Child casualties increased in conflict-affected areas in Arakan and Shan states

03 Sep 2019

Kyaw Chit | DMG
3 September, Sittwe
 
The child casualty rate has increased in Arakan and Shan states due to armed conflicts, the UNICEF Myanmar said on 2 September.

“UNICEF Myanmar is deeply concerned about reports of disproportionately high numbers of child casualties as a result of intensified fighting in the conflict affected areas of Rakhine and Shan States,” the UNICEF Myanmar said in its statement.

“Our thoughts go to the families of the victims and to all children who remain in harm’s way,” it said.

It has urged all parties in hotspots to exercise maximum restraint and to protect children at all times.

U Than Tun, who is providing aid for civilian victims from conflict affected areas in Arakan State, said that the harm of women and children due to war is in a grave situation

“Most victims of collateral damage are children and women, we saw young children among the victims of warfare who were sent to Sittwe hospital,” he said.

Moreover, children who have been displaced from their homes have lost their opportunity to study at school and this has caused some emotional pain to youngsters, he added.

The UNICEF Myanmar has also urged all parties involved in the armed conflict not to damage public facilities, schools and hospitals during their fighting.

U Than Tun said that both armed groups need to try to avoid shooting bullets and artillery shells in public areas.

It has been over nine months since the Tatmadaw and the AA have been fighting in northern Arakan State and the number of fatalities and injuries caused by gun and mortar fire and explosives has been increasing day by day.

An artillery shell landed on a house in Pan Myaung village, Minbya Township, on 24 August, killing three students from 6 to 15 years old and injured four other people.

On 2 September, gunfire broke out in Kyauktaw Township, injuring 7 people including a four-year-old girl.