Min Aung Hlaing calls for tighter control over aid organisations

By Admin 31 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
31 August 2023, Sittwe

Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing has ordered the ministers of his regime to systematically regulate local and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs and INGOs).

Min Aung Hlaing delivered the instruction during a meeting with Union ministers, and region and state chief ministers, on Wednesday.

The junta leader accused that NGOs and INGOs are the stooges of agencies and foreign governments funding them.

His statement raised concerns that there will be more restrictions on delivery of humanitarian assistance to people affected by armed conflict and natural disasters.

“It can have an impact on those who need help,” said an official of an NGO based in Arakan State.

While many people affected by Cyclone Mocha in Arakan State are struggling to repair or rebuild their houses, further restrictions on operations and NGOs and INGOs could exacerbate their situations, local people say.

Organisations providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar are only allowed to travel for humanitarian operations that have been approved by the regime. They are not allowed to travel to certain parts of the country. And the regime has also suspended the permitting of new humanitarian operations proposed by aid agencies.

“We could previously go to Zedipyin. However, we have not been allowed to go there. We are only allowed to provide supplies through the township General Administration Department,” said a source from the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The ICRC has not been allowed to provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced people (IDPs) camps in Rathedaung Township since June.

Administrator U Wai Tun Thein of Tun Ya Wai Village in Rathedaung Township, which was hit hard by the cyclone, said: “We haven’t received aid from any international organisations. Only the military council has given a few cans of rice [per head].”