Karen Refugee Committee Newsletter & Monthly Reports 2018
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"Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps..."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee (KRC)
Date of publication:
2018-12-01
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-05
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"Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps..."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee (KRC)
Date of publication:
2018-11-01
Date of entry/update:
2019-08-05
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"Map of Karen Refugee Camps 2015...Karen Refugee Committee Newsletter and Activity Report July - 2018...Monthly Activities Report July ? 2018...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report July- 2018: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 Camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps...
On 29th of October, we were visited by the top officers from the Border Consortium (TBC) briefing us both the Karen and Karenni Refugee Committees concerning the funding reduction. They stated that, a further 20% on food and charcoal assistance will be reduced. If the charcoal assistance is not reduced, but only food assistance, then 35% will have to be reduced. Alternatively, if the food assistance is not reduced but only charcoal, then 60% should be reduced. How do you think about this future? What condition the camp will look like? Will more people going out to risk their lives for jobs? For the local Thai people, what would be the benefit if refugees going out more? The truck driver, the farm owners. No doubt that, if you have money, you can buy rice or charcoal from outside, but will the money come from? For those who have relatives outside or in Third countries, they will eventually have to depend on them. But for how long is still a question.
Recently, I have read through the report of KnRC concerning the analysis of camp management, and also TBC Mid-term report 2018, and went through other media reports locally and internationally; one of the things I notice is that, political security in Burma still remains a big question for the people living in and outside the country. This creates the situation where refugee return will be a great challenge. In simple words, more refugees are not willing to return now than before. If possible, they want to resettle to Third countries or remain in Thailand and work here. According to the higher officials from the government, if the refugees want to work in Thailand, they have to go back and get the passport in their country and come back and work. However, it is still not a practical solution for the refugees to go back and get their identity card. What the refugees will need be to open up a way for them to get some sort of status where they can go out and work during this interim arrangement. I believe that, at the moment, this information has been spreading and a lot of concerns are circulated. Some of them will pray for each other?s whether in refugee camps, or along the border or in Third countries. If all the political negotiations are truly committed by both government and armed groups, thing will get better, if it is not with truthful hearts, things will get only worse.
This is my personal reflection and do not target anyone or individual organization. I hope you all think about what we are going through now and what will be happening for the next few years. What will be our future look like whether in or outside refugee camps.
Best wishes to you all!
General Secretary
Karen Refugee Committee"
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee (KRC)
Date of publication:
2018-10-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-11-19
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1.39 MB
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"Map of Karen Refugee Camps 2015...Karen Refugee Committee Newsletter and Activity Report July - 2018...Monthly Activities Report July ? 2018...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report July- 2018: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 Camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps...According to our forefather?s saying, should not stay overnight on the way back home even if we are late or shouldn?t stay anywhere near the rivers or valley or lowland areas. These are the place where the monsters look for their preys. They would eat anything they find, maybe it be human, animals, trees, rocks, soil, big or small. What have happened to one of our camps, called Maela Oo on 19th of this month is a reflection of our forefather?s warning, where 7 houses with 8 people were swept away by the landslide, including six big trees. This was a terrible moment and emotionally unforgettable. On the other part of the world in Indonesia on 28th, more than 2,000 people died and 5,000 missing caused by Tsunami and storm. This natural calamity is unimaginable with loss of lives and caused severe destruction. This reminds me of a Christian bible chapter in Matthew 24, the saying of Jesus.
Now, coming back to our refugee issue. As a part of our preparedness, a representative from Karen Refugee Committee along with ADRA ? Myanmar and Thailand, Thai?s Vocational Training College representatives from Mae Sariang, Tak, Mae Sot, Kanchanaburi, Ratchburi, Bangkok, numbering 20 individuals, went to Pa-An, capital of Karen State, Burma, and met with Pa-An GTHS?s principal and teachers, studied and learning about the school program and sharing information to the school. On the same study trip, the next stop is at the upper Burma, 12 hours? drive and reaching Kyauk P?daung where we visited GTI school and met with school principal and sharing information to each other?s. Our next trip was Pagan, Nyaung Oo, famous for their tourist attraction in Burma. As a General Secretary, I?ve got this privilege to be a part of the group and learn from different situations.
