Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
Individual Documents
Description:
"HIGHLIGHTS
Armed clashes across Myanmar continued to trigger displacement and affect civilians. As of 2 May 2022, there were an estimated 936,700 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Myanmar including 590,100 newly displaced since 1 February 2021.
In the South-East, the security situation continued to deteriorate with intensified armed clashes), including indiscriminate artillery shelling. Landmines continue to pose grave protection risks for civilians and restrict access to farmland, markets, hospitals and schools. In the South-East, the majority of IDPs are located in Kayah State (89,700), Kayin State (82,000), Shan State South (49,800), as well as in Mon State (18,000), Tanintharyi Region (9,100) and Bago Region (900).
In Kachin and Shan (North) states, there is increasing restriction of movement, including physical obstacles on some main roads as well as fear of arrest or detention. This in turn impacts access to basic services and livelihoods opportunities of displaced people. In Shan (North) State, while no new displacement has been reported, forced recruitment and landmines remained key protection issues for civilians.
In the North-West, the situation remained tense with continued armed clashes, including aerial attacks, and reports of human rights violations. The main needs of IDPs are food, core relief items, healthcare and shelter. In Chin State, some displaced people came back to their place of origin to check their properties. They are however unable to return home permanently because of the presence of armed groups or because their homes have been destroyed. In the North-West, displacement figures remain high with 240,600 IDPs in Sagaing Region, 50,500 in Magway Region and 36,300 in Chin State, with very limited humanitarian access.
In Rakhine State, while some return movements have been observed from Rakhine displacement sites as a result of conflict, mainly in Sittwe, Pauktaw, and Minbya townships, Rakhine IDPs continue to raise concerns related to their security. Their return is hindered by the presence of antipersonnel mines, lack of access to livelihoods and lack of reliable information for them to make informed and free decisions to return to their places of origin/choice.
The Rohingya population continues to suffer serious limitations on their enjoyment of basic human rights, such as freedom of movement, education and healthcare..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-05-04
Date of entry/update:
2022-05-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and displacement in Burma, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
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"People in Need (PIN) aims to scale up its lifesaving nutrition services for displaced people in Rakhine State. To do so we regularly train community volunteers and staff to effectively identify and prevent malnutrition.
For example, May Htar Swe is nearly three years old and participates in PIN’s nutrition programme thanks to financial support from the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF). She lives in the Tin Htein Kan displacement site with her four siblings. In January 2022, PIN’s field team and our community volunteers conducted their monthly mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) screening for children aged 6 months to 59 months in targeted displacement sites in Mrauk U township. During one of the screenings, May Htar Swe was found to have moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).
May Htar Swe is the youngest child in her family and was born at the Tein Nyo Station hospital, Mrauk U township, Rakhine State. Her mother, Daw Yin Ma Oo (45), says, “I was exclusively breastfeeding her during the first six months of her life, and always prepared healthy foods when she reached the age to start complementary feeding. But she didn’t have an appetite and ate little food. She has been tiny since she was born. Being a mother and living in the displacement site, I try hard to feed my children nutritious food, but everything has been difficult since we arrived here.”
Collaborative nutrition services for malnourished children
In collaboration with Myanmar Health Assistant Association (MHAA), PIN referred May Htar Swe to MHAA’s Outpatient Therapeutic Programme (OTP) at Wet Hla IDP site, which provided her with Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF). RUSF is a food supplement that is intended to be eaten for two or three months alongside regular food.
In addition, PIN and our nutrition community volunteers conducted regular follow-up visits to May Htar Swe. They provided infant and young child feeding (IYCF) counseling to her mother about safe, nutritious cooking methods, food preparation, and characteristics of complementary feeding, as well as important caring and hygiene practices. PIN also provided funding for transportation and meal costs for both the child and her mother to cover the costs of necessary travel during treatment.
Daw Yin Ma Oo is thankful to PIN and our community volunteers, “After 4 or 5 weeks of outpatient treatment at MHAA’s OTP, my daughter is improving and reaching normal measurements during the MUAC screening. We thank PIN for covering transportation costs and other costs associated with the OTP clinic. Also, PIN has provided us with nutritious foods, such as vegetable cooking oil and things like hand soap, toothbrushes, and other nutrition services. I am happy that she is healthy now, has gained weight, and has also gotten her appetite back.”
Community volunteer approaches to nutrition services
Using various community volunteer approaches, PIN has trained volunteers on things such as basic nutrition concepts, IYCF practices, detection of malnutrition through MUAC measurement, the organisation of mother support groups and capacity building to conduct community awareness-raising workshops. Ma Phyu Phyu Htay, a nutrition community volunteer, says, “Since I live in the same displacement site, I can regularly monitor the children’s status until they reach the normal nutrition status measurement by MUAC, which is 12.8 centimetres. I am really happy and proud of myself that I can support the community.”
Ko Wai Yan Aung, PIN’s Nutrition Technical Officer, explains the current situation of the nutrition programme, “After informing the community that a volunteer has identified a MAM case, one of our nutrition field officers visits the Tin Htein Kan IDP site to confirm the case. Then we refer this case to MHAA’s OTP and collaborate to supply supplementary food by MHAA. In addition, we provide money to cover the costs of visits to the clinic for the affected family. This is in accordance with our standard operating procedure for the nutrition programme. Now that May Htar Swe is in normal condition, we’ve awarded her mother a counselling gift. We provide these gifts to those who’ve been affected by moderated acute malnutrition in some way and have cured it.”
Ko Wai Yan Aung adds, “With help from our community volunteers, PIN has organised the formation of eighteen mother support groups in nine displacement sites in Mrauk U township. Discussion-based mother support groups bring together mothers of children under the age of five, pregnant women, and lactating women to provide a safe space to promote IYCF practices. These practices include exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding for children six months of age, safe cooking methods, and hygiene and caring practices on a weekly basis.”
From January to March 2022, PIN has conducted continuous MUAC screenings for a total of 255 boys and 296 girls and plans to raise awareness about key IYCF practices and the importance of good nutrition through a series of community events which have been organised by community volunteers and PIN’s field team in April 2022..."
Source/publisher:
People in Need
Date of publication:
2022-05-02
Date of entry/update:
2022-05-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Children, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma
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"A small state containing the serenity of the Ngwe Taung Dam. Home to many ethnic groups and tribes. A land of breath-taking nature: waterfalls, mountains, and caves. For all its beauty, Kayah State is now seeing violence that is tearing families from their homes.
Following intense clashes, several thousand people from Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso and Pekon were forced to seek refuge in Southern Shan State. They are now sheltering in monasteries, churches or staying with relatives across Taunggyi, Hsiseng, Ping Long, Nyaung Shwe, Kalaw, Pinthadaya, Lawt Sauk and Laikha townships.
Our teams were able to visit some of these displaced families to support them.
For many among the displaced, this is the first time they have had to leave their homes. It is hard to adjust. Many wait anxiously for the opportunity to return, often with little hope. For families, the uncertainty leads to concerns about the future – with no end in sight given the ongoing clashes.
Since January this year, ICRC teams in Lashio and the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), have visited several sites where people displaced from Kayah have sought shelter. We conducted rapid assessments, to see what families needed urgently and tried our best to meet these fundamental needs.
During a first rapid assessment, we worked together with the MRCS to plan next steps in a humanitarian response. Our engineers focused on access to clean water and shelter. Other team members sought to ensure families would have enough food, or tried to reconnect family members who had been separated. Our teams spoke with people about their experiences and planned logistics to help provide future support.
Many of those who were displaced are seeking shelter in urban areas, but some have been forced to shelter in the rural countryside, where access to water and electricity can be more challenging. Temporary electricity blackouts remain common. But support from local monasteries and churches has helped in the short term. Bringing what they could carry, some of those who were displaced also took care of their immediate needs: blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, and small supplies of food. But it is planning for the longer-term needs of these displaced communities that remains a concern.
Displacement due to armed conflict also causes loss of livelihoods. For safety, jobs are left behind. Some of those who left Kayah are trying to earn a daily wage by finding work, but job opportunities are hard to come across. Traveling further afield to find work is also a risk, compared to the relative safety of temporary shelter in a church or monastery. Displacement makes all these life decisions more challenging.
To help as much as possible in the short term, we provided useful items such as dignity and hygiene kits, as well as food. We did this work together with the MRCS – from planning to distribution.
"Our team is a mix of many technicians, including engineers and others who help respond in emergencies, so that we can address the most urgent needs as fast as possible".
While churches, monasteries and host communities are helping many of those who are displaced, concerns remain over the rising likelihood of food shortages in the long run.
Our team is still on the ground, working together with communities affected by conflict and the MRCS to monitor and identify the most urgent needs. There is more work to be done..."
Source/publisher:
International Committee of the Red Cross (Geneva) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-04-29
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-29
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Individual Documents
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"ABSTRACT:
The first round of the Myanmar Household Welfare Survey (MHWS)–a nationwide phone panel consisting of 12,100 households–was implemented between December 2021 and February 2022.
The objective of the survey was to collect data on a wide range of household and individual welfare indicators–including wealth, livelihoods, unemployment, food insecurity, diet quality, health shocks, and coping strategies–in a country exceptionally hard hit by conflict, severe economic collapse, and several damaging waves of COVID-19. The respondents interviewed in the MHWS were purposely selected from a large phone database aimed at being representative at the region/state level and urban/rural level in Myanmar.
In this paper, we discuss two key steps taken to ensure that the MHWS is nationally and subnationally representative at the state/region and urban/rural level. First, we used a quota-based sampling strategy by setting survey quotas for respondents’ geography, education, farming status, gender, and rural/urban residence. This sampling strategy is used to address the well-known drawbacks of phone survey samples (e.g., the over-sampling of more educated respondents) and the survey’s particular interest in over-sampling farm households and equally sampling men and women. Second, we constructed household, population, and individual level weighting factors to further ensure that the survey generates nationally and subnationally representative statistics.
To assess the effectiveness of these two strategies on achieving representativeness and consistency with previous surveys, we compare results from the MHWS to earlier nationally representative datasets, focusing on sample sizes of interviewed households for each state/region, and on education levels, farm/non-farm occupation, urban/rural residence, as well as respondents’ housing characteristics, which are unlikely to change substantially over short periods of time. We show that the phone-based MHWS has broader geographical coverage than previous national surveys, reaching 310 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. Moreover, our sampling approach was generally effective in reducing the education bias of phone surveys, except for a handful of states/regions. The MHWS is also unique in providing equal representation of male and female respondents. Additionally, the MHWS sampling and weighting strategies produce statistics on key indicators that closely mirror results from the two most recent national surveys in Myanmar. Overall, the results suggest that these strategies are successful in generating a subnationally representative phone survey that collected data on a rich array of household welfare indicators in exceptionally difficult political and economic circumstances..."
Source/publisher:
International Food Policy Research Institute
Date of publication:
2022-04-27
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Rural development in Burma/Myanmar
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pdf
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1.7 MB (Original version) - 48 pages
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"The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management of the National Unity
Government has been implementing the following humanitarian activities in accordance with
the policies, strategies and action plans spending the total budget of (2.73) billion MMK from
16th April 2021 to 10th April 2022;
Sr. No. Activities MMK (Million)
1. Internally displaced population and Armed conflict
affected population 1334.20.....
2. Food security for local communities and local defence
forces 803.90.....3 Families with the fallen heroes and the injured 113.72.....4 Civil Servants who joined Civil Disobedience Movement 228.99.....5.Vulnerable people and their families 82.39.....6. Political prisoners and their family members 44.25.....7. Natural Disaster affected communities 10.62.....8. General Support for humanitarian measures 113.49 Of all the support delivered, the highest amount, almost half of the funding has been spent on
the humanitarian delivery for internally displaced people. As per the latest report issued by UNHCR on 6th April 2022, there are over (500,000) internally displaced people since the military coup, and the Ministry has provided humanitarian aid to about (100,000) IDPs in every
month covering about 20% of the total population affected by armed conflict in Myanmar. According to the statistics, humanitarian assistances were delivered to the following States and Regions depending on the needs, and Kayin, Sagaing, Karenni, Chin and Magway had received
the highest amount of contributions..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management - NUG
Date of publication:
2022-04-16
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-22
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
National Unity Government (NUG), The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, UN System humanitarian assistance, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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"ABSTRACT
Social behavior change communication (SBCC) interventions on gender and nutrition are now commonly implemented, but their impact on diet quality and empowerment is rarely assessed rigorously. We estimate the impact of a nutrition and gender SBCC intervention on women’s dietary diversity and empowerment in Myanmar during an especially challenging period—the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention was implemented as a cluster-randomized controlled trial in 30 villages in Myanmar’s Central Dry Zone. Our analysis employs data from the baseline survey implemented in February 2020 and a phone survey implemented in February–March 2021 and focuses on women’s dietary diversity and sub-indicators of the project-level women’s empowerment in agriculture index (pro-WEAI). Two indicators of women’s empowerment―inputs to productive decisions and access to and decisions over credit―improved, indicating that SBCC interventions can contribute to changing gendered perceptions and behaviors; however, most of the empowerment indicators did not change, indicating that much of gendered norms and beliefs take time to change. Women’s dietary diversity scores were higher by half a food group out of 10 in treatment villages. More women in treatment villages consumed nuts, milk, meat or fish, and Vitamin A–rich foods daily than in control villages. We show that even in the setting of a pandemic, a SBCC intervention can be delivered through a range of tools, including household visits, phone-based coaching, and voice-based training, that are responsive to local and individual resource limitations.
Gender messaging can change some gendered perceptions; but it may take more time to change deeply ingrained gender norms. Nutrition messaging can help counter the declines in dietary quality that would be expected from negative shocks to supply chains and incomes..."
