Over 3.4 million people displaced in post-coup Myanmar: UNOCHA

By Admin 28 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
28 November 2024, Mrauk-U

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported on Wednesday that 3.4 million people have been displaced across Myanmar due to “rampant armed clashes, shelling, airstrikes and military operations” since the 2021 coup.

“The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar continues to deteriorate with escalating protection issues and mounting civilian casualties caused by persistent conflict,” said a UNOCHA humanitarian update on November 27.

The UN agency called on all parties involved in the fighting to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access and eliminate bureaucratic obstructions to people receiving life-saving aid.

Since October of last year, 12 out of 15 regions and states in Myanmar have been affected by intensified fighting between various armed groups and the junta.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) urgently need warm clothing, blankets and bedding for the cold season, according to aid workers.

“Those displaced by the conflict are experiencing various hardships without access to proper food and shelter. They receive little assistance. Humanitarian aid is desperately needed,” said a volunteer helping IDPs.

In Arakan State, where the military regime and Arakkha Army (AA) are engaged in intense fighting, the number of IDPs continues to rise, as does the demand for food, medicines and other basic supplies.

“It has been a long time since we last received relief supplies. We are going hungry. Jobs are scarce. Daily wages are below 10,000 kyats,” said a displaced man in Arakan State.

More than 550,000 people have been displaced in Arakan State over the course of the first year of renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and AA, which began in November 2023, according to the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) of the United League of Arakan (ULA), the AA’s political wing.

More people are being displaced by daily clashes in Arakan, Shan, Chin, Kayin and Kachin states, and Magwe, Mandalay, and Sagaing regions.