This is probably one of the first steps in building connectivity, networking, and relationship while peace negotiation is at hand. There?s still many more steps to be undertaken to realize real peace in the country which have been for decades being discussed over the paper and have never been materialized. A pragmatic solution should be idealized and leaving behind our wishful thinking. I have learnt to reflect myself and with the community back at refugee camps. For decades, there have been a big gap between us, creating misunderstanding, confusion, and even hatred. We have gone beyond our own wishes and fail to appreciate each other weakness and learn from one another. This is just a positive side of reconciliation and forgiveness. From political stand point, negotiation will take longer and theoretical discourse will continue. Both theory and practice will need to go hand in hand. I might be wrong to say this, but I hope you can forgive me if I do so in this reflection.
Respectfully yours,
General Secretary
Karen Refugee Committee"
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee (KRC)
Date of publication:
2018-09-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-11-19
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"Map of Karen Refugee Camps 2015...Karen Refugee Committee Newsletter and Activity Report July - 2018...Monthly Activities Report July ? 2018...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report July- 2018: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 Camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps...."It is said that, a wise man hear only once and can understand two different things. In
this month of August, based on my activities and experiences, and what I have heard, saw and
felt, I have learned many things out of them and there are many new insights which I wanted
to share with you though I might a little crazy to myself. One thing which motivates my mind
is a little strange, and whether I should term it as ?Yes? or ?No?. However, I want to leave it to
your decision.
Concerning the social and humanitarian crisis in Burma/Myanmar, refugee/IDPs issue
is one of the ongoing issues which has been running for more than 40 decades along the ThaiBurma
border. Many refugees have been living in the camps have different understanding
about the sign of the different happenings. Some of them have mixed up feelings, signal such
as plus, minor, multiply, division (+, -, x, ÷). Among them, some may be easy and some are
difficult to identify. However, the reality we are facing now shows that, there have been
tremendous changes in refugee humanitarian assistance. From 1995 till 2012, the supports to
refugee camps was adequate. The condition of the support didn?t depend on any sign of
changes. They were consistent and stable. The present situation is same as before. They only
changes is the sign of making decision. This solely depends on whether how much confidence
to make the decision or you are over-confidence in decision-making. These signs will tell which
in which position you are in, whether you choose the essay one or difficult one.
Now, looking at the present political condition in Burma/Myanmar, with the present
government initiating NCA between ethnic armed organizations (signatories), somehow, the
situation is similar to refugees. If the two signs are not the same, the development will be slow.
You may be able to change the time, however, no matter how much you try to change the
individual, it will be impossible unless there is common interests. Looking from humanitarian
point of view, there have many peace packages poured through MPC for last few years, which
the intention to create way for peace development. This sign indeed, seemed generous and
loving-kindness. However, the dynamic of the creation process, limited many positive
opportunities. But just money alone cannot change the people. Thus, this comes down to how
we make decision and how much we want to (sincerely) see changes. There have been more
noises than sound in reality. This indistinctive sounds create impact on refugee situation,
where many worries about the funding reduction. In my opinion, a long term solution,
sustainable and effective, it needs not only head but heart, with sincere and commitment to the
transformative solution.
We continue to appeal to friends who have been with us in time of good and bad, for
your continuous support including UNHCR, donors, NGOs and INGOs and CBOs.
Sincerely yours,
General Secretary
Karen Refugee Committee."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee
Date of publication:
2018-08-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-10-06
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"Map of Karen REfugee Camps 2015...Karen Refugee Committee
Newsletter and Activity Report
July - 2018...Monthly Activities Report
July ? 2018...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report July- 2018: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 Camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps....This month, we are facing one of the natural disasters which are flood everywhere and have caused many problems and difficulties. In some part of the world, it is not about flooding, but wildfire, which the lives of many people and damaging unaccountable properties. However, the good news for us in term of international politics which has drawn a lot of attention is the making of new chapter between US and North Korea who have been verbally waging war towards one another and is now getting closer to each other in relationship. We appreciate the courage they show to the world that peace is possible and especially to the young leader of North Korea. Looking at our side, refugee issue is still having not been solved. We continue to face donor?s reduction each year and this year in August, The Border Consortium which have been providing support to refugee and camp committee, will further reduce 60% in camp administrative cost and another 70% in Extra Needs, by the end of December. There is no promise of the continuous funding in coming 2019. This creates a big concern for us in managing role as camp management program is our apart of main work to make sure the camp is running smoothly. However, during the 26th stakeholder meeting in Maela camp, TBC promised to find way to help solve the problem, which makes us feel relieved again. Due to the refugee crisis in other part of the world, funding for refugee needs in Thailand has decreased immensely affecting our administrative supports. We want to thank UNHCR and INGOs for continuing the work to make sure the refugees are still taking care of till they can go home. Let?s us make use of our available resources, understanding and supporting one another as we prepare for our future.
