Kler Lwee Htoo District Situation Update: Gold mining activities, COVID-19 and access to electricity in Moo Township, August 2020 to October 2020
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This Situation Update describes events that occurred in Moo [Mone] Township, Kler Lwee Htoo [Nyaunglebin] District between August 2020 and October 2020. Gold mining activities along the Klaw Myaw, Puh Loh Kloh and Kaw Ka Loh Kloh rivers have caused water pollution and now threaten the livelihood of entire villages. In government-defined Kyaukkyi Township, vulnerable households received financial support from the Myanmar government to cope with the difficulties caused by the COVID-19[1] pandemic, but local authorities diverted some of the support money. In H - village tract,[2] local villagers were required to pay for the installation of electric posts even though they cannot afford this expense.[3]
Southeast Myanmar Field Report: COVID-19, armed conflict, killings and sexual violence, July to December 2020
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Introduction
This Field Report analyses information collected by KHRG field researchers during the period between July and December 2020.
As the COVID-19[1] pandemic entered into the second wave of infections in August, rural communities in Southeast Myanmar faced new and increased restrictions that impacted their livelihood situation. Unable to access their plantations because of local lockdowns, sell their cash crops and goods, or find work as day labourers, many rural villagers are struggling to find alternatives to provide for their families. Although some financial and material aid is being provided by the Myanmar government, the Karen National Union (KNU),[2] and other organisations, that aid remains uneven in its distribution, often failing to reach those most in need. Access to education has also been heavily impacted by the second wave of COVID-19. Ongoin