As civilian casualties rise, so does unmet need for aid to war-maimed victims

By Admin 04 Oct 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 October 2024, Sittwe

The number of civilians killed or wounded by junta air and artillery strikes, landmines and encounters with unexploded ordnance continues to rise in Arakan State as fighting between the Myanmar regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) intensifies.

Few rehabilitation programs are in place for civilians left physically disabled by the conflict. The victims are only receiving minimal assistance, said Ma Htwe May, general secretary of the Rakhine State Disabilities Organization.

"People with disabilities need much more assistance. They need psychological counselling. There is a need to create jobs for them as a long-term solution to their livelihood [needs]," she said.

According to Rakhine State Disabilities Organization, more than 720 civilians were disabled by the junta's air and artillery strikes, landmines and unexploded ordnance in Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw and Maungdaw townships over the past 11 months. The number is twice as much as the total number of people disabled by the previous fighting in Arakan State.

Those who were disabled by the previous fighting received some cash and material assistance as well as medical treatment, but victims of the ongoing fighting have received little help.

Travel restrictions, unreliable or nonexistent communication services, funding shortfalls and understaffing all pose challenges to charities in Arakan State.

"We can only provide counselling, and send them to hospitals and clinics. We are understaffed and short of funds, so we can't help as much as we want," said a member of the Ponnagyun Youths Association.

Many victims disabled by the fighting were their households' primary breadwinners, affecting the livelihoods and wellbeing of entire families amid soaring food prices and high unemployment.

"I have children to feed and give schooling. However, I am worried that I will not be able to pay for their schooling and food costs," said U Tun Aye Thein from Peinne Chaung Village in Kyauktaw Township, who lost both legs in a landmine blast.

U Khaing Thukha, spokesman for the AA, last month said the regime's targeting of civilians constitutes "a blatant war crime and a violation of the Geneva Conventions."