1 million people in conflict-affected Myanmar need humanitarian aid: UN

By Hnin Nwe 28 Jan 2021

Hnin Nwe | DMG

28 January 2021, Sittwe 

The United Nations and humanitarian partners say about 1 million people in conflict-affected parts of Myanmar are in need of humanitarian assistance. 

The UN and its partners this week issued their 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), which seeks to mobilise $276.5 million for humanitarian assistance and protection services for about 945,000 people in war-torn regions including Kachin, Kayin, Shan, Chin and Arakan states. 

“With an estimated 336,000 displaced people in locations covered by the HRP, of whom some 250,000 are in situations of protracted displacement, supporting progress towards durable solutions, in close coordination with local partners and the Government of Myanmar, will also be critical,” said the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar, Ola Almgren.

 “The 2021 HRP builds on partnerships with national partners and local civil society actors that were strengthened as the humanitarian response adjusted to new operational realities in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19,” the statement from the UN and its partner organisations said.   

Last year $185 million was mobilised through the HRP, amounting to 67% of total funding requirements, including the COVID-19 response in humanitarian settings, the statement added.  

“This has made a real difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in conflict-affected areas,” the statement read. 

Despite these and other efforts, significant humanitarian challenges remain to be addressed in 2021, Almgren added. 

“We need to build on what we have learned in 2020 and work closely with the authorities and local partners to further extend our reach this year. A key part of this is ensuring safe and predictable access to those in greatest need of our help,” he said. 

Due to conflict between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army, the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State topped 235,000 in October, before falling to below 200,000 as IDPs have returned to their homes in the absence of fighting since early November. The remaining displaced populations continue to face significant hardship, however, struggling to meet basic needs such as food, accommodation and healthcare.