Latest fighting displaces over 185,000 in Arakan and Chin: UNOCHA

By Admin 23 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
23 May 2024, Sittwe

More than 185,000 people have now been forced to flee their homes in Arakan and southern Chin states since the conflict reignited in November 2023, the UNOCHA Myanmar Office said in a report on Thursday.

Ongoing fighting between the Myanmar military and various armed groups continues to drive displacement and raise protection concerns across vast swaths of the country, the UNOCHA Myanmar Office added.

“I have no job or money. I don’t know how to make a living. I can’t afford my children,” said Daw Hla Hla, a woman displaced by fighting in Sittwe.

With the need for emergency assistance high, displaced people are facing acute difficulties due to the lack of international aid and the junta blockade.

“IDPs have run out of food and money. They don’t get support, so I don’t think well of their future,” said a manager from a displacement camp in Kyauktaw Township.

IDPs are facing difficulties accessing food and shelter, as well as facing drinking water shortages. More than 50,000 IDPs in Ponnagyun Township are suffering from illness due to lack of clean drinking water.

“IDPs are sick because they live in makeshift tents. Drinking water is scarce and IDPs use unclean water to cook,” said one IDP woman.

The AA has seized nine towns in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State, but has prohibited local people from returning home due to the regime’s deliberate airstrikes on civilian areas.