Source/publisher:
International Food Policy Research Institute
Date of publication:
2022-04-20
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
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pdf
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1.22 MB (Original version) - 29 pages
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"1. INTRODUCTION
An estimated 1.8 billion people–almost one quarter of the world’s population–lived in fragile states in 2020. This share is expected to grow to 26 percent in 2030 and 31 percent in 2050 (OECD 2020). Moreover, three-quarters of the extreme poor in the world reside in fragile states (OECD 2020). Yet, despite the enormous importance of these areas for reducing global poverty and food insecurity, there is relatively little research on livelihoods and trade because safe and reliable data collection is often a challenge. Access to food, food prices, and the functioning of food value chains are critical when states fail but, insights into the functioning of agricultural markets and food value chains are rare within such conflict-affected areas. In this paper, we examine agricultural value chains in Myanmar during a period of major political instability. Myanmar’s military seized control of the country in a coup on February 1, 2021, setting the country down a path of widespread violence and major economic collapse. In protest of the coup, Myanmar’s people organized a Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and worker strikes, which led to disruptions in service delivery of both public institutions and private businesses. Banks closed to in-person services and faced severe liquidity shortages, limiting businesses’ ability to pay employees and suppliers, and for residents to access their money. Access to formal and informal credit mostly dried up. Internet access and communication was restricted. Violence and insecurity rose sharply after the coup. Cumulatively, these disruptions had major economic consequences as GDP declined by 18 percent and poverty rates increased to between 40 and 50 percent of Myanmar’s population (Boughton et al. 2021, World Bank 2021, UNDP 2021). We study the rice value chain for two reasons. First, rice is the main staple in Myanmar, accounting for 51 and 62 percent of urban and rural calories consumed, respectively, making it crucial for food security in the country. It is also the predominant crop for a large number of farmers and an important export. Second, approximately 70 percent of rice that is consumed is purchased. Value chains are therefore essential in assuring sales of paddy from farmers, milling of paddy to rice, and distribution of rice to consumers. Rice is typically traded over large distances in the country, implying that coup-related disruptions in the functioning of the value chain coup will be widely felt. To study the rice value chain, we use unique primary data collected by phone before and after the coup at the midstream (rice millers) and downstream (retail food vendors) and combine these data with a number of secondary datasets. We look at three research topics. First, we assess the extent of the disruptions to the rice value chain following the military coup by investigating disruptions midstream and downstream, and rice availability in retail markets. Second, we analyze the size of processing and distribution margins within the value chain and assess how they have been affected by the coup. Third, we look at spatial price dispersion from the mills to food vendors comparing rice prices before and after the coup using a market-pair regression methodology of miller-vendor pairs with miller and vendor fixed effects. We test what explanatory variables of price dispersion used in international literature matter in this context and to what extent these factors have been affected by the instability. We examine travel costs (Minten and Kyle 1999, Minten et al. 2016), border crossings (as a proxy for export market access) (Aker et al. 2014), and differences of ethnic group composition between markets (Aker et al. 2014, Robinson 2016). We also assess the direct effects of measures of violent events in sending and receiving markets on price dispersion. Our data reveal significant business disturbances for food vendors and rice millers after the coup linked to banking and transport. Yet, despite these challenges, local trade and milling continued, though at lower activity levels than normal, assuring availability of rice in most retail markets in the country. Upstream, farm prices and milling margins were found to be mostly stable after the coup. However, we see increases in retail rice prices by 11 percent on average. Simulation results of these increased distribution margins indicate sizable welfare costs for rice consumers and producers, estimated at almost 0.5 billion USD at the national level (equivalent to about 3 percent of agricultural GDP in 2020). Regressions reveal that spatial price dispersion increased after the coup with the distance between mills and vendors widening the price differences. Violence near mills or vendors, which increased dramatically during the coup, also increased price dispersion. However, in contrast with previous findings (Aker et al. 2014, Robinson 2016), we find that differences in ethnic composition of sending and receiving townships/markets did not affect dispersion. Price dispersion further decreased with proximity of food vendors to land borders, possibly due to the price reducing effects of competition from exports in those markets. However, the border effect was weakened severely during periods of border closures. The results indicate that the most severe effect of the coup on retail prices were found in the areas furthest away from export opportunities and major production zones that were affected by violence. When the state fails to assume its normal role and private sector activities are curtailed, it is crucial that agricultural value chains continue to function well to ensure food security and to prevent increases in food retail prices to avoid further suffering of vulnerable households. Our findings indicate that easing transport restrictions, stabilizing fuel prices, and facilitating safe spatial arbitrage of food products would reduce the welfare costs of market disruptions by preventing food price inflation while assuring remunerative prices for farmers. To the extent possible, maintaining safe border trade of agricultural commodities may help stabilize prices in the domestic market. Finally, as mobile phone use is often widespread, even in a failed state, close monitoring of a number of important aspects in such environments can take place and should therefore be encouraged. The paper proceeds as follows. In the next section, we provide important background information on the political conflict and the rice value chain in Myanmar. The econometric specification used to empirically test price changes during the crisis is discussed in Section 3 along with our data and survey methods. Section 4 illustrates the disruptions noted in the value chain. Section 5 presents graphical analyses of price and margin changes, revealing retail price increases following the coup, as well as price regressions results. Section 6 discusses the implications of our results and section 7 concludes by summarizing the key results and by discussing main policy implications..."
Source/publisher:
International Food Policy Research Institute
Date of publication:
2022-04-18
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
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938.08 KB (Original version) - 25 pages
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"Key findings: Prices of vegetable oils, and palm oil in particular, have been rising rapidly in the country. Average retail prices rose nationally by 122 percent over the last year (March 2022 compared to March 2021). As vegetable oils typically make up 5 percent of the food expenditures of Myanmar consumers, this price increase is causing significant hardship, especially for poorer households.
Vegetable oils are less available in retail markets, especially so in conflict-affected areas, compared to the same period last year.
This lower availability and high prices are leading to lower use: 63 percent of food retailers indicate that less vegetable oils were bought by consumers in March 2022 compared to a year earlier.
The local price increases and lower availability are explained by: 1) International price increases. Palm oil prices in international markets have gone up rapidly over the last year because of supply issues in producing countries and in the last month in particular because of the crisis in Ukraine (a major sunflower oil supplier). 2) Depreciation of the local currency. The MMK/USD official exchange rate depreciated by 25 percent over the period mid-March 2021 to mid-March 2022. Market rates showed an even higher depreciation. 3) Policy change. The military government put a licensing and import quota system in place, limiting palm oil imports in the country.
Recommended actions
Licensing, import quota systems, and differential exchange rates seem to lead to lower availability and less transparency in the vegetable oil market. These policies should best be re-evaluated as to assure affordable prices for Myanmar consumers.
Easing mobility constraints and other measures to ensure efficient trade will facilitate availability in the country overall and in conflict-affected areas in particular.
To make local oil production more competitive, support is needed for seed growers and oil millers to scale up the existing production capacity and productivity of groundnut, sunflower, and sesame, especially through an improved business setting that includes access to appropriate inputs, credit and capital, and a secure trade environment..."
Source/publisher:
International Food Policy Research Institute
Date of publication:
2022-04-18
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments up to 12 April, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UN agencies. The next humanitarian update will be issued in May 2022.
HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES
• Across Myanmar, as of 11 April, 912,700 men, women and children remain displaced. This includes 566,100 people displaced by the conflict and insecurity since the military takeover in February last year. For the first time, displacement in the northwest has exceeded 300,000 people.
• Humanitarians continue providing critical life-saving assistance to displaced people and host communities wherever they can, including through local partners in the face of serious access constraints.
• Increasing challenges are being reported by clusters around roadblocks and checkpoints, transportation of supplies and incomplete coverage by local partners in several conflict areas.
• Despite access challenges and funding shortfalls, food security partners have reached 1.4 million people with life-saving assistance – a quarter of the Cluster’s target for 2022.
• The Nutrition Cluster is facing pipeline breaks for both preventative and therapeutic nutrition supplies as early as June.
• Amid escalating dangers from landmines and explosive ordnance in conflict areas, clusters have agreed to scale-up mainstreaming of risk education across all sectors.
• There remains high risk of transmission of acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) in protracted IDP camps in Rakhine amid significant WASH gaps, as well as reliance on water trucking, and potentially boating, at the peak of the dry season in some areas.
• Shelter repair gaps in Rakhine’s IDP camps are a significant concern heading into the monsoon season with more than 550 longhouses, sheltering more than 28,000 IDPs, considered structurally unsound and in urgent need of reconstruction.
• Preparedness plans are being updated ahead of the rainy season to ensure a timely and efficient response in the event of an emergency in high-risk areas.
• Funding for the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), which requests US$826 million to reach 6.2 million people in need of life-saving support, is critical. Only 5 per cent ($37.2 million) of required funds have been received at the end of the first quarter of 2022 (FTS). All clusters are underfunded, which impedes their ability to respond to the growing needs and gaps in response.
KEY FIGURES
912K People internally displaced across Myanmar
566K People currently displaced by clashes and insecurity since February 2021
346K People internally displaced mainly in Rakhine, Kachin, Chin, and Shan due to conflict prior to February 2021
8K Civilian properties estimated burnt or destroyed since February 2021.
Displacement figures fluctuate during any given month. These figures represent the number of people currently displaced.
Cumulative numbers for returns and displacement are not always available.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Ongoing fighting in the country’s east and northwest has exacerbated the humanitarian and displacement situation.
The use of heavy weapons, including airstrikes and artillery fire, as well as landmines and the presence of explosive remnants of war (ERW) continues to claim lives and pose risks to the safety and security of the civilian population, especially Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Since the military takeover, at least 1,600 people, including over 100 children, have been killed, and thousands injured or maimed according to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).2 During the first two months of 2022, UNICEF recorded 53 casualties from landmines and ERW alone. (See page 5 of this update for more details)
Hundreds of thousands of men, women, boys and girls have fled their homes for safety since the February military takeover, many of them forced to move multiple times exposing people to grave protection risks. As of 11 April 2022, the number of new IDPs since the military takeover in 2021 stands at 566,100, according to UN figures, bringing the total number of IDPs across the country to 912,700. In addition, it is estimated that 36,100 people from Myanmar are currently displaced in neighbouring countries. This includes 34,500 in India and 1,600 in Thailand.
At least 8,262 houses and other civilian properties, including churches monasteries, schools, and markets have reportedly been either burnt down or destroyed, mainly in Sagaing and Magway regions and Chin and Kayah states. (See page 3 of this update for more details)
The stressful financial situation already facing many vulnerable families after COVID-19 and the recent conflict has been placed under further strain by fresh price rises, especially for fuel since the start of the conflict in Ukraine which has impacted on global supply. According to WFP price monitoring, the price of fuel has increased by 18 per cent from February to March 2022 and is more than double the price (up 133 per cent) compared to February 2021.3The next round of monthly data is expected to show even steeper hikes. This has serious implications for people’s ability to purchase food and other essentials and if it becomes protracted, will also have an impact on the cost of humanitarian operations in 2022. In the HRP 2022, clusters anticipated continued inflation (ranging from 15-35 per cent depending on the cluster) but the ICCG will conduct a fresh stocktake of these impacts in the coming weeks.
Against this backdrop of conflict, the monsoon season is now approaching, placing another burden on the lives of vulnerable and displaced people in high-risk areas and adding new urgency to addressing shelter and NFI funding gaps. While the first storm of the season reached the Rakhine coast with limited impact at the end of March, the weather system was a timely opportunity to refresh preparedness planning. In the lead up to the storm, the de facto Rakhine State authorities evacuated some 300 people to a primary school in Yone Ka Htoe village in Gwa township and at least 90 vulnerable IDPs, including elderly people and persons with disabilities, were relocated to cyclone shelters in Sittwe. The de facto authorities immediately activated the respective township-level Disaster Management Committees (DMCs), instructed Village Tract leaders to prepare cyclone shelters around camp areas to accommodate Rohingya IDPs in Sittwe and put in place a plan to relocate IDPs in Pauktaw township to high ground, if needed. Each district office of the Department of Disaster Management stored non-food items to cover 1,000 families as part of the initial response. Operational humanitarian partners in Rakhine immediately undertook preparedness activities at the sub-national level, disseminating disaster preparedness messages around cyclone, flood and landslide risks in Rohingya languages in camps in Sittwe and in Pauktaw townships. The Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG) also convened an emergency meeting in Yangon to take stock of preparedness actions before the storm hit. Humanitarian partners have been recently updating their national emergency response preparedness plans for 2022 in preparation for the monsoon season and in the event of an emergency, will coordinate with the relevant de facto authorities to ensure an immediate and efficient response.
Overall, humanitarian actors, in close coordination with local partners, continue providing critical life-saving assistance to the most affected people but face ongoing challenges in addressing urgent needs due to access constraints and funding shortfalls. To meet their obligations to people in need, humanitarian actors, including the UN, international and national NGOs, need quicker, simpler and more predictable access processes. Visa, banking, registration, and MOU blockages remain major obstacles to effective response and must urgently be resolved. It is critical that new banking rules introduced by the Central Bank on foreign currency transactions do not hamper the ability of humanitarian organizations from accessing funding for life-saving work. Significant funding gaps persist, a quarter of the way into 2022. To date, only 5 per cent ($37.1 million) of the $826 million requested in the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan, has been received (FTS). Continued underfunding of this magnitude will have life-threatening consequences for millions of people in 2022. Donors are urged to give generously, in solidarity with the people of Myanmar to save lives and protect hard-fought development gains while there is still a window to do so. Donors and funding recipients are also reminded of the importance of up-to-date and complete reporting of funding flows to the Financial Tracking Service to ensure that a clear picture of gaps is available to support decision-making..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-04-19
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
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Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Public Health, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
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"In Myanmar, the political and economic crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic and the overthrow of the civilian authorities on Feburary 1st, 2021 has led to an explosion in humanitarian needs.
Access to essential goods has become more difficult, and tensions and violence in the country have led to significant population displacement. The shortages observed concern access to food, drinking water, sanitation and hygiene as well as health and education. Hundreds of thousands of people are now extremely vulnerable.
