Civilians displaced from their homes by the war could be starving soon, according to civil society organisations (CSOs) helping them in Karenni State.

“Our people, including children, pregnant women and the elderly, could starve at any time... The UN agencies can save many people by providing humanitarian assistance,” Banyar, director of Karenni Human Rights Group told NMG.

At an emergency press conference in late May, Karenni CSOs pressed for humanitarian aid to prevent what they say is a very real possibility of mass deaths.

Many people and groups, including Karenni living abroad, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), ethnic aid groups and the National Unity Government have provided humanitarian assistance to the IDPs, but it's not enough.

“Many IDPs will starve to death if aid agencies, including those from the UN agencies, don't provide them with humanitarian assistance.”

According to Maw Thae Mar from Karenni Emergency Relief Coordination, the conflict with the resistance groups and the regime's offensives and occupation of many villages have prevented civilians from cultivating their farms to grow food for their families. The soldiers have destroyed people's homes and forced them to remain in jungle hideouts where they're forced to rely on handouts. Some people who've found refuge in the towns also need help.

Karenni civil society organisations want INGOs to support local volunteer teams instead of engaging directly with the military regime.

Khu Koe Reh of the Karenni Civil Social Network says over 200,000 people displaced by the year-long conflict in Burma's smallest state are in urgent need of food rations, medicine and materials to build shelters. He explained that many children and elderly people are suffering from severe diarrhoea and malnutrition.