IDPs in Myanmar in need of humanitarian aid, UN agency says

By Admin 09 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
9 December 2023, Sittwe

Hundreds of thousands of people displaced by armed conflicts in Myanmar are in need of food, shelter and humanitarian assistance, UNOCHA Myanmar said in a statement on December 8.

More than half a million people are estimated to have been newly displaced due to the escalation of armed conflict since October 26, although figures are fluid due to returns and re-displacement, while communication challenges are making numbers difficult to verify, the statement added.

“We eat only rice. We have run out of cooking oil, chili and iodised salt. I have brought only one cloth, so I have to take a bath once every three days,” said Daw Sanayma, an IDP woman from Pauktaw.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the renewed fighting between the military and Arakan Army (AA) since November 13 in Arakan State and IDPs face shortages of food and medicine.

Intense clashes have been reported in many townships across northern and southern Shan, Arakan and Chin, Sagaing, Magway, Kayah, eastern Bago and Kayin (Karen) in early December, causing further humanitarian needs and challenges, the UNOCHA statement reads.

In Arakan State, high market prices and the scarcity of food and household items have added layers of hardship for entire populations and vulnerable communities, including IDPs who have been facing the consequences of years of conflict and the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha, the UNOCHA statement said.

“We face many difficulties feeding IDPs due to food shortages,” said a community elder from Hinkharaw Village in Pauktaw Township.

It has been nearly one month since the regime blocked off the land and water routes to Arakan State following renewed hostilities on November 13.

“IDPs have many physical and psychological damages. We will have difficulties in the long run,” said an official from a civil society organisation in Arakan State.

The regime has been targeting civilians who are not involved in the fighting in Arakan State, where military tension is running high, using heavy weapons and small arms fire, and burning homes and food stocks.