still, we work diligently to ensure our financial support is effective. We’ve already delivered some aid, and there are more people we’ll support later. For the earthquake, we’ll likely need to make two or three more rounds of assistance.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: The earthquake, combined with rain, has created tough conditions. As seen in some images, people are living under trees without proper shelter, posing significant challenges. Rain brings mosquitoes and other pests, which can carry diseases. That’s why we need to plan in advance.
We’ll work with health departments to address these issues. Since these are unexpected events, we’ll do our best to respond effectively. We’ll also prioritize emergency needs. Because of this, aid for conflict-affected people might decrease in the future, though we’re not certain by how much.
Even if support decreases, our focus will be on helping them become self-reliant. In KNU-controlled areas within our reach, instead of just providing emergency aid for the growing number of people affected by conflicts, we’ll consult with relevant authorities to support long-term solutions, like agriculture. With donors and our own efforts, we aim to achieve the best outcomes.
Sent by KIC.
