Shortage of rice in Pepadon IDP camp of Ann township, starvation apprehended

Narinjara News, 15 July 2022
As there is a shortage of rice in Pepadon IDP camp of  Ann township to the lack of support from the government, civil society groups and other donors, over 60 IDPs may face starvation very soon, said a camp official.

"Stock of rice in the camp ran out completely.  We had to go to the rice shops for 10 rice bags as loans. I am also in touch with charity organisations for support. If nothing happens, the people in the camp will face starvation,” said the camp in-charge Than Cho.
He asserted that the food shortage was created by the government’s reluctance to support the camp. Moreover they are not getting aid from charity and social organizations. The camp refugees also can not go outside for work.
"They have no outside support and everything turns difficult for the refugees. Earlier, the males went to work in construction sites and females collected firewood and bamboo plants from the mountains.  Now they can not move because of rainy days. Moreover, the landmines are frequently exploding in several areas of Rakhine State. Hence none dares to go inside the forest or mountains,” he added.
The camp supports  14 households comprising 64 people.
In 2021, some support was received from the disaster management department but only on two occasions (in February and May).
From June 2021, the donors and civil society groups have stopped supporting the Padon IDP camp, informed Than Cho.
Presently, the World Food Program has been providing Kyats 18,000 per person per month, but the amount is not enough for their survival.
Over 70000 IDPs still remain in the camps across Rakhine State as they are yet to return to their villages due to lack of jobs and also fear of landmines.