World Refugee Day Message of Solidarity with Karen Refugees along Thai-Myanmar Border and Across the Globe

On this World Refugee Day, the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN) sends its warmest regards and heartfelt solidarity to all Karen refugees along the Thai–Myanmar border and those scattered around the world.

June 20th was designated by the United Nations as World Refugee Day to honor the resilience, bravery and strength of those forced to flee their homelands to survive and find safety. According to the UN, as of April 2025, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has reached an unprecedented 122.1 million, including 42.7 million refugees who have crossed international borders. This alarming rise reflects the continued devastation caused by conflict, persecution, and terror, compelling millions to abandon their homes in search of protection.

This year’s UN theme, “Community as Superpower” is a powerful reminder that even in the face of extreme adversity, refugee communities embody incredible sacrifice, courage, and resilience. This is especially true for the Karen refugees, who for decades have endured life in refugee camps along the Thai–Myanmar border.

Today, as global humanitarian aid shrinks, food rations are reduced, and legal income opportunities remain restricted, many refugee families are plunged deeper into hardship and uncertainty. Yet, despite these overwhelming challenges, refugee communities continue to show remarkable determination and adaptability. Refugees are not helpless — they are strong, capable, and ready to rebuild their lives if given the opportunity.

The genocidal behaviour of some belligerents, the persistent wars and the huge numbers displaced by them calls for a reminder that health, safety, and dignity are fundamental human rights. On the Thai-Myanmar border, over 100,000 refugees reside in nine camps along the border, many of whom now receive minimal support — very far from what is required to meet basic needs. According to The Border Consortium (TBC), this number includes newly displaced and unregistered individuals, further straining already limited resources.

We appeal to the Thai government to consider policies that allow refugees the legal right to work outside the camps. Granting such opportunities would not only promote self-reliance among refugees but also enable them to actively contribute to Thai society and its economy to the substantial benefit of both. Thailand has the potential to be a place of welcome and inclusion — a country where refugees can live with dignity while durable solutions are pursued.

A pressing concern today is the sharp reduction in global humanitarian funding, including the almost total cutoff of aid from the United States and major cuts from other international donors. These reductions are having devastating impacts on refugees’ access to essential services such as food, shelter, education, and healthcare.

We urge international donor organizations to support and collaborate with community-based organizations working along the border. Direct partnerships with those closest to the affected populations will help ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the people who need it most.

On this World Refugee Day, let us stand in solidarity with refugees everywhere —in action, not only in words. Together, we can advocate for dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

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