When conflict reached her community near the Cambodia–Thailand border, Malina* was nine months pregnant.
She and her family fled quickly, traveling more than 60 miles to reach safety. Along with hundreds of others, they arrived at a temporary displacement camp after leaving home with almost nothing.
“I was very afraid,” Malina said. “I was close to giving birth, and I didn’t know where I would be safe.”
For women like Malina, sudden displacement brings immediate risk: Loss of income, food insecurity, and uncertainty about health care.
Desperate situations can quickly force families into unsafe decisions.
At the camp, Hagar’s team worked alongside local authorities to identify families most at risk and provide early support. Through this response, Malina was able to access emergency food and hygiene supplies to stabilize her situation and receive guidance on where she could give birth safely.
“I feel cared for and supported,” she said.
“The camp leader helped arrange for me to give birth at a nearby health center, and we received food assistance when we needed it most.”
After her baby was born, Malina continued to receive practical support as she recovered and learned to care for her newborn in the unfamiliar environment of the camp. This early assistance helped reduce pressure on her family at a time when many others were struggling simply to survive.
Malina is one of hundreds of displaced families supported through Hagar’s emergency response, which has focused on stabilizing households, protecting dignity, and reducing the risk of exploitation during the most vulnerable period of displacement.
Now caring for her baby, Malina hopes to return home when it is safe to do so.
“I want to go back and look after my child properly,” she said. “Life here is hard, but we help each other as much as we can.”
For families forced to flee suddenly, timely, trauma-informed support can make the difference between safety and further harm.
When conflict reached her community near the Cambodia–Thailand border, Malina* was nine months pregnant.
She and her family fled quickly, traveling more than 60 miles to reach safety. Along with hundreds of others, they arrived at a temporary displacement camp after leaving home with almost nothing.
“I was very afraid,” Malina said. “I was close to giving birth, and I didn’t know where I would be safe.”
For women like Malina, sudden displacement brings immediate risk: Loss of income, food insecurity, and uncertainty about health care.
Desperate situations can quickly force families into unsafe decisions.
At the camp, Hagar’s team worked alongside local authorities to identify families most at risk and provide early support. Through this response, Malina was able to access emergency food and hygiene supplies to stabilize her situation and receive guidance on where she could give birth safely.
“I feel cared for and supported,” she said.
“The camp leader helped arrange for me to give birth at a nearby health center, and we received food assistance when we needed it most.”
After her baby was born, Malina continued to receive practical support as she recovered and learned to care for her newborn in the unfamiliar environment of the camp. This early assistance helped reduce pressure on her family at a time when many others were struggling simply to survive.
Malina is one of hundreds of displaced families supported through Hagar’s emergency response, which has focused on stabilizing households, protecting dignity, and reducing the risk of exploitation during the most vulnerable period of displacement.
Now caring for her baby, Malina hopes to return home when it is safe to do so.
“I want to go back and look after my child properly,” she said. “Life here is hard, but we help each other as much as we can.”
For families forced to flee suddenly, timely, trauma-informed support can make the difference between safety and further harm.
*Name and image changed for privacy. Image by Erika Pineros.