Chronic Displacement in Karenni State: People may be forced from their homes but their hearts remain behind

By J Clark

Karenni State is facing a disturbing displacement crisis with more than one quarter of the population displaced in 2007. The SPDC's continued policies of aggression and attempts to expand development projects in Karenni state have led to thousands of villagers fleeing into hiding. The affects of which are formidable. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are vulnerable to food shortages, human rights violations, exploitation and violence from soldiers if they are found. They face extreme difficulties in accessing health services, education and desperately needed humanitarian assistance (medicine, food, shelter, clothing, etc.). Additionally, displacement results in the disintegration of communities, further marginalizing grassroots people and excluding them from political, social and economic processes that affect their lives and their futures. This chronic displacement will not end until a genuine, participatory solution to the political, economic and social problems in Burma is found.