The situation could quickly become even more dramatic with the arrival of the dry season: the increased drought that hits the country every year during this period confronts the population with a water scarcity. The water shortages particularly affect the displaced population, including the Rohingya communities living in the camps on the Pauktaw islets in Arakan State.
LOGISTICAL CHALLENGE
To meet these critical needs, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has been securing water supplies for the Pauktaw camps since 2012. This is a major logistical challenge as the water has to be pumped from a distance, transported by boat and then transferred from the coast to the camps via a pipeline system so that it can be treated and distributed to the population. This requires a great deal of coordination between the different actors involved in these operations. “It is also very important to be able to adapt to daily constraints such as tide times and possible breakdowns,” says Jean-Loup Gouot, country director of the Myanmar mission.
Hygiene kits consisting of soap and other essential hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, detergent, sanitary towels, etc.) are also distributed and awareness-raising sessions on good hygiene practices are held.
The NGO’s mobilisation is crucial in that it enables the people it supports to drink drinking water, cook and wash.
Our aim is to reduce the risks of spreading diseases and epidemics caused by the ingestion of unsafe water and lack of hygiene,” says Jean-Loup Gouot.
It also allows people living in the camps to work.
Before, fetching water took a long time because the available water source was far from my home. As the head of the household, I didn’t have enough time to fetch water and work,” says Adumaw Gyi, a resident of Kyein Ni Pyin camp.
Access to water remains quantitatively limited. The needs are such that it is sometimes difficult to provide more than 10 litres of water per day per person, half the minimum recommended by the World Health Organisation.
FINANCIAL CHALLENGE
Humanitarian actors and donors must respond to emerging needs following the health crisis and the coup, while continuing to meet pre-existing needs.
In this context, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is having difficulty securing the funds it needs to make its activities possible in the Pauktaw IDP camps in Arakan State, home to more than 23,700 Rohingya, including nearly 6,000 children.
The stakes are high and the support of all in this response will allow this population to limit the risk of spreading serious waterborne diseases within the camps (cholera, acute diarrhoea, etc.) but also to better contain the spread of COVID-19. This risk is all the more worrying as the populations concerned have no access to health structures and their freedom of movement is restricted..."
Source/publisher:
Solidarités International
Date of publication:
2022-04-12
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-12
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
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"HIGHLIGHTS:
The security situation remained tense across Myanmar with armed clashes which continued to trigger displacement. As of 4 April 2022, there were an estimated 907,500 Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) across Myanmar including 560,900 newly displaced since 1 February 2021. These include 234,600 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South-East Myanmar and 227,300 IDPs in the North-West.
In the South-East, intensified armed clashes continued with incidents reported in Kayin State’s Hpapun, Kawkareik, Myawaddy and Kyainseikgyi townships, Mon State’s Kyaikhto Township and Bago Region’s Shwegyin Township. In Myawaddy Township, Kayin State, some 1,700 IDPs who were already displaced in IDP sites or living in villages on the riverbanks that borders Thailand have arrived in Tak border villages after they fled clashes which began at the end of March 2022. In Kayin State, some 1,500 IDPs have returned to their place of origin in Kawkareik Township due to fewer armed clashes over the past weeks. Clashed have however intensified in Southern Kawkareik, resulting in new displacements. Clashes intensified in Kayin, Mon and Kaya States and in Tanintharyi Region. There were reports of the killing of civilians during airstrikes and shelling. In Palaw Township, Tanintharyi Region, some 1,000 IDPs living in displacements sites are in urgent need of food assistance. In the South-East, the majority of IDPs are located in Kayah State (92,600), Kayin State (74,00), Shan State South (50,600), as well as in Mon State (7,600), Tanintharyi Region (8,900) Bago Region (900)
In Rakhine State, return movements of IDPs from Ann Township to their areas of origin increased significantly with over 300 families returning during the reporting period. The decision to return is triggered by a combination of factors including livelihood opportunities.
In the North-West, armed clashes continue to displace families. The number of IDPs crossed the 300,000 mark this month. In Chin State, around 1,500 new displacements were reported in Kanpetlet Township due to fear of clashes. Displacement numbers are expected to further increase as security operations and armed clashes continue. In the North-West, clashes have resulted in 227,300 IDPs in Sagaing Region, 45,000 in Magway Region and 36,300 in Chin State.
In Kachin and Shan (North) states, the security situation remained tense and fighting continued in multiple townships. In urban areas such as Hpakant and Myitkyina, explosive devices continue to feature heavily in armed conflict incidents reported, while in more rural areas, such as Mohnyin, Mansi, Putao, and Waingmaw, clashes, including the use of artillery and airstrikes, have continued. In Shan State (North), clashes decreased compared to February 2022, while fighting in northeastern Shan State (Muse) has continued. There was also less new displacement in both Kachin and Shan (North) states in March compared to February 2022. Some IDPs displaced in February from Putao Township to Myitkyina Town also returned to their villages with the facilitation of local community leaders..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-04-09
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
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"SITUATION OVERVIEW
The people of Myanmar are dealing with an evolving humanitarian crisis where humanitarian needs have continued to escalate since the third wave of COVID-19 in 2021 and the ongoing political unrest since Myanmar’s military intervention on 1 February 2021.
The country is now entering the second year of this crisis, where ongoing inter-factional tensions have fueled its complexity and multi-dimensional characteristics. The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) continues to be supported by many in Myanmar, impacting public services, including health, schools, and government administrations in states and regions across the country.
Clashes and targeted attacks between various armed actors, including the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF), continue and have intensified in several states/regions. Simmering historical tensions exist across certain key states, and, in some locations, these tensions have become exacerbated as a consequence of military intervention. Numerous new forces have emerged, and several ethnic armed groups, established many years before the military intervention, have become increasingly recommitted to the insurgency resulting in fighting occurring in areas that have been without conflict for decades.
Some sources have recorded nearly 13,000 political violence and protest events throughout 2021. The degree of violence against civilians has been severe. The number of casualties has increased, while thousands of houses and the properties of other civilians have been burnt down or destroyed. This has triggered multiple large scale population displacements. As of 28 February 2022, roughly 873,000 people have been internally displaced in Myanmar. About 502,600 people have been displaced by insecurity and the increased vulnerability of host and resident communities in affected areas since 1 February 2021. The northwest part of Myanmar (Sagaing, Magway and Chin) has recorded the highest level of new internal displacements, with 246,600 internally displaced persons (IDPs) (49 per cent), followed by the southeast part of Myanmar (Kayin, Kayah, and Shan) with 233,600 IDPs contributing 46.5 per cent. Displaced populations face significant challenges in access to basic needs and services, specifically, food, healthcare, shelter materials, clean water, and sanitation facilities.
Myanmar is also experiencing a socio-economic crisis exacerbated by the protracted COVID-19 epidemic. The local currency, the Kyat, has fluctuated with a significant drop in value by 60 per cent in the month of September 2021, while costs for food items, fuel, and other essential goods have soared. In September 2021, inflation increased to 7.3 per cent. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that in 2021, some 1.6 million jobs were lost, leaving only 18.9 million women and men employed. The farming, construction, garment, tourism, and hospitality industries are among the hardest hit. The economic and political volatility is projected to have driven almost half of the population into poverty in 2022.
The 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) for Myanmar, which was published on 31 December 2021, predicts that approximately a quarter of the population (14.4 million people – 4.9 million women and five million children) will be classified as requiring humanitarian support during 2022, up from about one million people in need before February 2021. This increase is driven by the social, economic and health impacts of COVID-19, worsening food insecurity, and the mass movement of the population since the events of 1 February 2021 and subsequent need for protection. These factors have generated an array of new needs and exacerbated the vulnerability of specific groups.
The HNO analysis estimated that 14 out of 15 states and regions in Myanmar are now within the critical threshold for acute malnutrition. Prices for key commodities in some states and regions have increased significantly, resulting in some food items no longer being affordable to many families. At the beginning of 2022, fuel prices increased by 14-18 per cent from the previous month. Compared to the pre-crisis period through to March 2022, fuel prices skyrocketed by 82-150 per cent, impacting transportation costs and contributing to unpredictable commodity prices.
Humanitarian access to reach conflict-affected populations remains a major challenge for the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and other humanitarian organizations. Travel restrictions are currently in place due to the security context, military checkpoints, stringent administrative authorization requirements, and COVID-19 regulations.
This has impacted the distribution of humanitarian resources, direct support from personnel and disrupted monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection and verification. Several private companies have withdrawn and/or halted services in Myanmar, which has impacted transportation, the supply chain, and costs, eventually delaying humanitarian assistance from reaching those most in need.
With continuous dialogue and advocacy efforts with all stakeholders and state administrators, the MRCS gradually secured safe access to wider vulnerable populations. This engagement is based on autonomous Red Cross Red Crescent-led needs assessments and a decision-making process that supports independent humanitarian action. The MRCS collaborates with both International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) and non-Movement partners, such as UN agencies, to deliver assistance to broader geographic areas. The National Society remains flexible and adaptive to the dynamic operational context to reach the most vulnerable and affected populations whilst ensuring compliance with security protocols for mobilizing personnel.
EMERGENCY APPEAL REVISION
This revision of the IFRC Emergency Appeal addresses the rapidly evolving operational context and the resulting increase in humanitarian needs across Myanmar. Accordingly, it also extends the timeframe of the appeal by one year. This revised Emergency Appeal endeavours to maintain operational relevance and responsiveness for the provision of humanitarian assistance, including preparedness, to the affected populations. Note that the title of this revised emergency appeal has subsequently been changed from ‘civil unrest’ to ‘complex emergency’, reflecting the evolving humanitarian situation. Information describing the accomplishments achieved under the Emergency Appeal, up until 30 November 2021, is accessible in Operations Update No. 2.
TARGETING
Through the revised Emergency Appeal, at least 202,000 people deemed the most vulnerable, will be provided with essential humanitarian support provided by the MRCS in 14 states and regions. This support will encompass emergency first aid and ambulance services, expanded basic health care services, livelihood support, and in-kind assistance to address basic needs. The geographic focus was initially on states and regions where civil unrest, clashes and protests took place, with humanitarian support primarily consisting of emergency first aid and ambulance services. The interventions are now further prioritized for Kayah, Kayin, Shan, and Chin states and the regions of Magway and Sagaing. These areas have been most affected by the crisis and are currently where the needs remain unmet. Given the dynamic nature of this emergency, the MRCS has pre-empted the likelihood of needing to broaden the geographic scope of the response to other states and will therefore remain prepared for and responsive to meeting emerging humanitarian needs in close coordination with Movement partners active in these areas, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Targeting will prioritize groups in the most vulnerable locations and includes the following categories:
Peri-urban areas with socio-economic challenges with relief needs focused on major cities.
Regions/states with existing vulnerabilities with populations at risk of increased displacement.
Hard-to-reach areas where the MRCS has managed to secure access to deliver humanitarian assistance.
At the district/local level, further prioritization will be given to the following groups:
People directly affected physically, psychologically, or socio-economically by violence in hot spots.
People affected by the emerging violence and who are newly displaced.
Vulnerable and affected people in periurban areas with socio-economic challenges.
People in regions/states with existing vulnerabilities and at risk of increased displacement.
Displaced people deciding to return to their homes, safely and voluntarily.
Within this geographic focus, household targeting will include additional vulnerability criteria. The vulnerability criteria will focus on women/child-headed households, pregnant or lactating women, persons with disabilities, the elderly, those suffering from chronic illnesses and families with children under five years old..."
Source/publisher:
International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies (Geneva) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-04-02
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Public Health
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"SITUATION AT A GLANCE
6.2 MILLION
People Targeted for Humanitarian Assistance in Burma
UN – January 2022
558,000
People Displaced Since February 2021 Who Remain IDPs in Burma
UNHCR – March 2022
126,000
IDPs Originally Displaced in 2012 in Rakhine State IDP Sites
UN – December 2021
1.5 MILLION
People in Need and Targeted by 2022 Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis JRP
UN – March 2022
923,179
Estimated Number of Refugees in Bangladesh
UNHCR – February 2022
More than 558,000 people remain displaced throughout Burma as of March 28 due to escalating violence since February 2021, representing the greatest level of displacement since the coup d’état in the country to date.
The UN releases the 2022 Bangladesh JRP on March 29, requesting $881 million to reach nearly 1.5 million individuals with humanitarian assistance during the year.
The USG announces more than $152 million in additional funding to support the Burma and Bangladesh regional humanitarian response..."
Source/publisher:
United States Agency for International Development (Washington, D.C.) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-04-01
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights and international relations, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups.
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"Highlights
• As of 28 March 2022, the northwest region, including Sagaing, Chin and Magway, has 308,600 internally displaced people (IDPs), the highest number in the country, out of a growing national total of 558,000 people displaced since February 2021.
• In Chin, persistent travel and transportation restrictions are hindering the delivery of health and nutrition supplies and impacting programming. Local solutions are being adapted to cope.
• For the first quarter of 2022, UNICEF has received 14 per cent of the requested US$ 151.4 million to support the children of Myanmar.
More is needed to ensure 1.1 million children get better access to health care and education, protection, safe drinking water and malnutrition supplementation and treatment.
• 23,153 people received primary health care services across Rakhine, Kachin, Shan, Kayin and Yangon peri-urban area, and 585 children aged 9 to 18 months were vaccinated against measles in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-04-01
Date of entry/update:
2022-04-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
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381.42 KB
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"In a recent return to Mindat to help people displaced by fighting in Chin State, we saw communities helping each other – carrying food, providing shelter, sharing meals. But relying on others is not always easy.
As part of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) support team in early March, Ma Thiri Aung remembers meeting a young mother whose family farmed for a living before the clashes changed everything.
"The violence meant they were now displaced, with no jobs, no way to get food, relying only on assistance from others," Ma Thiri Aung says.
"This mother wanted to go back home, where her family could support themselves." Ongoing armed conflict means people in Chin State continue to face the ordeal of having to leave their homes in search of safety.
Thousands of people have been displaced as a result of fighting in recent months. Mindat is too high up in the mountains to cultivate rice, relying on food transports from other parts of Myanmar. But ongoing clashes make travel less safe – roads are mined or bridges damaged – threatening food supplies.
