Providing food and hope to displaced Christians

Well over 10,000 Christians belonging to the Karen minority have fled their homes following renewed attacks by the military in Myanmar. Through a local project partner, Christian Solidarity International (CSI) is distributing food and relief supplies to over 100 displaced persons on Myanmar’s eastern border.

Aid recipients in Myanmar

Since the military coup of February 1, 2021, fighting between the army and militias of the ethnic and religious minorities has flared up again. The unrest has driven more than 120,000 people from their homes. 

The Christian Karen ethnic group, the majority of whom live in Myanmar’s southern Kayin State, has also been severely affected by the fighting. More than 10,000 men, women and children have had to flee their villages. 

For weeks, CSI partners have been visiting displaced Karen Christians to provide them with rice, dried foodstuffs, medicines, hygiene products, woolen blankets, mats, mosquito nets and tarpaulins. Their relief efforts have benefited well over 100 people.

Challenging and risky

But distributing aid to those in need can be challenging and very risky, according to CSI partner Kakreh Moo. “I visited displaced Karen Christians to distribute rice and driedfood for the children. It was pouring with rain, which made it difficult for the food transport to get through. We also had to be constantly on our guard because we would often hear army helicopters in the vicinity”, she explained.

But these challenges do not deter Kakreh Moo, who Is unceasing in her efforts on behalf of the hungry and persecuted Karen Christians in her country. “These people have lost everything. I am so happy that we can save them from starvation”.