Myanmar Displacement Crisis Escalates

Myanmar's displacement crisis worsens, doubling in a month. Urgent humanitarian needs surge as conflict, violence, and restrictions persist

Staff Reporter

Dec 20, 2023, 08:19 AM2 min read

The ongoing conflict has not only resulted in a spike in food insecurity,but has also disrupted healthcare systems, leaving millions without basic medical care. Photo : Collected

Myanmar is witnessing a rapid escalation of its displacement crisis, with the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) doubling in just one month. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that over 660,000 people are now displaced within the country as of December 15, 2023 – a stark contrast to the figure reported in November. The surge is linked to Operation 1027, an ongoing offensive by three ethnic armies against the Myanmar military regime, which has entered its eighth week.

The surge in IDPs raises serious humanitarian concerns, particularly in regions like Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magwe, where over 314,000 people are displaced. The ongoing conflict has not only resulted in a spike in food insecurity, with 7.1 million people facing hunger according to the World Food Programme, but has also disrupted healthcare systems, leaving millions without basic medical care. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, facing soaring malnutrition rates.

The humanitarian response is hindered by restricted access imposed by the junta, creating obstacles for aid delivery to conflict-affected areas. The UN's appeal for $1 billion in humanitarian aid for 2024 faces uncertainty amid global crises and concerns about engaging with the junta. The junta's continued disregard for human rights and perpetration of violence further compounds the crisis, creating an atmosphere of fear and despair for civilians.

Immediate assistance is crucial to alleviate the suffering of IDPs, encompassing essential needs such as food, healthcare, and shelter. Holding the junta accountable for human rights violations is emphasized as critical for both long-term stability and justice.

Operation 1027, initiated by the Brotherhood Alliance, has led to a significant escalation of ethnic armed conflict. The UNHCR reports that more than 314,000 people are displaced in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magwe regions, with northern Shan state witnessing the largest number of IDPs. The indiscriminate airstrikes and shelling by the Myanmar military in response to the offensive have further intensified the crisis, resulting in civilian casualties, damaged houses, and religious buildings.