"When communities hear the Red Cross are coming, their main hope is rice," says Aye Thantar Tun, who led the ICRC team.
Over nine days in early March, we worked alongside the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) to distribute much-needed food and other essential items to nearly 2000 people – including rice, oil and salt needed for cooking.
In the monasteries and churches of Mindat where people are seeking shelter, we supplied families with basic rations, hygiene supplies, materials for shelter construction and information to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks.
As clashes continue across Chin State, we also talked with communities about the risks posed by landmines and other explosive hazards.
We worked with the community to make sure awareness of these threats would be accessible to all – putting up billboards and sharing educational cartoons for children.
From Mindat, the sound of clashes can sometimes be heard in this former tourist town. Being surrounded by violence, and displaced, can leave invisible scars. Going forward, supporting mental health care is also crucial.
"Even as people spoke, I could hear their worries in every sentence," says Aye Thantar Tun. "They have been traumatized by what's going on."
While responding to existing needs, we also need to plan for futures ones. Surrounded by mountains, Mindat is very cold in winter and very hot in summer. In the rainy season, it is also prone to landslides.
This exposure to the elements, endangers safe and sustainable access to water – via water pipelines already damaged by fighting – as well as to supplies of food and medicine as roads risk becoming blocked.
Operating alongside our ICRC teams, a mobile health clinic, run by the MRCS, has proved a crucial way of ensuring people have access to medicine despite these overlapping challenges of access.
The humanitarian needs of people impacted by fighting in Chin State continue to grow. Together with the MRCS, so will our support. We hope to return to Mindat again soon – to continue helping those in greatest need..."
Source/publisher:
International Committee of the Red Cross (Geneva) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-25
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-25
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups.
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Description:
"SITUATION OVERVIEW
In 2021, the people of Myanmar faced an unprecedented political, socioeconomic, human rights and humanitarian crisis with needs escalating dramatically since the military takeover on 1 February and a severe COVID-19 third wave.
The expansion of armed conflict into new areas and the formation of new armed elements drove increased displacement, as well as exacerbating existing or generating new protection and assistance needs. The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within Myanmar rose substantially in 2021. According to the UN, of the 690,000 IDPs in Myanmar as of 27 December 2021, an estimated 52 per cent were women and 34 per cent were children. Of these, 320,000 were displaced by armed conflict and unrest since 1 February 2021. The majority of the new displacement occurred in Myanmar's northwest and southeast, as well as in Kachin and Shan states. IDPs have been forced to live in terrible conditions – some in camps, some in host communities and others in the jungle, without adequate food, shelter, sanitation, and medical care. In 2021, local organizations and partners provided basic assistance to previously and newly displaced people and host communities, where possible. However, IDPs and host communities continued to face shortages of food and livelihoods support, clothes, relief items and COVID-19 preventative supplies, largely due to the fighting, as well as restrictions on access, movement and transport. The new IDPS are in addition to the hundreds of thousands of people already living in protracted displacement in Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine and Shan states prior to February 2021.
The military takeover and the large-scale Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) that followed heavily impacted the economy and the already fragile public service sector in 2021, further restricting people’s access to essential basic social services such as education and health. The crisis caused severe interruptions to basic health services, risking long-term consequences for the health and well-being of Myanmar’s population. The health sector has been under enormous strain due to both the CDM and COVID-19. The CDM resulted in severe reductions in the available public health workforce with many health staff walking out of public facilities in protest, at a time when health services were needed most due to the pandemic. The impact of staffing interruptions was compounded by repeated attacks on healthcare and the occupation of health facilities by parties to the conflict, further reducing the options available to affected people and resulting in unmet needs. Significant portions of the community were also unwilling to seek care through public services where they were provided by the de facto authorities. While NGOs, Ethnic Health Organizations (EAOs) and private health services tried to cover the gap, they were not able to fully compensate for the breakdown of public services. Access to education was also heavily disrupted. Due to the combined effects of COVID-19 and the military takeover, nearly all of Myanmar’s 12 million school aged children missed out on almost two years of education in 2020 and 2021.
These inter-related risks also exacerbated pre-existing needs among already vulnerable women, girls, men and boys, including stateless Rohingya people and people living in protracted displacement, predominantly in the country’s northeast and southwest. The crisis deepened the needs of these population groups because of reduced livelihoods opportunities, aggravated by the increase in prices of basic goods. At the same time, access constraints due to COVID and the current political crisis undermined the quality and predictability of humanitarian assistance delivered to extremely aid-dependent communities. This was especially true of assistance to stateless Rohingya people in Rakhine, who are among the country’s most vulnerable people. As with new conflict areas, access to people with pre-existing needs in rural locations was particularly affected, leaving considerable gaps and unmet needs.
According to UNDP, the 2021 economic and political turmoil has driven almost half of the population (25 million people) into poverty in 2022, wiping out the impressive gains made since 2005. Increasing numbers of vulnerable women, girls, men and boys exhausted their coping capacity and slipped into humanitarian need for the first time. Price hikes, COVID-19 movement restrictions and ongoing insecurity forced the most marginalized and vulnerable people to resort to emergency coping strategies in order to buy food and other essential supplies, often negatively impacting their safety, well-being and dignity. The sale of productive assets was especially worrying as this is very difficult to reverse. In some states and regions, prices for crucial household commodities rose significantly, making some food items increasingly unaffordable. Farming incomes were affected by lower wholesale prices for some crops, higher input prices, lower farm gate prices and limited access to credit, affecting agricultural livelihoods and food supplies. COVID-19 related border closures reduced agricultural export earnings and made essential farming inputs less available and more expensive.
Monsoon floods in July and August 2021 affected more than 120,000 people across various parts of the country, resulting in crop losses and further contributing to food insecurity.
The compounding crises of 2021 profoundly and disproportionally impacted women and girls, as well as people with disability in Myanmar. The impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and the worsening security situation resulted in a continued heavy burden of care for women looking after sick family members and children who were unable to return to school. This impacted women's availability to engage in paid work and further strained households financially. Women-headed households and women previously employed in sectors such as the garment industry were particularly affected. Women health workers involved in the CDM and those previously employed at health facilities that were targeted, occupied or shut down also faced negative financial impacts. People with disabilities faced additional safety and security risks. They also regularly faced challenges in accessing basic services as they were unable to reach service points due to their impairment and stressed communities were unable to provide the same level of support..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-24
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Human Rights and international relations, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
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1.35 MB
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"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments from 1 February to 15 March, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next humanitarian update will be issued in April 2022.
HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES
Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, which has further escalated in northwest and southeast Myanmar.
As of 14 March 2022, there were an estimated 889,900 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) across Myanmar including 519,500 people newly displaced since the military takeover and 370,400 IDPs in protracted displacement from previous crises. Overall displacement figures fluctuated during the month in light of recent small-scale and often shortlived returns.
Humanitarian actors continue providing critical lifesaving assistance to displaced people and host communities wherever they can, including through local partners amid serious access challenges.
Increasing challenges are being reported by clusters around transportation of supplies into conflict areas.
An inter-agency mission in Kachin and northern Shan has identified significant response gaps and escalating needs due to protracted displacement from continuing armed confrontations between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and among different EAOs.
Preparedness efforts and COVID-19 preventative supplies provided by humanitarian partners have contributed to management of the fourth wave in February. After a surge in February, new cases have slowed in early March.
Additional funding for the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) which requests US$826 million to reach 6.2 million people in need of life-saving support is critical. Almost a quarter of the way into the year, a number of clusters are reporting major resource gaps with no funding yet received by some sectors in 2022.
KEY FIGURES
889.9K
Internally displaced persons across Myanmar
519.5K
People currently displaced across Myanmar by clashes and insecurity since February 2021
370K
People remain internally displaced in Rakhine, Kachin, Chin and Shan due to conflict before February 2021
5.6K
Estimated civilian properties, including houses, churches, monasteries and schools burnt or destroyed since February 2021.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
The security and humanitarian situations remained tense across Myanmar during the reporting period. Armed clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) have continued unabated in multiple states and regions, with heavy weapons, including airstrikes and artillery fire in various locations, resulting in casualties among the civilian population, destruction of properties and further displacement.
Civilians have been injured and killed by shelling, gunfire, landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Since the military takeover, at least 1,600 people, including over 100 children, have been killed, and thousands injured or maimed according to OHCHR. Landmines and other ERW and UXO are an increasing concern as growing numbers of displaced people move through conflict areas. In 2021, 88 civilians, including 19 women and 19 children, were killed and another 196 people, including 33 women and 55 children, were injured from landmines and ERW, according to UNICEF. Shan State recorded the highest (38 per cent) of the total casualties, followed by Rakhine (17 per cent) and Kachin (18 per cent) states. Children represented 27 per cent of casualties from landmine and ERW incidents countrywide. In the past year, many families have been forced to flee their homes and villages, often more than once, for safety with a surge in displacement in January, February and early March 2022.
Across Myanmar, as of 14 March 2022, 889,900 people remain displaced. This includes 519,500 people displaced by conflict and insecurity since 1 February. The majority of IDPs are women and girls. The fighting has also caused unprecedented destruction of civilian properties, including houses, across the country. As of 7 March 2022, more than 5,640 houses, churches, monasteries, schools, and markets had been either burnt down or destroyed across Myanmar, mainly in Chin and Kayah states and Sagaing and Magway regions.
Prices for basic commodities have significantly increased compared to December 2021, building off an already highlevel post-takeover, largely due to increased fuel costs, deteriorating exchange rates, transport and import restrictions, and supply disruptions caused by insecurity, adding an additional burden on families. Between February 2021 and February 2022, the prices of basic food items increased by nearly 30 per cent across Myanmar. Nearly half the population (46 per cent) is estimated to be living in poverty in 2022 according to UNDP. COVID-19 continues to add additional suffering and complexity with a fourth wave still impacting the country, although case numbers have started to subside in early March. Women are carrying an unequal economic burden from both the pandemic and the political situation as households struggle to make ends meet. Reports from the World Bank and International Labour Organization (ILO) show that the socio-economic impact of the crisis has disproportionately affected women and girls. According to the ILO, 580,000 women were estimated to have lost their employment within the first six months of 2021.
To address this unprecedented situation, humanitarian actors in Myanmar have prepared a Humanitarian Response Plan for 2022, requesting US$826 million to reach 6.2 million people in need of life-saving humanitarian support. Fifty two (52) per cent of the people targeted are women. The Plan remains desperately underfunded (see cluster section for sectoral breakdowns of funding gaps).
Annually, 8 March marks International Women’s Day and is a global opportunity to celebrate women achievements, raise awareness on women’s equality, and lobby for accelerated gender parity. This year’s theme was “gender equal today for a sustainable tomorrow”. The United Nations in Myanmar issued a statement on this day reiterating “its commitment to put women and girls at the centre of its development and humanitarian response to the ongoing crises in the country, to ensure that their needs are met, and to support their role and agency in shaping a future path for their country.” To achieve this, humanitarian actors need the urgent financial support of donor member states to save the lives and future of millions of women and girls in Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-19
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
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"Human Rights Council
Forty-ninth session
28 February–1 April 2022
Agenda item 4 Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
Summary
Thirteen months after launching a coup against the government, an illegal military junta has waged a relentless war against the people of Myanmar and their fundamental rights. The results have been devastating. Junta forces have killed at least 1,600 civilians and displaced over 500,000. Half of the population has fallen into poverty. The World Health Organization is now projecting that there will be over 47,000 preventable deaths in Myanmar this year. Thirteen million people face food insecurity.
This report highlights some of the most serious human rights violations in Myanmar during the period September 2021 through February 2022. It documents the military’s violent attacks on civilian populations, including airstrikes, mortaring, arson, extrajudicial killings, and the use of forced labor and human shields. The report describes the junta’s campaign to arrest and imprison activists, journalists, peaceful protesters and other opponents. It documents the junta’s criminalization of fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and assembly. It also shares the experiences of those who have faced torture and other illtreatment during periods of detention. Many of these attacks constitute probable crimes against humanity and/or war crimes, and perpetrators must be brought to justice.
The report describes the efforts of the people of Myanmar to oppose the military junta and defend their nation. Led by large numbers of young people, including many young women, protest organizers have demonstrated great skill, tenacity and creativity in the mobilization of opposition despite the near constant threat of imprisonment or death. The Special Rapporteur is inspired by their conviction and tireless efforts.
To succeed, the people of Myanmar need a much stronger level of support from the international community. The report concludes with specific recommendations that he urges UN Security Council and Member States to take.
I. Introduction
More than 13 months after overthrowing a democratically elected government, the Myanmar junta has intensified its war against the people of Myanmar. The military has escalated its indiscriminate attacks against civilians using jet fighters, attack helicopters and heavy artillery, and soldiers have burned entire villages to the ground. Civilians and combatants have been tortured, raped, executed and used as human shields.
The scale of these atrocities is immense. According to conservative estimates, at least 1,600 civilians have been killed by the junta’s forces. Nearly 10,000 people are currently detained because of their opposition to military rule, and the junta has amended the legal code to further criminalize the exercise of fundamental rights including the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. More than 500,000 people have been displaced since the coup bringing the current number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Myanmar to over 800,000. Tens of thousands who have sought safety in Bangladesh, India and Thailand have joined the approximately one million refugees from Myanmar in neighboring countries.
Many of the junta’s human rights violations constitute probable crimes against humanity and war crimes. Those responsible must be held to account.
This report highlights some of the most serious human rights concerns in Myanmar during the period September 2021 through February 2022. It documents the military’s violent attacks on civilian populations, including airstrikes, mortaring, arson, extrajudicial killings, and the use of forced labor and human shields. These attacks have created and exacerbated the dire humanitarian crisis that now grips the country, threatening the livelihoods, health and lives of millions. The report describes the junta’s campaign to arrest and imprison thousands of activists, journalists, peaceful protesters and other opponents. It also shares the experiences of those who have faced torture and other ill-treatment during periods of detention. The Special Rapporteur describes the particular dangers and human rights challenges faced by women and children and outlines the junta’s efforts to criminalize and otherwise suppress fundamental rights and freedoms. This report also describes the dire human rights situation for Rohingya populations in Rakhine State, including those who are confined to IDP camps.