Best wishes,
General Secretary,
Karen Refugee Committee"
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee
Date of publication:
2018-07-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-08-15
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1.31 MB
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".... Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps....As we retrospect the political development, especially after 2012 bilateral ceasefire, the political framework for refugee return and present political situation in Burma shows that, return with dignity, safety and voluntary, is not yet conducive for refugees. No doubt that, some people can go back now, depending on their decision and yet there is no clear provision for them, in term of travelling, documentation, and other related physical protection. However, still many refugees think, the time to go back now, cannot be happening as doubt over political transition process, ceasefire and human right issues remain great concern for them.
For us, the refugee committee, camp committee, managing camps in this transition period is quite challenging and we know the situation of the camps and the residents very well that, there are still a lot of to be carried day to day, and need a lot of time to prepare for any untoward consequences. The refugee committee also realizes that, they have great burden for the refugees? future and yet they have no power to make decision for their future. Looking at the present situation in term of assistance, this is also an adding factor to our daily work to maintain the camp?s population. Since last year, the support to refugee camps has been cut to 40% and this year 2018, 60% has been cut and from August, there will be no administration cost for the camps. And there is no possibility that, they will be funding for coming 2019. In coming year, there will also be election for new committee. Another issue to be considered for those who will be taking up this great task during this period. There is no doubt, the administrative structure, staffs, and camp management, will be to be changed, or to adapt to the changing needs of the refugees. For the Refugee committee, our great concern is whether there will be people who will commit to serve the refugee community. With all these factors such as service reduction, staff-turn over, and social problems in the camps, this will be out of our hand to handle this alone, or leave it to the authorities of Thailand government in dealing with all the cases happening in the camps.
Best wishes,
General Secretary
Karen Refugee Committee"
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee (KRC)
Date of publication:
2018-06-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-07-17
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"This month, Karen Refugee Committee is organizing public consultation in Maela, Umphiem and Nupo camps. This kind of event has not been organized for the last four year. Is the gap been long or just a short time? It is not easy to say at the moment, but KRC, every individual in the camp are treated like family and this kind of event is important for us. Though we live in the same situation, have been seeing each other for long, and yet, due to these years of gap, we become unfamiliar to one another, and when we meet, it is like two cocks meeting each other again, but with different color of their faces. This has not been convenient as we can?t recognize each other and the meet is always tensed between us. Whom should we blame for, whether the color those make us look different or someone who create this situation? However, we don?t want to blame anyone on this. We have been gratitude towards people who have been staying with us in time of happiness and sorrow, and for this we will be always indebted to them.
During the consultation, it is important that KRC reasserts its position, history how camp management structure and rule and regulation are necessary. As we all know, though we are considered as refugees, and yet, our life in refugee camp is not for eternity. These temporary shelters were set with the purpose that, one day, we all shall be returned and build our lives. Thus, for Karen refugee committee, it is important that, the last phase of the return should be voluntary with safety, dignity and self-reliance. We have been receiving praises and compliments from donors and ambassadors that, we are capable of managing our own affairs which is important as a people to be able to rule our self and exercise our freedom of rights. It is also important that, we hold on our works with dignity and honor no matter what circumstances we are facing now.
For the Thai Royal family, government and Thai citizens, we are honored to be accepted and protected in this merciful land with respect and generosity to be able to live with human rights and dignity. The Karen refugee committee will always be grateful towards this gesture of love and friendship we are in exile. We would once again, pay our gratitude and love towards our beneficiaries, the Majesty the King of Thailand, Government officers, international donors, INGOs and every individuals for your unceasing supports and generosity. May the almighty God bless you and be with you all.
Best wishes,
General Secretary
Karen Refugee Committee".... Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee
Date of publication:
2018-05-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-06-17
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1.36 MB
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"There are currently
89,982
refugees living in Karen Refugee Camp in Thailand. Initially, there have
been more than 200,000 refugees living in the camps. The camps have existed for 43 years now,
since the beginning of 1975. The estimated amount spent over refugee?s assistance
is around
many
millions
Bahts. The accountable blessings received by the refugees over these years from various
countries, organizations and individuals. The organizations providing services include NGOs, INGOs,
religious organization, UNHCR, Royal Thai Government, people of Thailand and Vocational Training
College. I hope that, every one of us currently living in refugee camps or those who already settled
should acknowledge this immeasurable gratitude contributed to us. There have been ups and
downs throughout those year in refugee camps; sometimes good and bad. However, we would like
to see that, every family living should consider themselves as family and that is always the attitude
of the Karen refugee committee. The Committee would like to see that,
every one living in the
camp are able to live peacefully without discrimination and support one another. If one is hurt, we
all suffer and if one is happy, we all rejoice together.
