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Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been riddled with political instability and violence for decades. In recent years, the Rohingya crisis has come to dominate international headlines, but other ethnic communities in Myanmar are also facing similar persecution and displacement.
The Karen People
The Karen people are one such community. As of 2021, there are over 200,000 Karen people living in refugee camps on the Thailand-Myanmar border. They have been forced to flee their homes due to violence inflicted by Myanmar’s military regime, which has been in power since 1962. Many Karen villages have been burned down, and villagers have been killed or raped by Myanmar’s military.
The Shan and Kachin People
Other ethnic groups like the Shan and Kachin people have also faced violence and displacement at the hands of Myanmar’s military. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been fighting for autonomy for the Kachin people for over 50 years. In recent years, the conflict has intensified, and over 100,000 Kachin people have been displaced from their homes as a result.
Impact of COVID-19 on Displaced Communities
The COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation even worse for Myanmar’s already vulnerable displaced communities. They are living in cramped conditions in refugee camps, with limited access to healthcare or proper sanitation facilities. It’s not just COVID-19 that they are facing, but also malnutrition, lack of access to education, and little hope for the future.
What Can We Do?
The plight of displaced communities in Myanmar often goes unnoticed in the global media. But there are things we can do to help. We can donate to reputable organizations like the United Nations Refugee Agency and the Karen Women’s Organization, which provides support for Karen women and children in refugee camps. We can also pressure our governments to speak up against the military junta and call for an end to the persecution and displacement of ethnic communities in Myanmar. It’s important that we don’t forget about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. By educating ourselves and taking action, we can help make a difference in the lives of those affected by the violence and displacement.
