Jonathan, NarinjaraNews, 22 May 2024

There is adeep concern on food, water and cash shortages, soaring market prices andspread of waterborne diseases in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, saidUnited Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

During abriefing at the UN headquarters on 20 May, he mentioned Rakhine State whilecommenting on Myanmar.

"Thesituation in Sittwe remains deeply concerning due to food and cash shortages,escalating market prices, drinking water scarcity and the increasing prevalenceof waterborne diseases,” stated Stephane Dujarric.

Thesituation in Arakan State is being closely monitored and the UN is deeplyconcerned about the latest reports of escalating violence and propertydestruction there, he added.

RegardingMyanmar, the UN continues to closely monitor the deteriorating situation inArakan State, which poses a significant threat to all communities in one of thecountry's poorest regions.

“Our team on the ground is deeplyalarmed by the latest reports of further escalating violence and destructiontaking place in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships,” he stated.

Thehumanitarian assistance and essential services have also been disrupted acrossArakan State, he observed.

Last week,the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Filippo Grandi) and the UN HighCommissioner for Human Rights (Volker Türk)  called on to cease thefighting, protect civilians, allow immediate and unhindered humanitarianaccess, provide refuge and safety to fleeing refugees, and facilitate theirsafe entry into the neighbouring countries.