In December 2021, the Special Rapporteur traveled to Bangladesh, as part of his overall assessment of the human rights situation of the Rohingya people of Myanmar. In an annex to this report, the Special Rapporteur reflects on his trip, noting the role that the people and government of Bangladesh played in saving untold numbers of Rohingya as they fled the genocidal attacks of the Myanmar military in Rakhine State. He makes recommendations with respect to the protection of and support to Rohingya in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char island.
The report follows the publication in February 2022 of the Special Rapporteur’s conference paper on arms sales to the Myanmar military (A/HRC/49/CRP.1). It underscores concerns raised in the paper, namely that several nations continue to sell or authorize the transfer of weapons of war to the Myanmar military, despite knowledge that the weapons are almost certain to be used in attacks against civilians. These transfers violate international law.
Many people in Myanmar—including the victims of human rights abuses and their family members, some of whom are highlighted in this report—have told the Special Rapporteur that they are profoundly disappointed with the failure of the international community to act decisively to help prevent atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his call to the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution imposing an arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions against the Myanmar military and referring the situation in Myanmar to the International Criminal Court. He elaborates steps that Member States should take in the absence of Security Council action. The Special Rapporteur notes the strong and swift action taken by Member States on behalf of the people of Ukraine and implores the international community to act similarly to protect the people of Myanmar. They too are under siege by a brutal and relentless military attack.
The Special Rapporteur reiterates his deep admiration for the courage and resilience of the Myanmar people. He has been inspired by the bravery of survivors of human rights violations who have taken great personal risks to speak with him, by the resourcefulness of activists who have found new and creative ways to challenge military rule, and by the resilience of communities that have repeatedly rebounded from attacks over many months, years or decades. The Special Rapporteur is honored to share their stories, and their words, in this report. He is also grateful to the non-governmental and civil society organizations, human rights defenders, local human rights groups, Member States and United Nations programs and agencies that contributed to this report..."
Source/publisher:
UN Human Rights Council via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-16
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Statements and reports by the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar and the High Commissioner for Human Rights to regular sessions of the Human Rights Council, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
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603.09 KB (Original version) - 28 pages
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Description:
"Highlights
Month-on-month prices of key commodities are largely stable, but remain elevated compared to the same time last year as insecurity continues to disrupt transportation (via high fuel costs and transport fees, restrictions, blocked access).
In the southeast, insecurity continues to disrupt transport routes and contribute to price volatility. For example, conflict this month made it impossible to collect data in Kayah for the first time, blocked main transport routes causing shortages of products and high prices in Chin, and continued to disrupt waterways In northern Sagaing
The cost of the basic food basket overall remained stable month-on-month, but remains high compared to the same time last year (28%)
While stable overall, many areas continue to see slight declines in rice prices around the country due to the ongoing harvest of new rice
Edible oil prices rose only slightly (+4-5%) due to local fluctuations in exchange rate even as the official exchange rate reported no change
Steady deterioration in the local exchange rate with the Yuan (reported this month as 317 MMK/CNY) continues to affect commodity prices in Wa region and Laukkaing
Fuel prices increased between 14 and 18% by type compared to last month driven by the international increase in oil prices..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-08
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
2.75 MB
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Description:
"HIGHLIGHTS: As of 28 February 2022, the number of people internally displaced in Myanmar since the military takeover in 2021 have crossed the half-million mark, reaching some 503,000, up from 451,000 the previous week. These include 230,800 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South-East Myanmar – 93,800 in Kayah State, 56,300 in Shan State (South-all towns except Kyethi, Laihka and Mongkaing), 68,900 in Kayin State, 7,500 in Mon State, 3,500 in Tanintharyi Region and 800 in Bago Region and 6,600 in Shan State (North). In addition, there are 171,000 IDPs in Sagaing Region, 42,300 in Magway Region and 33,200 in Chin State.
In the South-East, return movements of internally displaced persons to their areas of origin continue to be reported from Shan State (South) to Kayah State. IDPs have been obliged to return due to the lack of shelter, food, water and winter items in displacement areas. Given the ongoing armed conflict, it is anticipated that returnees might be displaced again. Conflict has intensified in Demoso and Loikaw townships, Kayah State, resulting in civilian casualties and reportedly some 100 properties set on fire. Access and movement restrictions are limiting UNHCR and its partners’ ability to respond to the dire needs of displaced populations, especially for food and healthcare.
In the North-East, armed clashes have displaced some 1,000 people in Mamauk Township, Kachin State.
In the North-West, the security situation remains volatile due to an escalation of armed conflict and increased presence of armed forces. Harvesting and other livelihood activities have been seriously disrupted, leaving IDPs with an urgent need for food, healthcare, and other basic services. Increased displacement was observed in Chin State.
In Rakhine State, the stateless population continues to face restrictions on freedom of movement, impeding their ability to seek medical care and further entrenching their segregation. Similarly, a number of displaced persons in Sittwe and Pauktaw IDP camps continue to suffer from outbreaks of acute water diarrhoea (AWD) due to inadequate access to health facilities. They in turn rely on traditional healers..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-07
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Public Health
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
11.14 MB
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Description:
"In 2021, the ICRC in Bangladesh continued its humanitarian response.
Working closely with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), we conducted regular visits to places of detention while engaging in continuous and confidential dialogue with the detention authorities; helped reconnect people who have lost contact with their family; provided assistance for the people with disabilities; supported vulnerable people and communities in Cox's Bazar (CXB) and the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
In CXB, we maintained our support to the health structures, including the district's main hospital facility – the Sadar Hospital, dedicated to both host communities and displaced people from Rakhine. Moreover, in CHT we continued livelihood-support projects for communities in need, while also maintaining and upgrading public infrastructure to help the communities benefit from clean water and better hygienic conditions.
As our regular activities, we sought to promote knowledge and respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) among authorities, armed and security forces, academia, religious circles, and other key stakeholders in the country.
Here is a snapshot of our humanitarian response in Bangladesh in 2021.
77,208 Detainees in 68 prisons benefited from a programme to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19
119 Missing people traced and put in contact with their families as part of the Restoring Family Links programme
112 Health workers and first responders benefited from training sessions enabling them to manage stress
3,613 People with disabilities fitted with prostheses and orthoses and provided with physiotherapy services and/or assistive devices
4,000 Displaced people from Rakhine assisted with food and essential household items on a monthly basis..."
Source/publisher:
International Committee of the Red Cross (Geneva) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-03
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
Language:
Format :
pdf pdf
Size:
2.96 MB 410.11 KB
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Title: UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report: Reporting Period: 1 January to 28 February 2022
Description:
"Highlights
• From 27 December 2021 to 14 February 2022, the number of internally displaced persons (IDP) significantly increased across the country, particularly in Sagaing, which has the highest number of IDPs; 146,500 compared to 78,300 at the end of 2021.
• In southern Shan, a surge of displacement has been reported following the hostilities in Kayah and Kayin in January, and the IDP population has doubled from 29,200 at the end of 2021 to 59,800 as of 14 February.
• To support the displaced communities of southern Shan, UNICEF partners Relief International and Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS) expanded their reach and distributed WASH supplies and hygiene kits, benefiting 35,000 people in the camps at Taunggyi, Hsihseng, Nyaung Shwe, Pin Laung and Pindaya townships.
• In Rakhine, Kachin and Yangon, 35,548 children (17,380 girls) were screened for acute malnutrition. Some 1,092 severe and moderate cases (606 girls) were found and the children were provided with nutrition treatment services.
Funding Overview and Partnerships
UNICEF Myanmar Country Office is appealing for US$151.4 million in 2022 to address the needs of the targeted 1.7 million people, including an estimated 1.1 million children. During the reporting period, UNICEF received US$4.3 million from the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance and Germany to support immediate nutrition, health, WASH, education and child protection needs including the COVID-19 response. In addition, UNICEF Myanmar has carried forward US$14 million received in 2021 from the generous support of Japan/JICA, USA/USAID, Norway, European Commission/ECHO, GAVI the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), the Global Thematic Humanitarian Response and the Global Partnership for Education. UNICEF worked very closely with implementing partners at local level to provide humanitarian assistance to ensure continued access to basic social services. The UNICEF Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal has a funding gap of 88 per cent. Without this funding, 81 per cent of targeted children will not be able to receive treatment and nutrition counselling services, and millions of children will continue to remain out of school without access to basic social services such as immunization.
UNICEF expresses its gratitude to all the donors (private and public) for their contributions to support the children of Myanmar.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
At the beginning of 2022, UNICEF released its HAC appeal in Myanmar, scaling up its response to reach 1.7 million people. This includes 1.1 million children out of an estimated 5 million children in need of life-saving assistance since the start of the conflict in February 2021. The current reporting period has been characterized by an intensification of the conflict, and heavy prolonged hostilities have been reported in the northwest and southeast of the country. In January, fighting in Kayah and Kayin caused a mass influx of people to the neighbouring region of southern Shan, and further challenges with the telecommunication network, electricity and water supply were reported. There were also disruptions to fuel supplies and the transportation of food and non-food items due to checkpoints, restrictions and added scrutiny. This affected the humanitarian partners’ ability to reach IDP sites and host communities where there is an escalating need for life-saving services on health, education, water, food and shelter.
As of 14 February 2022, the national total of IDPs reached a new high of 453,000 according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as an extra 132,000 people have been displaced since 27 December 2021. Following the intense clashes in Kayah and Kayin, southern Shan now accounts for 59,800 IDPs, an increase of 30,600 compared to the end of 2021.
Another surge in displacement is also reported in Sagaing, where airstrikes and bombardments have been reported, resulting in 146,500 people being displaced, the highest number in the country.
The situation in the northwest, including Chin State, Magway, and Sagaing continues to deteriorate due to the escalation in fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces, local People’s Defense Forces (PDF) and Chinland Defence Forces.
Humanitarian assistance in the region is hindered by fighting, security concerns and travel restrictions, with only a few transporters providing services, impacting costs. Additionally, the activity of some partners has been delayed due to banking restrictions and difficulties in withdrawing cash.
Despite the above-mentioned challenges, UNICEF and its partners have helped 152,747 people, including 87,320 children during the reporting period, in the areas of nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, child protection, education, social policy and accountability. This assistance would not be possible without the collaboration of dedicated partners, especially the local organizations who have been a strong ally in ensuring a better reach of marginalized communities..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-03-03
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
Language:
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373.67 KB
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Sub-title:
စားနပ်ရိက္ခာဆိုင်ရာစီမံမှု အထူးပန်ကြားလွှာ။
Description:
"A total of at least 170,000 people have been displaced by the military engagements between
22 May 2022 and 20 February 2022 in Karenni State, and they are taking refuge within the state
or in other states and regions. Most of the displaced people have had to flee immediately from
their villages, and they could only bring a small amount of food and household utensils. Most
of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living in makeshift camps with limited access to
food, medicine and drinking water. It is very much appreciated that people are helping each
other for such an extended period of time. Yet currently, the humanitarian coverage is less than
before and the assistance is "decreasing" in the early stages of 2022.
Therefore, we the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC) would like to urge and
request the people to pay special attention and adhere to the following recommendations for
food security.
i) Make a list of different kinds of food and systematically collect and store rice, corn
and different kinds of beans.
ii) Collect and pack rice, cooking oil and salt, as well as basic medicine, for family
members for three days.
iii) Share food and help each other to overcome the initial food shortage.
iv) If you are facing a shortage of food, please immediately inform to relevant village
committee and IDP camp committees.
v) Prioritize the elderly, sick, children under 16, pregnant women and breast-feeding
women.
vi) Stop breeding animals and making snack productions which use a lot of rice or
paddy..."
Source/publisher:
Karenni State Consultative Council
Date of publication:
2022-03-01
Date of entry/update:
2022-03-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Internal displacement/forced migration of Karenni villagers, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
23.22 KB
Local URL:
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Description:
"HIGHLIGHTS: As of 14 February 2022, internal displacement figures in Myanmar reached a new high of 453,000 since 1 February 2021. These include 226,400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South-East Myanmar – 91,900 in Kayah State, 51,800 in Shan State (South-all towns except Kyethi, Laihka and Mongkaing), 71,800 in Kayin State, 7,500 in Mon State, 2,600 in Tanintharyi Region and 800 in Bago Region and 6,900 in Shan State (North). In addition, there are 146,500 IDPs in Sagaing Region, 34,000 in Chin State and 21,400 in Magway Region.
In the South-East, smaller-scale displacement continues while returns of internally displaced persons to their place of origin have been reported from Shan State (South) to Kayah State in areas where fewer clashes occurred in the past few weeks. IDPs have also been prompted to return due to the lack of shelter, food, water and winter items in displacement areas. During the first week of February, for the first time since the beginning of the year, some 400 individuals have been newly displaced within Kyaikto Township, Mon State. The cause of displacement is linked to the intensification of clashes in Hpapun Township, Kayin State and northern Mon State. Amidst the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, IDPs have also reportedly been infected, including in Loikaw, Kayah State.
In the North-West, armed clashes continue to displace families. There was a significant increase in displacement in the Sagaing Region in comparison to previous weeks with some 10,000 persons newly displaced. Many IDPs are in need of shelter, though displacement remains fluid, with civilians often displaced to nearby mountains or forests for short periods of time. Homes continue to be destroyed throughout the region, hindering return and exacerbating shelter and protection needs.
