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2024-08-31-accounts

The Kachin Relief Fund

Our registered address: The Kachin Relief Fund, 107 Beech Road, Bedfont, Feltham, TW14 8AJ, United Kingdom Email: info@kachinrelief.org.uk, www.kachinrelief.org.uk Charity Registration No. 1148586, Registered in England & Wales

The Kachin Relief Fund -Annual report for year ending 31[st] August 2024

The Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1148586). It was established in 2011 by members of the Kachin community in the United Kingdom and was officially granted charitable status on 16 August 2012. All trustees are Kachin exiles residing in the UK, who possess strong local networks. This enables the Fund to deliver humanitarian aid swiftly, transparently, and with exceptional efficiency and effectiveness to those most in need.

The Kachin Relief Fund is deeply grateful to all individuals and organisations who have supported its mission during these challenging times.

The Kachin Relief Fund focuses on emergency relief, educational development—including physical education—health, human rights, and advocacy. The trustees establish strategies and approaches for granting funds or aid based on principles of transparency and accountability. Their approach ensures a rapid response, targets the areas of greatest need, and avoids placing additional burdens on local partners.

Background

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has endured the world’s longest-running civil war, with the Kachin people resisting since 1961. After a 17-year ceasefire between the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and the Burmese regime collapsed in 2011, renewed conflict led to the destruction of over 320 villages and the displacement of more than 120,000 Kachin civilians. These internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom have suffered severe trauma, continue to live in overcrowded camps with limited access to healthcare and basic needs. The situation has worsened following the 2021 military coup, with intensified military attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a growing number of IDP camps—now totalling 186 in Kachin regions alone. Despite the scale of the crisis, international aid remains limited, and local organizations, including the Kachin Relief Fund, have been vital in delivering humanitarian assistance where access is otherwise restricted.

Trustee members (2023- 2024)

  1. Mr. Goontawng Lashi Chairman (Key Controller ) 2. Mr. Hkanhpa Tu Sadan Secretary (Key Controller) 3. Ms. Maureen Ja Bu Lagra Treasurer (Key Controller) 4. Mr. Hkun Htoi Layang Trustee (Member) 5. Mrs. Seng Pan Maran Trustee (Member) 
1 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586
  1. Mr. Kyang Bawm Lagwi Trustee (Member) 7. Mr. Lum Tu Maran Trustee (Member) 8. Mrs. Bulu Mahkaw Trustee (Member) 9. Mr. Ringdu Lachyung Trustee (Member) Contact address 107 Beech Road, Bedfont, Feltham, TW14 8AJ, United Kingdom Email: info@kachinrelief.org.uk Bank Address HSBC BANK PLC 127 High St, Hounslow, Middlesex. TW3 1QP Independent Examiner David Turner of CP Finance Unit 11 Worton Court, Worton Hall Ind Estate Worton Road, Isleworth. TW76ER 
2 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

Activities report

1. Emergency Relief and Health Care

Despite the challenges posed by ongoing civil war and travel restrictions, the Kachin Relief Fund (KRF) continued to work with local NGOs, churches, and trusted individuals to deliver essential food rations and medicines to conflict-affected areas, including Southern and Northern Kachin State (Bhamo area), Sagaing Region, and Northern Shan State. KRF also responded to flood-affected villages in the Myitkyina area by providing vital food supplies and medicines. These provisions included rice, cooking oil, salt, beans, garlic, and onions, with cash assistance distributed as a last resort.

“Kachin Relief Fund volunteers delivering essential food supplies to internally displaced people near Bhamo, Southern Kachin State. Despite ongoing conflict and restricted access, the team continues to reach vulnerable communities with life-sustaining aid, including rice, cooking oil, beans, and other staples”. 

3 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

"Children in Northern Shan State line up to receive donated clothing during a distribution organized by local partners. These efforts aim to provide warmth and dignity to displaced families affected by ongoing conflict in the region."

"In 2023, local volunteers in Northern Shan State prepare food packages for delivery to internally displaced persons (IDPs), ensuring vital support reaches communities affected by ongoing conflict and displacement." 

4 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

"Medicines being delivered to internally displaced persons (IDPs) along the China–Myanmar border in Eastern Kachin State, June 2024. These supplies are part of ongoing efforts to support communities affected by conflict and displacement in remote border areas."

"A letter of appreciation received from a local church pastor in the Bhamo area, acknowledging the support and humanitarian assistance provided to the community, May 2024."

