UN High Commissioner meets Arakan IDPs in Buthidaung Township

By Wuntha (Maungdaw) 21 May 2019

Wuntha (Maungdaw) | DMG

May 21, Sittwe

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Filippo Grandi and a delegation, who are on trip in Arakan State, met Arakan IDPs in Yan Aung Myay monastery in Buthidaung Township on May 21.

The IDPs told Mr. Filippo Grandi their desire for a cease fire in Arakan State, so they can return home and also to clear explosive remnants of battles near residential area and not to fight near villages.

“People from our village were killed by gunfire. Our lives are becoming increasingly difficult and our children’s education is problematic because we cannot go back home. We can return home only when there is a ceasefire,” said Daw Khin Thein, an IDP in the monastery.

U Kyaw Tha Maung from Si Taung village said that they fled from their villages for their safety and they would like to see the conflicts resolved in a peaceful way.

“Villagers suffered a great loss.  When we were not at home, our personnel property from houses and shops were taken.  There were salvos of gunfire in villages also. So, we fled from our homes. In fact, we just want to live in our village peacefully,” U Kyaw Tha Maung said.

U Eaindatha, a senior monk of Yan Aung Myay monastery, said that artillery shells that landed on villages and houses should be cleared by the government or the Tatmadaw.

Mr. Filippo Grandi told villagers that he was well acquainted with the potential threat of explosive remnants of war around villages and houses.

“Unexploded ordnances are especially dangerous for children. I will submit that case to relevant organizations that can resolve the problem. I found that all people want to return home. So, I will urge relevant authorities to arrange for you to return home. The UNHCR will provide required assistance by connecting with local authorities,” Mr. Filippo Grandi said.

Mr. Filippo Grandi and his delegation also met local residents from Ywama village in Buthidaung Township and asked them about their living in the village.

There are over 1,700 IDPs in Buthidaung Township at the moment and they are now taking shelter in Zedi Taung, Gwasone, Yan Aung Myay and Kyar Nyo Pyin refugee camps.