- Web Master
- May 23, 2024
The United Nations (UN) and other international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are preparing to
leave the Rakhine region due to
the escalating conflicts, said a credible source.
The undisclosed source from an INGO informed that the UN and INGOs, which are involved in humanitarian aid
and relief programs, have been thinking
to escape the Rakhine violence soon.
"UNOCHA is taking the lead and making arrangements for their departure. They are
coordinating the exit of other INGOs, including WFP/UNHCR. Plans are also in place to withdraw
from Buthidaung and Maungdaw
localities,” added the source.
The INGOs based in Buthidaung and Maungdaw are planning to move to Sittwe first and then they will depart
for their destinations.
The escalation of conflicts in Rakhine State began on 13 November 2023 and it has made 300,000 residents of
Ramree, 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 thewithdrawal
of the UN and INGOs from the Rakhine region, especially at a time when there is an
urgent need for humanitarian assistance and relief efforts for the victims of conflicts and the
displaced population.
“The departure of WFP and UNHCR, which provide crucial support, will make the lives of Rakhine IDPs
miserable. We urge them not to leave at this
critical time. Presently, the war-affected people of Myanmar, including those in
Rakhine, are facing dire circumstances with no access to food or drinking water. Our efforts remain
insufficient to address the
massive challenges," he added.
A woman from Thet Kae Pyin Muslim IDP camp in Sittwe admitted that they can understand the concern of the
organisations with the volatile situation
in 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,” she
explained
Narinjara News is reaching out to UNOCHA to verify the information regarding the departure of INGOs
including the UN from Rakhine State and
will update accordingly after their responses.