2. Education Development

In 2023 and 2024, the Kachin Relief Fund (KRF) partnered with the UK-based Jinghpaw Education Project (JEP) to sponsor several teacher training programs in Kachin State. Most participating teachers came from remote areas of Kachin and Northern Shan State. Trustees had the opportunity to meet with them online and were deeply moved by their dedication to their communities, as well as saddened by the hardships they face due to the ongoing civil war.

5 | P a g e The Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales, Registered Charity Number 1148586

"Teachers from some of the most remote areas of Kachin and Shan States travelled to Myitkyina for training, jointly sponsored by KRF and the Jinghpaw Education Project."

KRF also supported the Moon Star Education initiative, founded by local teachers involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement. This support included funding teachers’ salaries and providing essential teaching tools such as computers and Zoom subscriptions.

Additionally, KRF continued to supply teaching materials, food, and medicine to Ngum La High School and its hostels in remote northern Kachin State, and maintained sponsorship for the village librarian in Ngum La.

"Students from Ngum La Boarding School in Northern Kachin State prepare to attend their classes. Despite the challenges of living in a remote and conflict-affected area, these students remain committed to their education."

KRF also extended its support to the Kachin Refugee School in Malaysia. Kachin refugees in Malaysia live under precarious conditions. As refugees, they are often excluded from formal education systems and face economic hardships that make it difficult to prioritise schooling. KRF was fortunate to sponsor a dedicated Kachin educator who volunteered to teach at the refugee school and provide teacher training.

6 | P a g e The Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales, Registered Charity Number 1148586

"A Kachin educator conducting teacher training at the Kachin Refugee School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This initiative, supported by the Kachin Relief Fund, aims to strengthen the quality of education for refugee children by equipping volunteer teachers with essential skills and resources. In a context where access to formal education is limited, such efforts play a vital role in sustaining learning and hope within the displaced Kachin community."

3. Human Rights & Advocacy

The Kachin Relief Fund (KRF) continued to raise funds to support healthcare workers and teachers participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) in Kachin and Northern Shan States, Myanmar, in response to the military coup.

KRF also sponsored a local human rights coordinator to document human rights violations and engage in advocacy efforts with UN agencies and other non-governmental organizations.

In addition, KRF trustees and members of the Kachin community in the UK actively advocate for human rights and humanitarian issues affecting Kachin and other ethnic communities in Myanmar. 

7 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

"In 2024, trustees of the Kachin Relief Fund and a representative of the Kachin community met with staff from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London, UK. The meeting focused on raising awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and human rights violations in Kachin and other ethnic regions of Myanmar, and advocating for stronger international support and engagement."

4. IDP Children’s Development and Physical Education

Since 2014, the Kachin Relief Fund (KRF) has been sponsoring Myusha Gintawng—Kachin karate instructors, and other sports instructors to provide physical education for internally displaced children, in partnership with BRIDGE, a local NGO. The project has been highly effective, benefiting over 1,500 children through structured physical activities and sports training.

KRF was especially proud to learn that some Kachin karate students won trophies at the Kyokushinryu World Tournament in the Philippines in November 2023. Their achievement has brought inspiration and hope to many young people in the IDP communities.

"Kachin karate students proudly won trophies at an international karate competition held in the Philippines in November 2023. Their success highlights the impact of physical education programs supported by the Kachin Relief Fund and brings pride and inspiration to the wider IDP community." 

8 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

"Internally displaced children in Maija Yang, located along the China–Myanmar border, participate in sports activities organized between 2023 and 2024. These programs, supported by the Kachin Relief Fund, aim to promote physical well-being, teamwork, and emotional resilience among children affected by conflict and displacement."

4. Fund raising activities

The Kachin Relief Fund (KRF) successfully hosted the annual ‘Walk for Kachin IDPs’ on 8 June 2024, commemorating 13 years since the resumption of armed conflict in Kachinland, Myanmar. The event drew a strong turnout from supporters, community members, and human rights advocates, all walking in solidarity with the over 120,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing crisis. The peaceful walk, held in central London, aimed to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Kachin and Northern Shan States, where thousands of civilians continue to suffer from displacement, insecurity, and lack of access to basic services. Participants carried banners, wore T shirt, and shared messages of hope and resilience. “We were deeply moved by the number of people who came out to show their support,” said a KRF trustee. “This event is not only a remembrance of the suffering endured by Kachin IDPs, but also a call for continued international attention and action.” The Kachin Relief Fund extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and partners who made the event possible. Funds raised during the walk will go directly toward supporting education, healthcare, and emergency relief for displaced Kachin communities. 

