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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (extract): Poverty alleviation has been recognised by the new government as a strategic priority for human
development. While official figures estimate that a quarter of the nation live in poverty, this survey suggests
that almost two thirds of households in rural areas of South East Burma/Myanmar are unable to meet
their basic needs. Impoverishment is particularly severe in the conflict-affected townships of Kyaukgyi
and Shwegyin in Pegu/Bago Region and Thandaung in Karen/Kayin State. Comparative analysis with
household surveys conducted by the World Food Program suggest that that standards of living in rural
areas of the South East are similar to conditions in Northern Rakhine State and far worse than those
those reported from the central Dry Zone.
This report seeks to increase awareness about the scale of poverty and displacement in rural areas of
South East Burma/Myanmar at a critical juncture in the nation’s history...".....With Field Assessments and Situation Updates by:
Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People;
Karen Offi ce of Relief and Development;
Karenni Social Welfare and Development Centre;
Mon Relief and Development Committee;
Shan Relief and Development Committee...
