"Map of Karen Refugee Camps 2015...Karen Refugee Committee Newsletter and Activity Report July - 2018...Monthly Activities Report July ? 2018...NGO Supporters...Camp Population Report July- 2018: Registered people in the 7 camps (Mae La; Umphiem; Nu Po; Mae La Oon; Mae Ra Moe; Htam Hin; Don Yang); Unregistered people in the 7 camps; New Arrivals in the 7 camps; Pre-Screening People in the 7 Camps; Number of PAB People in the 7 camps; Boarding House Students in the 7 camps; Feeding Figures in the 7 camps; General Population in the 7 camps... On 29th of October, we were visited by the top officers from the Border Consortium (TBC) briefing us both the Karen and Karenni Refugee Committees concerning the funding reduction. They stated that, a further 20% on food and charcoal assistance will be reduced. If the charcoal assistance is not reduced, but only food assistance, then 35% will have to be reduced. Alternatively, if the food assistance is not reduced but only charcoal, then 60% should be reduced. How do you think about this future? What condition the camp will look like? Will more people going out to risk their lives for jobs? For the local Thai people, what would be the benefit if refugees going out more? The truck driver, the farm owners. No doubt that, if you have money, you can buy rice or charcoal from outside, but will the money come from? For those who have relatives outside or in Third countries, they will eventually have to depend on them. But for how long is still a question. Recently, I have read through the report of KnRC concerning the analysis of camp management, and also TBC Mid-term report 2018, and went through other media reports locally and internationally; one of the things I notice is that, political security in Burma still remains a big question for the people living in and outside the country. This creates the situation where refugee return will be a great challenge. In simple words, more refugees are not willing to return now than before. If possible, they want to resettle to Third countries or remain in Thailand and work here. According to the higher officials from the government, if the refugees want to work in Thailand, they have to go back and get the passport in their country and come back and work. However, it is still not a practical solution for the refugees to go back and get their identity card. What the refugees will need be to open up a way for them to get some sort of status where they can go out and work during this interim arrangement. I believe that, at the moment, this information has been spreading and a lot of concerns are circulated. Some of them will pray for each other?s whether in refugee camps, or along the border or in Third countries. If all the political negotiations are truly committed by both government and armed groups, thing will get better, if it is not with truthful hearts, things will get only worse. This is my personal reflection and do not target anyone or individual organization. I hope you all think about what we are going through now and what will be happening for the next few years. What will be our future look like whether in or outside refugee camps. Best wishes to you all! General Secretary Karen Refugee Committee"