The United Nations (UN) and other international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are preparing toleave the  Rakhine region due tothe escalating conflicts, said a credible source.

The undisclosed source from an INGO informed that the UN and INGOs, which are involved in humanitarian aidand relief programs, have been thinkingto escape the Rakhine violence soon.

"UNOCHA is taking the lead and making arrangements for their departure. They arecoordinating the exit of other INGOs, including WFP/UNHCR. Plans are also in place to withdrawfrom Buthidaung and Maungdawlocalities,” added the source.

The INGOs based in Buthidaung and Maungdaw are planning to move to Sittwe first and then they will departfor their destinations.

The escalation of conflicts in Rakhine State began on 13 November 2023 and it has made 300,000 residents ofRamree, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Ponnagyun,Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Minbya, Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships homeless, said a social relief worker.

The  worker based in Ramree expressed serious concern over thewithdrawalof the UN and INGOs  from the Rakhine region, especially at a time when there is anurgent need for humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the victims of  conflicts and thedisplaced population.

“The departure of  WFP and UNHCR, which provide crucial support, will make the lives of Rakhine IDPsmiserable. We urge them not to leave at thiscritical time. Presently, the war-affected people of Myanmar, including those inRakhine, are facing dire circumstances with no access to food or drinking water. Our efforts remaininsufficient to address themassive challenges," he added.

A woman from Thet Kae Pyin Muslim IDP camp in Sittwe admitted that they can understand the concern of theorganisations with the volatile situationin the region.

“However, for us the ground reality is that we cannot work and arrange foods for our families.
Even today we are surviving with the limited supply of  food items provided by those organisations,” sheexplained

Narinjara News is reaching out to UNOCHA to verify the information regarding the departure of INGOsincluding the UN from Rakhine State andwill update accordingly after their responses.