Partners Blogcast: "Update on the people displaced from Ler Ber Her area"

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. This blog is meant to be a more personal stream of conversation than newsletters allow for. The opinions expressed here may not be those of Partners Relief & Development.

Update on the people displaced from Ler Ber Her area

"Over the last week there has been significant co-ordination between Thai authorities, international organisations, community based groups in Mae Sot, and key community leaders."

"The 3500 or so people remain camped in 4 separate locations within the Thai border region, each receiving food, shelter, water, sanitation and medical supplies from a number of interested groups. Partners’ continues to support these people with clothing, shelter & medicine and has been involved in the liaison process regarding finding a temporary safe location for these people within Thailand."

"Last Thursday two Partners staff accompanied other organisations in scouting out land within Thailand for the relocation. The need to have the new arrivals within a central location is to facilitate access for supplies, improve safety and ensure these people move from an ‘emergency context’ to an environment more conducive to temporary living conditions."

"This Wednesday (or thereabouts) at least 1500 people will be relocated to the new site. This weekend local non government organisations are hurriedly building latrines, shelter and food storage facilities. The area is prone to flooding, filled with leaches and access is currently problematic due to a fast flowing river and no bridge. Hopefully a new bridge and road reinforcement will be started and completed, so that the new arrivals can transfer safely."

"It’s expected that the site can properly house 1500 people, yet there are around 3500 people who may potentially move to the new site! A “back up plan” has been made. The overflow area is close by, but unfortunately hills, water and sanitation access difficult."

"The bombing has now stopped, and the displaced people desire to return to their homeland. Yet the risk of exploding landmines & fear associated with being forcefully recruited as porters for the DKBA and food insecurity still remain. Please continue to pray for grace and mercy for these displaced people and that the transition to this new temporary location will be peaceful and stress free

Kathryn Halley