“Humanitarian crisis is growing in Myanmar due to ongoing fighting” - UN Experts

Director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), reported that 2.8 million people are displaced in Myanmar, with 157,000 more fleeing their homes since the ceasefire collapsed, bringing the total displacement in Rakhine to over 300,000.

Staff Reporter

Apr 7, 2024, 06:30 AM2 min read

“Humanitarian crisis is growing in Myanmar due to ongoing fighting” - UN Experts

Displaced Karen people are seen carrying their belongings along the Salween River in the Thailand-Myanmar border area/Sourced Image

During the UN Security Council's inaugural session on Myanmar since the military takeover from the democratically elected government, two senior UN officials highlighted the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict. They emphasized how the strife has stripped local communities of essential resources and services, severely impacting human rights and freedoms.

Lise Doughten, Director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), reported that 2.8 million people are displaced in Myanmar, with 157,000 more fleeing their homes since the ceasefire collapsed, bringing the total displacement in Rakhine to over 300,000.

The increasing violence has severely affected human rights, with nearly 12.9 million people, about a quarter of the population, facing food insecurity. Access to vital goods and services, including healthcare and education, has been compromised, leading to widespread fear and disruption, particularly with the enforcement of mandatory conscription.

OCHA projects that around 18.6 million people will require assistance this year, a significant surge since February 2021. Doughten called for enhanced funding, unhindered access to affected populations, and safer conditions for aid workers.

In the first quarter of 2024, conflict escalated notably in Rakhine, Kachin, Sagaing, and Southeast Myanmar. Reports suggested targeting of ethnic and religious minorities, with particular concerns raised for the Rohingya Muslim community.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Khalid Khiari underscored the urgent need to address root causes to break the cycle of violence, emphasizing the spillover effects on border areas, including the proliferation of illicit activities like drug and human trafficking and cyber scams.

Human Rights Watch urged Indonesia to protect Rohingya refugees, while the UN called on global leaders to intervene in the Myanmar crisis. Khiari emphasized the importance of international unity, highlighting the UN's commitment to collaborating with ASEAN and engaging all stakeholders in resolving the crisis.

BOB Post