Lu HtetNaing, Narinjara News, 10 September 2024

President ofthe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric visitedArakan State as part of her five-day visit to Myanmar  and her visit (from5 to 9 September) was aimed to witness the dire humanitarian needs in theArakan region, said an ICRC statement issued on 10 September.

During Mirjana Spoljaric’s visit toMyanmar amidst escalating conflict, violence and worsening humanitarianconditions, she also met with military junta chief senior general Min AungHlaing. In the meeting, she discussed ICRC's plans to enhance humanitarian assistanceand advocated for greater access to conflict-affected areas.

“We areengaging in bilateral and confidential dialogues with all parties involved inthe conflict to remind them of their obligation to respect internationalhumanitarian laws and ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers,”stated Mirjana Spoljaric.

The communities in theconflict-affected areas reportedly face severe challenges in accessing healthcare, sanitation, clean water, food and shelter.

Despitethese challenges, the ICRC team  committed to support the most vulnerablecommunities, particularly in Shan, Kachin, Arakan, central Myanmar andconflict-affected areas in Chin, Kayah and Kayin States.

“Manyfamilies in Myanmar are going without basic medicines and health care, facefood shortages and have limited access to clean water and sanitation. They livewith the fear of conflict and violence. The disruption of livelihoods isleaving countless people without the means to sustain themselves,” asserted thestatement.

Thefrequent use of high-impact explosive weapons in populated areas was leading toan increase in civilian casualties. It also highlighted that restrictions onthe movement of people and goods are limiting access to essential services formany communities, contributing to a shrinking humanitarian space.

Moreover, the breakdown ofhealthcare services is causing a rise in preventable diseases, while shortagesof medical supplies are worsening the suffering of the wounded and chronicallyill people.

The ongoingviolence forced thousands of families to flee their laces, often with nothingbut the clothes on their backs.

At the end of her visit, the ICRCpresident called for increased humanitarian access to the civilians in needacross Myanmar.

Sheemphasized on the ICRC's neutral role and its goal of reaching the populationmost in need.

“The ICRC’sdetermination to assist the people of Myanmar is unwavering,” said the ICRCchief.

Shereaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to address the most urgent humanitarian needsin the southeast Asian nation. (Photo- ICRC)