In Rakhine State, curfews were observed in some townships such as Maungdaw, Buthidaung,
Mrauk-U, Minbya, and Kyautaw. Acute water diarrhoea (AWD) – affecting mostly children – continues to be reported in IDP camps, villages, and displacement sites. Timely treatment is hampered by inadequate health care and WASH facilities, movement constraints, systemic discrimination, segregation and hence reliance on traditional healers..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-02-21
Date of entry/update:
2022-02-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
4.17 MB
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Description:
"ABSTRACT: The recent history of rural economic transformation in Myanmar and the effects of COVID-19 and the military coup in February 2021 provide important lessons for the design and implementation of plans to help the country recover from these scourges. The impoverishment of farming communities in Myanmar during decades of socialist military rule, beginning in the 1960s until the turn of the century, led to an outflux of migrants to neighboring countries. As the country opened up to foreign investment through economic reforms initiated in 2011, rural wages surged and farm mechanization services expanded rapidly. Together with increased remittance flows from migrants, higher rural household incomes drove growth in a wide range of non-farm service enterprises. Nevertheless, agricultural growth was low and most crop subsectors stagnated due to underlying and unresolved structural constraints such as poor infrastructure and inequality in land access.
As in many other countries in Asia, border closures and lockdowns instituted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in early 2020 resulted in widespread employment and income losses. The Myanmar government pro-actively sought to mitigate the impacts through expanded credit to farmers and businesses. By the end of 2020, Myanmar was beginning to recover from the economic stresses of COVID-19. However, the February 2021 military coup resulted in a far more severe economic downturn than COVID-19 due to the collapse of the financial system, the massive resignations by public sector employees, and the prolonged movement restrictions. Coup-induced state failure greatly magnified the health and economic consequences of COVID-19 in terms of poverty, food insecurity, and stalled economic transformation. This paper uses a combination of macro, meso, and micro-level analyses to measure the impacts of COVID-19 and state failure on rural economic transformation through the lens of the agri-food system, and to draw lessons for policies to support broad-based and resilient economic recovery..."
Source/publisher:
International Food Policy Research Institute
Date of publication:
2022-02-02
Date of entry/update:
2022-02-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Rural economy
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
680.59 KB (Original version) - 25 pages
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Description:
"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments from 1 and 31 January, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next humanitarian update will be issued in March 2022.
HIGHLIGHTS
The security and humanitarian situations across Myanmar have further deteriorated during January with intensified conflict in multiple states and regions, particularly in northwest and southeast Myanmar, resulting in additional loss of life, destruction of civilian property and increasing internal and cross- border displacement.
As of 31 January, an estimated 441,500 people remained internally displaced across Myanmar due to clashes and insecurity since 1 February 2021. This is in addition to the 370,400 people living in protracted displacement before February 2021.
Humanitarian actors have continued providing critical life-saving assistance to displaced people and host communities wherever they can, including through local partners amid serious access challenges.
Preparedness efforts to contain the fourth wave of COVID-19 are ongoing. These include surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).
An outbreak of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) has been reported in displacement sites hosting those affected by Arakan Army (AA)-Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) conflict and in Rohingya IDP camps in three townships in Rakhine State. Humanitarian partners have collectively intervened to contain the outbreak and continue monitoring the situation.
In January, UNOCHA released the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), which requests US$826 million to reach 6.2 million people in need of life-saving humanitarian support.
KEY FIGURES *
441K
People currently displaced across Myanmar by clashes and insecurity since February 2021
370K
People remain internally displaced in Rakhine, Kachin, Chin and Shan due to conflict before February 2021
232K
People remain internally displaced in southeast Myanmar due to conflict since February 2021
3.5K
Civilian properties, including houses, churches, monasteries and schools burnt down or destroyed since February 2021.
**Displacement figures fluctuate during any given month. These figures represent the number of people currently displaced. Cumulative numbers for returns and displacement are not always available.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
A year on from the 1 February 2021 military takeover, the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar continues to be dominated by intensified hostilities between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), as well as People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) across multiple states and regions, with no respite on the horizon. Heightened conflict during January saw loss of civilian lives, destruction of homes and livelihoods, and a surge in internal and cross-border displacement.
Protection of civilians and threats to basic rights remain a grave concern for the humanitarian community among escalating tensions. According to OHCHR, the violence that has ensued and spread across the country since February 2021 has claimed the lives of at least 1,5001 people, including men, women, boys and girls, and many have been injured or maimed. Of the total, more than 114 were children under 18 years old, including at least 18 children in January alone. Furthermore, between 1 January and 31 December 2021, UNICEF reports that 169 landmine and explosive remnant of war (ERW) incidents in which 88 civilians, including 19 women and 19 children, were killed and another 196 people, including 33 women and 55 children, were injured.
A year of unprecedented violence has driven desperate need in new areas and has further compounded the humanitarian situation for those already displaced and suffering. According to UNHCR,4 441,500 people remain internally displaced across the country due to violence and insecurity since February 2021. This recent displacement has already exceeded the number of displaced people in Rakhine, Chin, Shan and Kachin states from conflicts prior to the military takeover (370,400 IDPs). As of 31 January 2022, more than 3,500 houses, churches, monasteries, schools, and markets had been either burnt down or destroyed, mainly in Chin and Kayah states and Sagaing and Magway regions. The humanitarian needs of displaced people as well as host communities are escalating and include food, shelter and relief items, as well as access to life-saving services, including health and education. As a result of conflict and the political crisis, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, poverty has surged. UNDP projects that nearly half of Myanmar’s 54 million people – some 25 million people – are in poverty heading into 2022. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that in 2021, only 18.9 million women and men were employed, which is 1.6 million (8 per cent) fewer than in 2020.6 Food insecurity is rising because of increasing poverty. More than 13 million people are now in moderate or severe food insecurity across the country with concerning implications for malnutrition in 2022.
In January, on behalf of the humanitarian community in Myanmar, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), published the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), which requests US$826 million for UN agencies, international and local NGOs to reach 6.2 million people in need of life-saving humanitarian support.
Humanitarians need to be able to physically get help to people in need. Access is currently extremely limited and bureaucratic, delaying the delivery of assistance and prolonging people’s suffering. As recently noted by the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General, the “multiple vulnerabilities of all people across Myanmar and its regional implications require an urgent response. Access to people in need is critically important for the United Nations and partners to continue to deliver on the ground.” He also added that “[a]rmed forces and all stakeholders must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Quicker, simplified and predictable access processes and assurances of aid worker safety are urgently needed for a humanitarian response of this size, allowing local, national and international organizations to support people in need. Visa, banking, registration and MOU blockages remain major obstacles to effective response and must urgently be resolved.
Donors are urged to give generously, in solidarity with the people of Myanmar to save lives and protect hard-fought development gains while there is still a window to do so. Identifying and engaging additional local partners will also be critical to delivering more assistance to more people in hard-to-reach and under-served locations..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-02-15
Date of entry/update:
2022-02-16
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups.
Language:
Format :
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Size:
447.73 KB
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Description:
"KEY DISPLACEMENT FIGURES
39,000 Estimated refugee movements to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021
980,000 Refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in neighbouring countries as of 31 December 2020
442,000 Estimated total internal displacement within Myanmar since 1 February 2021
812,000 Estimated internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar as of 31 January 2022
HIGHLIGHTS
Armed clashes have escalated during the reporting period in the North West and South East, with airstrikes and shelling resulting in civilian casualties and forced displacement. As of 31 January 2022, displacement figures reached a new high of 441,500 displaced since 1 February 2021. These include 232,500 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South-East Myanmar – 91,900 in Kayah State, 48,700 in Shan State (South-all towns except Kyethi, Laihka and Mongkaing), 81,400 in Kayin State, 7,100 in Mon State, 2,600 in Tanintharyi Region and 800 in Bago Region; 7,100 in Shan State (North). In addition, there are 136,300 IDPs in Sagaing Region, 33,800 in Chin State and 21,400 in Magway Region.
In the South-East, intense fighting - initially centred around Demoso Township, Kayah State - has triggered several waves of large-scale displacement with tens of thousands forced to flee their homes and seek refuge at places of worship, community centres, in host communities or in the jungle. The main needs are for food, healthcare services and winterization items to cope with the cold temperatures. Over 10,000 IDPs from Kayah State took refuge in Taunggyi Township, Shan State (South). Over 6,000 IDPs are now being sheltered by local host communities in overcrowded conditions. Thousands of people are still displaced by fighting in Lay Kay Kaw in the south of Myawady Township along the Myanmar-Thai border and are unable to return home. Over 9,700 individuals from Myanmar had fled the upsurge in violence in Kayin and Kayah States since 16 December into Tak and Mae Hong Song provinces in Thailand. According to the Royal Thai Government official sources, all of the individuals from Myanmar have voluntarily returned to Myanmar in various return movements.
In Kachin and Shan (North) states, the security situation remains tense and continues to pose significant challenges, such as restrictions on movements around displacement and affected sites. Access to basic services, including education for children is hindered. Nonetheless, a few returns from displacement sites to villages of origin have been observed in Kachin State. In Shan State (North), the numbers of IDPs increased in Mongkoe, Muse Township due to fighting. While some returns were recorded from Mongkaing Township of Shan State (South), there was also new displacement following inter-EAO conflict between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP).
In the North-West, UNHCR protection monitoring revealed an increase of displacement in Sagaing Region due to ongoing clashes. Shortages of food, winter items, fuel and medical supplies continue to be reported. At least 3,000 people from 30 villages in Matupi Township in Chin State have been displaced by fighting. On 18 January, up to 1,000 villagers fled their homes to surrounding areas following attacks in Gangaw Township in Magway Region.
In Rakhine State, IDPs across Rakhine State, as well as non-displaced Rohingya communities, continue to face challenges in accessing basic services, livelihoods, and humanitarian assistance. Some return movements continue to be observed from areas of conflict, albeit small scale. Returns continue to be promoted by de facto authorities, including instances where village leaders in some displacement sites were instructed to encourage returns of IDPs. Recent privatization of land at IDP camp areas and land sales to private individuals in Sittwe and Pauktaw have led to an increase in IDP households having to reside in makeshift shelters. IDPs have also been asked to pay rent for use of land.
The privatization of land has also impacted the work of humanitarian agencies, where humanitarian infrastructure is under threat of relocation and demolition. The increase in military presence in Kyauktaw and Ponnagyung townships has raised concerns among communities, both Rakhine and Rohingya, fearing potential resumption of clashes. This fear also triggered some temporary displacement from Kyauktaw Township.
It is estimated that some 7,000 new arrivals have crossed into India from Myanmar in the past two weeks..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-02-07
Date of entry/update:
2022-02-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights and international relations, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
Language:
Format :
pdf
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11.63 MB
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Title: UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report: Reporting Period: 1 January to 31 December 2021
Description:
"Highlights
In 2021, UNICEF received 34 per cent of its Myanmar Humanitarian Action for Children appeal of US $74.5 million, leaving a 66 per cent of needs unmet. Despite this gap, UNICEF’s response reached 96 per cent of its target (148,528 people) in providing access to primary health care services, 89 per cent of its target (77,758 children) in providing access to primary education, and 52 per cent of its target (227,013 people) in providing access to safe water.
Since the military coup on 1 February, 320,900 people have been newly displaced nationwide, including 15,000 people who have fled to India. In the southeast, 175,700 people have been displaced, including 4,700 individuals who are now in Thailand as of December 2021. Prior to the coup, an additionnal 370,000 people were in protracted displacement due to earlier conflict mainly in Rakhine, Kachin and northern Shan states.
Since the February 2021 military takeover, more than 100 children have been killed in Myanmar, including through shootings, airstrikes, indiscriminate artillery fire, use of explosives and being used as human shields.
UNICEF, jointly with the Swiss Development Cooperation and in partnership with TdHL, funded the humanitarian cash transfer programme in Hlaing Thar Yar, benefitting a total of 5,300 recipients.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
Eleven months into the 1 February 2021 military takeover, the conflict has spread across Myanmar, affecting hundreds of thousands of people who urgently need multisectoral emergency assistance. Throughout the year, the expansion of the conflict has severely impacted the already affected public system and provoked increased population displacements nationwide, with some people fleeing their homes in fear of the armed conflict, and others leaving villages destroyed by armed groups. The northwest and southeast regions have been the most severely affected by the clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the People’s Defence Forces and Ethnic Armed Organizations. As of 27 December 2021, the UN Refugee Agency reported a national total of 320,900 people who have remained displaced since the beginning of the clashes, including approximately 15,000 people who have found refuge across the border in India. This national total also accounts for 175,700 individuals who have been displaced in the southeast, including 4,700 people who have fled to neighbouring Thailand since the mid-December attacks in Kayin state. Prior to the coup and in addition to the previous figures, OCHA reports that approximately 370,000 people are in protracted displacement due to earlier conflict in Myanmar. This number includes 144,000 people, mostly Rohingyas, living in Rakhine state camps since 2012, 106,700 people living in protracted displacement camps in Kachin and northern Shan states since 2011, and 82,200 people displaced due to conflict between the Arakan Army and MAF from early 2019 and late 2020.
In 2021, these mass movements of the population generated an array of new needs and exacerbated the vulnerability of specific groups, such as children and women, affected by the widespread violence. Humanitarian programming readjustments to the growing needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic were still a priority this year, with newly added vulnerabilities since the start of the conflict. From the initial 1 million people in need identified at the end of 2020, the number rapidly grew to 3.1 million in the Humanitarian Response Plan addendum. Consequently, UNICEF revised its Humanitarian Action for Children in August, which highlighted its aim to reach 667,389 people including 316,164 children out of the 1.2 million children estimated to be in dire need of nutrition services, safe drinking water, health care, protection and education. All assistance programmes have been expanded, but humanitarian partners have faced additional layers of complexity in their implementation, including access restrictions to people in conflict-affected areas, security risks and threats due to hazards, and temporary suspension of their activities due to COVID-19 prevention measures. Despite funding gaps and operational constraints, UNICEF implemented its responses, including reaching 96 per cent of its target for providing access to primary health care services to 148,528 people, 89 per cent of its target for providing access to primary education to 77,758 children aged from 3 to 17 years, and 52 per cent of its target was reached for providing access to safe water to 227,013 people.
