On World Humanitarian Day, UN calls for protection of aid workers in conflicts

By Admin 19 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
19 August 2024, Sittwe

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called for the protection of social aid workers and civilians during conflicts on “World Humanitarian Day,” which falls on August 19.

“As crises escalate, so do the dangers for those providing aid.   On #WorldHumanitarianDay, we call for global action to protect humanitarian workers & civilians,” UNHCR posted to its X social media account on Monday.

Fierce clashes between the military and resistance forces are currently reported in Arakan, Shan and Kachin states, and Sagaing and Mandalay regions.

As the junta bombards areas of conflict and areas occupied by anti-regime forces with heavy artillery and airstrikes, civilians remain insecure and defenceless.

“The regime does not protect civilians and attacks without distinguishing between military targets and civilian targets, causing civilian casualties to rise further. The regime’s aerial threat still threatens the lives and homes of civilians,” said a social activist in Arakan State.

Six civilians were killed and 10 others were severely injured in a junta airstrike on Mrauk-U, which is currently held by the Arakkha Army (AA), on August 10.

International organisations that provide humanitarian aid also say that there is no security guarantee and that aid to internally displaced people (IDPs) and other processes have been suspended.

“We struggled to resume operations due to the junta blockades since renewed hostilities in Arakan State. There is no security guarantee for us to make field trips. We have halted operations in some townships,” said an employee working for an international organisation in Arakan State.

Myanmar’s military regime has imposed a travel ban on local and international nongovernmental organisations and civil society organisations providing humanitarian assistance to victims of Cyclone Mocha in Arakan State since June 8, 2023. The regime blocked off land and water routes to Arakan State since the latest fighting broke out in Arakan State in November.

The number of displaced people is also increasing in Arakan State with the expansion of the conflict area. On World Humanitrian Day, IDPs called for international organisations to be allowed to travel freely due to the high need for medical aid and food supplies.

“We have been forced to flee our homes about four months ago, but we haven’t received any assistance from international organisations. We received a little rice and some cash assistance from local civil society organisations, but it was not enough for us,” said an IDP woman from Sittwe who is currently taking refuge in Ponnagyun Township.