We have been living together in this community for years and each of us
knows who we are and
where we belong. We have to be grateful each day for the blessing that we receive from friends
near and far. As the time goes by, our hope and dream are shattered away by the uncertain future.
We need and
desire
have
changed. Our attitude towards one another has changed. And our
dreams are shattered. Some of us become more selfish than the others. The spirit of love,
gratitude and forgiveness have become far beyond. We need to restore our relationship and
continue to live as peaceful co
mmunity and contribute back, in whatever means we receive to
others. Once again, we thanks God for his unceasing blessings and continue to thanks our friends,
donors, NGOs, INGOs and UNHCR and Thai government for your continuous supports. We also
want to thank CBOs, religious organizations, and all the camp residents for your ceaseless
contribution throughout these years....
Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee
Date of publication:
2018-04-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-06-14
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1.19 MB
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Karen Refugee Committee
Newsletter and Activity Report
March-2018...
Dear Readers,
"This month, we would like to update about some activities in relation to meetings such as
Borderwide, Camp Management Working Group and Stakeholder meetings; Myanmar-Thai Job Fair
Consultation, meeting with Refugee Council of Australia and Asia Pacific Ref
ugee Rights Network
and ?Go and See? activities.
For the refugee, the basic challenges that facing now is, the danger of fire and scarcity of waters.
Before 2012, the fire was the only main confrontation faced by refugees. Lack of communication
and transportation is also
a part
of the problem. After 2012 ceasefire began, in some areas, there
are water springs out here and there for fishes to start enjoying the new opportunity. At one side,
the
persistent
fire threat continues, on the other hands, due to st
ill some living waters, we
cannot
deny there, we can still to access to life channel of communication and transportation. We
thank
God for providing with fire and water and for friends who have stood with us against the persisting
challenges of fire and th
e irregular water provision. For our human needs, we cannot deny that,
they are not necessary. Our needs continue and demand proceeds. We continue to request our
friends who have been with us as we go through between fire and water, and help to serve the
a
ppropriate needs for the refugees.
Respectfully yours,
General Secretary
Karen Refugee Committee.....Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee
Date of publication:
2018-03-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-04-12
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"Dear All Readers,
We want to say thank you for reading our monthly newsletters. One major activity that we
organized in this month is ?2017 Annual Meeting for KRC and Camp Committee? from seven camps,
organized in Maela camp from 12-13 March 2018. The meeting reviews our works and activities,
especially camps? relationship to partner?s organization such as NGOs, CBOs and UNHCR and Thai
authorities and discussed about the challenges for coming 2018. The meeting also reviewed the
issue regarding funding support for refugees in term of food, household material, health,
education, and livelihood and camp management programs. It also examined the challenges in
managing the camp due to shortage of staff and further funding cut as an unforeseen situation.
The meeting resolute that, camp committee and population, will learn to rely on themselves for
their future. KRC will continue to lead the discussion on repatriation and organize consultation with
the refugees. I realize that, there are some people who want to go back but still facing challenges
to provide their family needs. I would like to request to concerned organizations to look into their
needs, and their respective community will find means to help for those who would like to return.
It is my hope that, the readers will understand our situation and try to support and cooperate with
us as we continue to journey together.
Best wishes,
General Secretary
Karen Refugee Committee.....Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Committee
Date of publication:
2018-02-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-03-16
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"...We have been hearing that, refugees will be able to go home sooner or later. However, due to
uncertainty, till now, the refugees are not able to return. It has been for years that the refugees are
going through in this journey together with the refugee committee. Don?t think that we will be
disappointed for this difficult journey. We will be renewed once again and with perseverance, we
will wait till we can go home. Good and bad, joy and sadness may go hand in hand, we hope that,
this year 2018 will bring us grace and more blessings in the days to come. We pray for all the
donors and organization supporting us and continue to be with us.....Map of Karen Refugee Camps...Newsletter and Activities report...Monthly Activities Report ...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps."
Source/publisher:
Karen Refugee Coimmittee (KRC)
Date of publication:
2018-01-00
Date of entry/update:
2018-02-08
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