As of 1 January 2022, a cumulative total of 531,025 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 19,274 deaths were recorded in Myanmar, resulting in a case fatality rate of 3,6 per cent. The escalation of the armed conflict, the population displacements and the impact of COVID-19 control measures have further restricted access to essential services, in conjunction with their impacts on children. As a result, approximately 12 million children missed school for 18 months due to the pandemic. Even though schools began to reopen in November 2021, the slow growth in attendance (40 to 50 per cent as of December 2021) demonstrated resistance to attending schools managed by the de facto authorities.
The conflict’s impact on children goes further, with exposure to violence affecting their physical and psychological health and well-being, and the heightened risks of suffering from conflict-related violence including killing, physical injury, trafficking, recruitment and use in armed conflict, sexual violence, arbitrary arrest, and unlawful detention. Given the persistence of the conflict and its impact, UNICEF has estimated that the population’s emergency needs will continue to grow in 2022, with an estimated 25 per cent of the population needing humanitarian aid, including 5 million children..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-01-31
Date of entry/update:
2022-01-31
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Human Rights and international relations
Language:
Format :
pdf
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417.29 KB
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Description:
"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments from 1 and 26 December, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The January Humanitarian update will be issued in early February 2022.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The security and humanitarian situation across Myanmar remains tense, with continued armed clashes in multiple states and regions, resulting in additional loss of life, destruction of civilian property and increasing internal and cross-border displacement.
• On 24 December, at least 35 civilians, including four children and two humanitarian actors, were killed and burnt in Kayah State, south-eastern Myanmar.
• As of 27 December, an estimated 320,900 people remained internally displaced across Myanmar due to clashes and insecurity since 1 February 2021. This is in addition to the 340,000 people living in protracted displacement before February 2021.
• A small number of partners were able to reach IDPs and other affected people in acute conflict areas during December, but greater access remains critical for the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people.
• At the end of the year, the Humanitarian Response plan was 58 per cent funded receiving US$225.3 million of the $385.7 million requested for 2021. In 2022, the humanitarian community requires increased funding to bring in additional resources to scale up its efforts to address the unmet and escalating needs.
• On 31 December, the 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview was published identifying 14.4 million people in need. The 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan will be published by the end of January outlining efforts to reach 6.2 million people with assistance and requiring $826 million.
KEY FIGURES
320K people currently displaced across Myanmar by clashes and insecurity since February 2021
175K people currently displaced in southeast Myanmar by insecurity and clashes since February 2021
132K people currently displaced in Chin State, Magway and Sagaing regions by clashes and insecurity since May 2021
17K people currently displaced in Shan since January 2021 and in Kachin since March 2021 due to clashes and insecurity
SITUATION OVERVIEW
The security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar remains volatile, with civilians bearing the brunt of ongoing armed clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and/or various PDFs, as well as between EAOs, in multiple states and regions. In Kayin and Kayah states, as well as Magway and Sagaing regions, clashes have intensified, resulting in increasing civilian casualties, destruction of civilian properties and internal and cross-border displacement.
Since the February military takeover, more than 2,200 houses and other civilian properties have reportedly either been burnt down or destroyed, mainly in Chin (800), Kayah (654), Sagaing (529), and Magway (223). As of 27 December 2021, an estimated 320,900 people were internally displaced due to clashes and insecurity since 1 February, according to UNHCR figures. The southeast of the country (Kayin, Kayah and southern Shan) recorded the highest new internal displacement with 175,700 IDPs (55 per cent), followed by the northwest part (Sagaing, Magway and Chin) with 132,200 IDPs (41 per cent), Shan with 14,400 IDPs (four per cent) and Kachin with 3,200 IDPs (one per cent). In addition, 340,000 people remain displaced due to earlier conflicts before 2021. This includes 106,800 people in protracted displacement camps (since 2011) in Kachin and northern Shan; 144,000, mostly Rohingya people, in camps in Rakhine State (since 2012); and 79,900 people displaced in Rakhine State and southern Chin due to conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the MAF from early 2019 and late 2020. More than 19,000 people have crossed the borders into neighbouring countries since February 2021.
With only 58 per cent of the requested funding (US$225.3 million out of $385.7 million) received in 2021, the UN and its humanitarian partners succeeded in providing record levels of life-saving assistance and protection services. As of early December, the humanitarian response reached more than 2.4 million out of the three million people in need identified in the original 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan and subsequent Myanmar Interim Emergency Response Plan (June-December). Final full-year figures for 2021 will be available in February 2022. Despite this significant scaleup, humanitarian needs continue to grow. In 2022, humanitarians estimate 14.4 million people are in humanitarian need and have prioritized 6.2 million for urgent assistance. To meet these needs $826 million in funding and expanded access will be required..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-01-17
Date of entry/update:
2022-01-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Human Rights and international relations, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
674.76 KB
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Description:
"Highlights
• Fighting between the MAF and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and local People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) has intensified in Kayah and Kayin states since December 2021.
• In Kayah State, increased fighting has been seen in Loikaw, Demoso Hpruso, and Shadaw townships. In Kayin, the escalation initially started in Lay Kay Kaw in Myawaddy Township and has since spread to Kawkareik, Hpapun and Hpa-An townships.
• More than half the population of Loikaw township has been internally displaced. People who have fled their homes have sought refuge in community centers, host communities or the jungle.
• Several humanitarian organisations have been forced to temporarily suspend operations in parts of the southeast due to the security situation.
• As of 3 January, 162,000 people from Kayah and Kayin states, including women and children, remain displaced after fleeing their homes since May 2021.
• To date, 654 houses and other civilian properties, including churches, monasteries, and schools, have reportedly been burnt down or destroyed in Kayah State since May 2021.
Situation Overview
The humanitarian and security situation in southeast Myanmar has deteriorated during the past few weeks, especially in Kayah and Kayin states, following heavy ting between the MAF and EAOs as well as local PDFs including the use of airstrikes by fighter jets and attacks from helicopters. A heavy military presence and increased military checkpoints have been reported and search and arrest operations have been conducted.
Since early January 2022, fighting has been escalating in Loikaw, Demoso, and Shadaw townships in Kayah State, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and seek refuge in community centers, host communities or the jungle. More than half the population of Loikaw township has reportedly since been displaced. Of those who have fled, 5,000 people reportedly sought refuge in Taunggyi township in southern Shan State. Secondary displacement was also reported in Demoso township and more than 1,000 people from this group reportedly crossed the border into Mae Hong Son,Thailand.
In December 2021, Kayah State recorded one of the highest single-day casualty figures following in an incident that occurred in Hpruso township, where at least 35 civilians, including four children and two humanitarian workers, were burnt and killed.
The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, expressed his horror over the incident in a statement where he called on “the Myanmar Armed Forces and all armed groups in Myanmar to take all measures to protect civilians from harm.” Ongoing armed clashes have also resulted in destruction of civilian properties across Kayah State. Since May 2021, 654 houses and other civilian properties, including churches, monasteries, and schools, have reportedly been burnt down or destroyed.
In Kayin State, fighting has been escalating since mid-December 2021, following the arrest of pro-democracy activists, including former member of parliament. The fighting started in Lay Kay Kaw in Myawaddy Township and spread to Kawkareik, Hpapun and Hpa-An townships. Heavy shelling and airstrikes have been reported, and roadblocks were erected in these areas. More than 22,000 people were reportedly displaced from Lay Kay Kaw, with more than 8,600 crossing the border into Tak, Thailand. Of those, several thousand people have returned and are currently residing in informal displacement sites within Myanmar while just about 2,800 people remain in Thailand.
Overall, as of 10 January 2021, 181,400 people remain internally displaced in southeast Myanmar (89,300 in Kayah, 74,400 in Kayin, 7,200 in Mon, and 1,500 in Tanintharyi). IDPs are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Local partners have been providing critical assistance to the extent possible. Several humanitarian partners have suspended their operations since last December due to the security situation. Others, who are still operating are still facing access constraints which are stopping them reaching IDPs and other affected people in these contested areas due security and military checkpoints and lack of travel authorizations..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2022-01-13
Date of entry/update:
2022-01-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
1.94 MB
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Description:
"The intensification of armed conflict since the military takeover on 1 February in the North and the SouthEast between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and/or People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) have resulted in civilian casualties and the displacement of thousands of people.
Disruptions to communications, banking services, healthcare, and supply chains, as well as cyclical natural hazards, such as flooding, continues to impact the humanitarian response and exacerbate the vulnerability of communities.
UNHCR and partners continue providing critical life-saving humanitarian assistance, while following the development of the situation closely to understand the full impact on people of concern (PoCs), including IDPs, stateless populations and host communities.
Early warning systems, initiated by UNHCR and partners, are employed to detect changes on the ground which could impact on operations and PoCs with the view to inform timely mitigating measures and responses.
Despite incremental improvements to the COVID-19 infection rate, which had surged again mid-year, the impact of the ongoing pandemic continues to affect people of concern, particularly in light of the already strained or disrupted health services across the country. While integrating COVID-19 prevention and response into regular programming, UNHCR takes proactive measures to adapt in an agile manner to the evolving context to minimize risks to PoCs and to devise ways in which to continue interventions that support them..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-11-22
Date of entry/update:
2021-11-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Human Rights and international relations, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
520.99 KB
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Description:
"The volatile situation in Myanmar following the 01 February 2021 coup has resulted in increased displacement both within the country and some crossing borders, including into Thailand
Humanitarian actors stand ready to support the Royal Thai Government (RTG) 's efforts to receive Myanmar refugees fleeing to ensure provision of protection
Agencies continue to take several key preparedness actions to ensure that complementary activities are delivered in a timely and coordinated manner..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-11-18
Date of entry/update:
2021-11-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
374.94 KB
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Description:
"In Myanmar, hard-earned development gains have been lost because of political instability, which began on 1 February with regime change that was followed by intensified civil conflict. This came on top of significant economic losses caused by the effects of COVID- 19, which continue through today. In response, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the support of Germany, is working to mitigate the impact of the combined crises and reverse the emerging food crisis in Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Region.
Across the country, there have been disruptions to livelihoods, transportation, value chains, critical services, banking systems, as well as to the functioning of the government and administrations as result of the effects of COVID-19. Moreover, the ongoing socio-political crisis has worsened the situation. A recent needs assessments conducted by FAO indicates that returnees from Yangon to Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Region are placing a great deal of pressure on local communities, and many do not intend to return to their previous location.
FAO is currently focused on protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable farming households and landless farmers by ensuring access to basic inputs to preserve or increase agriculture production in affected communities. In Rakhine State and Ayeyarwady Region, FAO and its partners have provided support to 2 500 farming families to protect their livelihoods and preserve their food security. In five townships, FAO provided vegetable seeds, rice seeds, fertilizers, farming tools and chicken feed to selected returnees and other crisis-affected farming households. These inputs will allow families to plant and harvest fresh food, which will improve the basic food basket at the household level and prevent their food security from worsening. In addition, many families will be able to sell surplus produce to improve their income while supplying local community markets and value chains.
FAO continues to integrate COVID-19 basic protective measures by providing soap and face masks to beneficiaries at the start of all field activities. FAO staff further provide critical public health information about the importance of physical distancing and individual actions to protect oneself and others from contracting COVID-19..."
Source/publisher:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-11-12
Date of entry/update:
2021-11-13
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
Language:
more
Description:
"The humanitarian situation in Myanmar is deteriorating. Across the country, there are now more than 3 million people in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance because of growing conflict and insecurity, COVID-19 and a failing economy. Without an end to violence and a peaceful resolution of Myanmar’s crisis, this number will only rise.
Since the 1 February armed forces takeover, hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to violence across the country, and 223,000 people remain internally displaced. This includes 165,000 in the south-east of the country and is on top of a significant population of people who were already displaced in Rakhine, Chin, Shan and Kachin states prior to the takeover.
Long-term displacement remains unresolved, with 144,000 Rohingya people still confined to camps and camp-like settings in Rakhine, many since their displacement in 2012, and more than 105,000 people displaced in Kachin and Shan, many for years. I am also increasingly concerned about reports of rising levels of food insecurity in and around urban areas, including in Yangon and Mandalay.
In recent weeks, the situation in the north-west of the country has become extremely concerning, with an escalation in hostilities between the Myanmar Armed Forces and the Chinland Defence Force in Chin state, and with the People’s Defence Forces in Magway and Sagaing regions. More than 37,000 people, including women and children, have been newly displaced, and more than 160 homes have been burned, including churches and the offices of a humanitarian organization. Attacks directed against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including humanitarian workers and facilities, are clearly prohibited under international humanitarian law and must stop immediately.
Humanitarian workers are providing assistance to those in need across Myanmar. So far this year they have reached more than 1.67 million people with food, cash and nutrition assistance. They stand ready to do more but remain constrained by lack of humanitarian access and funds. Access to many people in desperate need across the country remains extremely limited due to bureaucratic impediments put in place by the armed forces. I call on the Myanmar armed forces — and all parties — to facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.
I also call on the international community to fund the response. Less than half of the US$385 million required under the Humanitarian Response Plan and Interim Emergency Response Plan launched after the armed forces’ takeover has been received. The people of Myanmar need our help to ensure that their basic rights are upheld and they can live with dignity.
The world is watching. I urge all parties to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilians, ensure civilians can freely move towards safety when needed, and allow humanitarian assistance to be provided to those in need, including those being forced to flee the violence..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-11-08
Date of entry/update:
2021-11-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
165.07 KB
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Description:
"Context
The socio-economic effects of the political instability in Myanmar are affecting the most vulnerable more severely, including many older people and people with disabilities. HelpAge International conducted a rapid needs assessment (RNA) in October 2021, as a follow-up to its RNA of April 2021. That study highlighted difficulties in accessing food, healthcare, and income. This current study is a more thorough follow-up, taking into account six additional months of crises, including the third COVID-19 wave.
Methodology
For this RNA, 110 people were interviewed, of which 98 were above the age of 60, with the oldest person being 92. 19 of the people interviewed self-identified as having a disability (PWD). An additional 12 people over the age of 40 were interviewed, who play an important role in community-based activities that support older people.