9 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

"Trustees and organisers from the Kachin Relief Fund pictured with supporters during the ‘Walk for Kachin IDPs’ event in 2024. The gathering highlighted solidarity with displaced Kachin communities and raised awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar."

"Fundraising activities organised by the Kachin Community UK during 2023–2024 helped generate vital support for humanitarian aid, education, and advocacy efforts for displaced Kachin communities. These events reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to solidarity and action."

The Kachin Relief Fund is deeply grateful to the Kachin Community in the UK and friends of Kachin for their continued support and generosity.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

All KRF staff members contribute on a voluntary basis. Public relations, secretarial duties, and financial accounting are all carried out by dedicated volunteers.

10 | P a g e The Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales, Registered Charity Number 1148586

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:

Independent Examiner

David Turner of CP Finance was appointed as the charity’s independent examiner during the year and has expressed his willingness to continue in this role.

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Chair Mr. Goontawng Lashi Dated:27 /06/2025

Secretary Mr. Hkanhpa Tu Sadan Dated: 27/06/2025 

11 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

12 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

THE KACHIN RELIEF FUND

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st August 2024

Note
Incoming Resources
Donation received
Gift Aid Tax refunds
Total Incoming Resources
Note
Resources Expenditure
Office Equipment -
Depreciation
1
Direct charitable expenditure
2
Costs of generating funds
3
Other expenditure
4
Total Charitable Expenditure
Net (Expenditure) / Income
before charges
Bank charges
Net (Expenditure) / income for
the year
Funds Brought Forward at 1
September 2023
Funds Carried Forward at 31
August 2024		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total Funds
Total Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
82,243
82,243
69,807
0
0
0
82,243
0
82,243
69,807
0
0
0
85,296
85,296
53,375
2,675
2,675
3,791
3,846
3,846
1,638
91,817
0
91,817
58,804
-9,574
-9,574
11,003
-402
-402
-353
-9,976
0
-9,976
10,650
25,606
25,606
14,956
15,630
0
15,630
25,606

13 | P a g e The Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales, Registered Charity Number 1148586

THE KACHIN RELIEF FUND

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 20224

Note
Fixed Assets
Office Equipment
1
Accumulated Depen
Current Assets
Debtor
5
Bank- Current accounts
PayPal Account
Current Liability
Net Assets
6
Capital & Reserves
Reserves
Net Income/Expenditure		 1,807
-1,807		 2024
0
14,431
14,431
-1,200
15,631
25,606
-9,976
15,630		 2023
0
0
23,366
2,260
810
12,953
668
25,626
20
25,606
14,956
10,650
25,606 
14 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

THE KACHIN RELIEF FUND

Notes to the Financial Statement for the Year Ended 31st August 2024

1.Fixed Assets
Office Equipment
Less: Depreciation @25%
2.Direct Charitable Expenditure
Education Welfare and development
Emergency Humanitarian Response
Human Rights & Advocacy
Sport Education & Activities
Bank charges & Currency Charges
Travelling
3.Costs of Generating Funds
Fund raising events
4.Other Expenditure
Promotion and public relation
Office Running costs
Refreshments
Internet & Phone
Software & Computer
Subscriptions
Printing & Stationery
Independent Examiner Fee		 Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
2024
2023
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
2024
2023
12,437
12,437
16,108
30,201
30,201
14,834
15,803
15,803
11,318
21,905
21,905
10,164
402
402
353
4,950
4,950
950
85,698
85,698
53,728
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
2024
2023
2,675
2,675
3,791
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
2024
2023
654
654
552
2,100
2,100
0
767
767
457
60
60
102
0
0
106
65
65
144
39
39
118
160
160
160
3,846
3,846
1,638		 
15 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586

5.Debtor

5.Debtor
Prepayment - Loan
6.Creditor
Accruals
KCUK2020		 Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
2024
2023
810
810
0
810
810
0
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
2024
2023
0
0
1,220
-1,200
-1,200
-1,200
-1,200
-1,200
20

6. Employees Remuneration

There were no employees during the year.

7. Trustees' Remuneration and

Expenses

No remuneration was paid during the year and no reimbursement is due at the year end.

8. Capital Commitments

There were no capital commitments at 31st August 2024.

9.Taxation

The Kachin Relief Fund is a registered Charity and is exempt from taxation in respect of Income and Capital Gains under Section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 and Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 

16 | PageThe Kachin Relief Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales,
Registered Charity Number 1148586