Kachins Of Burma: And The Struggle Continues…

Asia / Politics / 360° Analysis / Burma / IDP camps / Kachin state / Myanmar / Transition

Kachins Of Burma: And The Struggle Continues…

16 January 2013
Patrick Chesnet
Despite the harsh prevailing camp conditions, volontary teachers and organisatio
Despite the harsh prevailing camp conditions, volontary teachers and organisations like Unicef are attentive for the children's education © PATRICK CHESNET
A "street" in a Kachin IDP camp. Built on the same model, each house encompasses
A "street" in a Kachin IDP camp. Built on the same model, each house encompasses about 10 square meters and is designed for five people © PATRICK CHESNET
The background of an IDP house. Even in these difficult conditions the daily lif
The backside of an IDP house. Even under difficult conditions the daily life goes on © PATRICK CHESNET
Food has become the major problem in the IDPs' camps. The rations given by the W
Food has become a major problem in the IDP camps. The rations given by the WFP are not enough to feed everybody's stomach © PATRICK CHESNET
What will be the future of these Kachin kids? Being brought up in an IDP's camp
What will the future of these Kachin children look like? Being raised in an IDP camp is not a proper place to grow up © PATRICK CHESNET
Despite the harsh conditions prevailing in the camps, the education of the child
What is the future prospect of these Kachin children? IDP camps are not qite an appropriate place to grow up © PATRICK CHESNET
Water is one of the biggest problems faced in the camps. These well and waterpom
Water is one of the biggest problems faced in the camps. These well and waterpomp were donated by the British people through UKAid © PATRICK CHESNET
The "Knitting Club". Knitting gives the opportunty for Kachin women to socialize
The "Knitting Club". Knitting provides the opportunity for Kachin women to socialize as well as to earn some money © PATRICK CHESNET
Grandmother and grandson. Women and children form the great majority of IDPs.
Grandmother and grandson. Women and children shape the vast majority of IDP camps © PATRICK CHESNET
While some IDPs camps are home to a 100 persons or less, some camps may housed o
While some IDPs camps are home about 100 persons, some camps accomodate over 1 000 people © PATRICK CHESNET
Wells had to be digged and waterpomps had to be placed quickly in order to fulfi
Wells had to be digged and waterpomps had to be placed quickly to meet the needs of hundreds © PATRICK CHESNET
Homesickness, boredom are common in the IDPs' camps
Homesickness, boredom are common in the IDPs' camps © PATRICK CHESNET
An IDPs' camp "market" where some vegetable are being sold to improve the ration
An IDPs' camp "market" where vegetables are sold to allocate the rations of rice given by the World Food Program of the UN © PATRICK CHESNET
The IDPs have lost all their properties and now depend heavily on the outside he
IDPs have lost all their properties and now rely heavily on external help © PATRICK CHESNET

 

Fighting has flared up again in the Kachin Hills of Northern Burma after 17 years of cease-fire. Burma's Kachin state with a population of estimated 1.2 million people is currently at the heart of a relentless battle between government forces and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). The dissident group has been pursuing broader autonomy and rights for the people of this resource-rich state since 1961. The ongoing conflict has displaced over a 100, 000 people following destruction of their homes and properties in the fighting.  Most of the displaced people are now living in camps scattered across the Kachin State surviving in very harsh conditions.