
Are war clouds looming over India-Pakistan border?
Section: Politics
Thousands of refugees from Myanmar living in Thailand are facing significant reductions in food aid due to a shortfall in donor funding. This alarming situation could lead to increased hunger among the displaced population, which has already been heavily reliant on external assistance.
According to reports, over 80% of the more than 100,000 refugees residing in nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border will be affected by these cuts. Many of these individuals have sought refuge in Thailand for decades, with a notable surge of nearly 30,000 new arrivals since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021 that ignited ongoing civil conflict.
The Border Consortium, a coalition of humanitarian organizations providing critical supplies to these camps, has indicated that dwindling funding, coupled with inflation and rising demand, has forced a reevaluation of their food distribution strategies. Historically, the U.S. State Department has contributed a significant portion of the consortium's funding, covering more than half of its annual budget. However, last year's funding request for $20 million was only partially fulfilled, leaving the organization with a mere $15 million to support the camps through the year.
As a result of these financial constraints, many refugees will see their monthly food allowances slashed drastically. For example, an adult refugee who previously received approximately 275 baht (around $8.27) will now only receive 57 baht, which constitutes roughly one-fifth of their prior support. This reduction is unprecedented in the history of the refugee camps, prompting concerns about the ability of families to secure adequate nutrition.
Refugees are typically prohibited from working outside the camps, leaving them dependent on the limited assistance provided by humanitarian organizations. With the cuts in aid, many families will have to make difficult choices regarding their food intake, potentially reducing meals or eliminating protein sources altogether.
Recent surveys have indicated a troubling rise in malnutrition among children in the camps, with acute malnutrition increasing to 3.4% since 2019. Chronic malnutrition, which had been declining, has also seen a resurgence, rising to 25.7% last year. The influx of new refugees fleeing the violence in Myanmar is a contributing factor to these worrying statistics.
In light of the current challenges, the consortium is exploring avenues to mitigate the impact of the funding cuts. One potential solution being discussed is allowing refugees to work outside the camps, which would enable them to better support themselves and their families. Despite advocacy for this change, Thai authorities have previously resisted such proposals, citing concerns about potential impacts on local employment.
The consortium remains hopeful that the Thai government will reconsider its stance, recognizing that enabling refugees to earn a living could alleviate some of the burdens stemming from the recent food aid reductions. However, any plan would require approval from various governmental bodies, and the Ministry of Interior has indicated that any changes would need thorough vetting before implementation.
As the situation continues to evolve, the consortium emphasizes the importance of maintaining vigilance for signs of malnutrition among the refugee population. Although current food security levels are still deemed acceptable, the future remains uncertain, and the potential for a crisis looms if funding does not improve.
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