Data was collected through phone surveys with community members across 17 locations in six states and regions of Myanmar:
Due to (perceived) security and trust issues, the interviews were done on a completely anonymous basis. HelpAge leveraged its network of community groups throughout Myanmar to identify people who were able and willing to speak to the enumerators. All people consented to being interviewed despite the critical security situation.
Questions were raised about the local situation, feelings and needs of respondents, covering a total of four topics:
food security.
finances.
healthcare.
safety.
Collected data were entered digitally by transcribing answers from the phone. Data were disaggregated according to gender, age, and disabilities. The results of this disaggregation have only been reported where information was considered significant enough to be included, and summarised into four main topics of interest..."
Source/publisher:
HelpAge International via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-11-03
Date of entry/update:
2021-11-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights and international relations, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
269.43 KB
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Description:
"Highlights
• Fighting in the northwest between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Chinland Defence Force in Chin State and the local People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) in Magway and Sagaing regions has recently escalated.
• In Chin State, more than 160 houses, two churches and an NGO office in Thantlang Town were reportedly burnt down on 29 October.
• Around 37,000 people, including women and children, have been newly displaced by fighting which started in May in the northwest, in addition to around 7,600 people previously displaced by earlier conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the MAF in Paletwa, Chin State, since December 2019.
Situation Overview
The humanitarian, human rights and security situation in Chin State, as well as in neighbouring Magway and Sagaing regions, is deteriorating with intensified armed clashes reported between the MAF and local PDFs. Displacement has increased as well as rights violations and causalities. In Chin State, more than 160 houses, two churches and an NGO office in Thantlang Town were reportedly burnt down on 29 October, in addition to other townships facing similar destruction of property since August. Most residents had already fled in late September in anticipation of the conflict. However, UNICEF is concerned about the safety of children who are thought to remain in Thantlang Town and is calling for immediate efforts to ensure the safety of these children, and of all children impacted by the conflict.
In total, around 37,000 people, including women and children, have now been displaced in the northwest since the clashes started in May. This includes at least 18,300 people who have been displaced across several townships in Chin State. Of those people, more than 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering in Thantlang Township in Chin State next to the Indian border. The newly displaced people in Chin State are in addition to some 7,600 people who remain displaced since December 2019 in Paletwa in southern Chin due to the conflict between the AA and the MAF. About 15,000 people have reportedly crossed the border into India since the military takeover on 1 February.
The total number of displaced people in Sagaing and Magway regions remains mostly unchanged for the last two weeks as some have returned to their areas of origin, while others have been newly displaced. Around 7,000 people remain in the displacement sites in Kale, Kani, Khin-U and Mingin townships in Sagaing Region and around 12,300 remain in the displacement sites in Gangaw, Pauk and Saw townships in Magway Region..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-11-03
Date of entry/update:
2021-11-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights and international relations, Public Health, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
882.65 KB
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Description:
"Highlights
In the northwest region’s recent hostilities and active clashes, including airstrikes in Sagaing, have caused further population displacement and increased vulnerability. As road movements in Chin are limited due to ongoing armed clashes are impacting the availability of fuel and the price of goods has risen. Relief supplies including essential medicines are in urgent need, with very limited transportation alternatives.
A UNICEF Rapid Needs Assessment during 28 September to 5 October in selected townships of Sagaing region found that priority humanitarian assistance needs are food items and health services, including medicine, treatment, and COVID-19 related testing, treatment and vaccination.
Since mid-October, communication interruption in regions of southeast Myanmar, as well as Sagaing and Kachin, have exacerbated the vulnerability and threatened the well-being of the population while stopping humanitarian partners from communicating efficiently.
Travel authorization requirements and restrictive banking regulations continue to be the main obstacles for our partners and to severely impact programme implementation, in addition to the intermittent fighting and clashes, adding another layer of complexity to already limited access..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-29
Date of entry/update:
2021-11-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Human Rights and international relations, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
371.03 KB
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Description:
"SITUATION AT A GLANCE
3 MILLION People in Need of Humanitarian Assistance in Burma
UN – July 2021
209,500 People Displaced Since February Who Remain IDPs in Burma
UNHCR – September 2021
126,000 IDPs—Originally Displaced in 2012—in Rakhine State IDP Sites
UN – June 2021
1.4 MILLION People in Need of Humanitarian Assistance in Cox’s Bazar
UN – May 2021
902,947 Refugees in Cox’s Bazar
UNHCR – September 2021
Clashes and insecurity continue to generate displacement in Burma. The NUG declares a people’s defensive war against the MAF in early September, further escalating tensions.
Humanitarian activities in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps resume in mid-September following the lifting of enhanced COVID-19-related restrictions on relief operations since May.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda ThomasGreenfield announces nearly $180 million in additional USG funding for the Rakhine State and Rohingya refugee crisis on September 22..."
Source/publisher:
US Agency for International Development via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
317.47 KB
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Description:
"YANGON – The European Union has contributed EUR 4 million to help the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) respond to the rising humanitarian needs in Myanmar. Over 370,000 people in Chin, Kachin, Rakhine, and Shan states have received life-saving food and nutrition support since the beginning of 2021, thanks to the generous contribution.
The funding, made through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), came at a critical time when the country was engulfed by multiple shocks, including conflict, political unrest, and the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The country’s food situation has deteriorated dramatically over the past year,” said Luc Verna, who oversees EU humanitarian programmes in Myanmar. “This latest EU support will help bolster WFP’s readiness and ability to scale up its food assistance to people in need, despite the increasing difficulties for humanitarian actors to gain access to vulnerable people in Myanmar.”
Recent WFP monitoring in Myanmar shows that vulnerable families in both urban and border areas are increasingly affected by ongoing shocks. Many are resorting to skipping meals, selling off assets and borrowing money just to buy food.
“Food insecurity is approaching unprecedented levels across Myanmar where rising food prices and reduced income opportunities are undermining the ability of many families to put daily food on their table. We greatly appreciate the European Union’s timely humanitarian support, which allows WFP to step up much-needed food assistance to the most vulnerable,” said Stephen Anderson, WFP Country Director and Representative in Myanmar.
While WFP support to vulnerable populations in border areas remains critical, securing sustained access to the many tens of thousands of people uprooted by recent armed clashes in Chin, Kayah, southern Shan, Magway and Sagaing is a top priority for humanitarian partners in Myanmar.
# # #
The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow WFP on Twitter @WFP_Media and @WFPAsiaPacific
About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid:
The European Union and its Member States are the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.
Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-28
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Humanitarian assistance - emergencies
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"Highlights
More than 1.8 million people in Myanmar have received WFP food, cash and nutrition assistance across urban and rural areas to date in 2021.
Since May, WFP has supported 1 million vulnerable people in its large-scale urban food response in Yangon and Mandalay alone.
Starting in December, funding for WFP cashbased operations in crisis-affected areas will run out, which will affect 275,000 targeted beneficiaries.
Situation Update
The situation in Myanmar remains complex and volatile: Since September, Myanmar has seen a significant upsurge in armed conflict and civil unrest in various states and regions, particularly the northwest (Chin State, Sagaing and Magway regions) and the southeast (Kayah State). The growing insecurity and a deteriorating economy are likely to further worsen food insecurity among the vulnerable households reeling from a deadly third wave of COVID-19 between June and August. Recurrent banking challenges continue to impact WFP’s timely delivery of cash assistance and procurement processes.
Conflict-driven displacements are on the rise:
As of 18 October, UNHCR estimates that at least 218,900 people remain internally displaced across Myanmar since the military takeover. This is in addition to 336,000 already displaced before 1 February. While humanitarian needs continue to increase, particularly in the northwest, access to conflict-affected populations remains largely constrained by the prevailing security situation and lengthy administrative processes.
The vulnerable bear the brunt of price volatility:
WFP’s latest market monitoring in August showed a notable increase in the price of fuel (68 percent), cooking oil (40 percent), and rice (16 percent) compared to pre-1 February. Overall, the cost of a basic food basket has increased by 20 percent. The recent drastic devaluation of the Myanmar currency is likely to further drive up food and fuel prices, threatening the food and nutrition security of many vulnerable households..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (WFP) (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-25
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
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"KEY DISPLACEMENT FIGURES
22,000 Estimated refugee movements to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021
980,000 Refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in neighbouring countries as of 31 December 2020
219,000 Estimated total internal displacement within Myanmar since 1 February 2021
589,000 Estimated internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar as of 18 October
HIGHLIGHTS
Of the total 589,000 internally displaced people in Myanmar, approximately 219,000 have been displaced by armed conflict and unrest since 1 February 2021, while numbers of refugees who have fled to neighboring countries remained steady at some 22,000. The majority of those displaced internally since 1 February—some 155,000 IDPs—remain displaced in South-East Myanmar and Shan State (South), including over 4,000 people newly displaced in the last two weeks by clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) or people’s defence forces (PDFs) in Thayetchaung Township, Tanintharyi Region, and between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) in Mongkaing Township, Shan State (South). New displacement was also observed in Thantlang and Matupi townships, Chin State, as armed conflict escalated. Small-scale returns have been observed in some parts of the country, such as Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, and Myaung and Kani townships in Sagaing region, following a pattern of temporary and fluid displacement in which people seek immediate refuge in nearby forests or safe locations, then return home once fighting in their villages subsides.
With fuel and other commodities becoming scarce as prices rise sharply, IDPs and other vulnerable communities—such as the Rohingya in Rakhine State—are at risk of becoming increasingly isolated due to transport challenges that impact both humanitarian access and livelihood opportunities. Electricity cuts and communications disruptions continue in much of South-East Myanmar, while prolonged internet shutdowns have been reported in Sagaing Region and Kachin State’s Hpakant Township. The COVID-19 pandemic also continues to spread among IDPs, with new cases reported in Demoso and Hpruso townships in Kayah State, despite COVID-19 positive rates declining nationally. At the same time, ongoing security concerns—ranging from increasing explosions and landmines in the South-East to vandalism and destruction of private property and religious sites in the North-West—continue to make it extremely difficult for IDPs to meet their basic needs..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-20
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-20
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Human Rights and international relations, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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"UNICEF gained access to Mindat for the first time since February 2021 to deliver urgent humanitarian relief supplies to displaced persons.
* The names of the family have been changed to protect confidentiality.
When conflict escalated between local armed groups and the Myanmar Armed Forces in the small mountain town of Mindat in the western State of Chin, Hay Mar, and her family decided to flee their home like most residents of the town. As the sounds of gunfire and explosions became louder, Htun, her five-year-old son, froze with fear and Hay Mar had to put him on her back and run as fast as she could into the dense forest near their home with the rest of the family. Those left behind were the most vulnerable - mostly the elderly and heavily pregnant women.
“My mother-in-law could have run with us, but she said she didn’t want to. She wanted to stay in her home”, said Hay Mar.
Like thousands of others, Hay Mar and her husband made makeshift shelters for their three children in the forest, but they had little protection from the monsoon rains that had just begun. Fortunately, after a couple of weeks, the family found refuge in a friend’s home in a nearby village.
Humanitarian aid getting through despite conflict and pandemic
In Mindat, martial law has been declared since May 2021 and alongside continuing armed clashes, the town has also been caught up in Myanmar’s devasting third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a United Nations humanitarian report, an estimated three million people in Myanmar need assistance and Mindat is reportedly one of the worst affected places in the country. This means there are several families like Hay Mar who are in urgent need of support.
In August, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) gained access to Mindat for the first time since February 2021 to deliver urgent humanitarian relief supplies to displaced persons in 10 camps for internally displaced people. UNICEF distributed critical supplies including multi-micronutrient tablets to pregnant and lactating women, a four-month supply of multi-micronutrient powder sachets for children under the age of five, hygiene kits that included 10-litre and 20-litre plastic buckets and water purification sachets, child protection and early childhood education kits for children and adolescents, including stationery and toys for the younger children.
During this mission, UNICEF had hoped to reach more camps, but the continued operational disruptions did not allow the agency to access them. UNICEF, however, will remain committed to providing help to many children and families who are being forced to make temporary homes in these camps, often without even the most basic services.
What does the future hold?
“If we live in this situation, how will my children grow? I’m very worried about their future. I just want to live in peace.”
Over two weeks had passed since Hay Mar and her family had to flee Mindat and she began to worry about her mother-in-law. With her three children, Hay Mar decided to return to the town to look for her. Htun, her youngest, was petrified as they re-entered their hometown, but he is now slowly showing signs of overcoming the trauma and returning to being the lively boy he once was, said Hay Mar.
But while she is happy to see these positive changes in her son, she is unsure how long this period of peace and calm will last. Like most of the other children in Mindat, her two older children, aged 12 and 17, have now been out of school for almost two years. First, it was the pandemic that halted their education and lives, and now, there is a security situation threatening their safety.
“If we live in this situation, how will my children grow? I’m very worried about their future. I just want to live in peace,” said an anxious Hay Mar, echoing the thoughts and voices of mothers across Myanmar.....မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ၊ ချင်းပြည်နယ်ရှိ ပဋိပက္ခများကြောင့် စားနပ်ရိက္ခာများ ဆိုးဆိုးဝါးဝါး ဖြတ်တောက်ခံထားရသည့် မိသားစုများထံသို့ ယူနီဆက် ကယ်ဆယ်ရေးပစ္စည်းများရောက်ရှိ
(လုံခြုံရေးအရ မိသားစု၏ အမည်များကို ပြောင်းလဲထားပါသည်)
ချင်းပြည်နယ်အနောက်ပိုင်းက တောင်ပေါ်မြို့ငယ်လေးတစ်မြို့ဖြစ်တဲ့ မင်းတပ်မြို့မှာ ဒေသခံ လက်နက်ကိုင်အဖွဲ့တွေနဲ့ မြန်မာစစ်တပ်ကြား ပဋိပက္ခများ အရှိန်မြင့်လာချိန်မှာ ဟေမာနဲ့ သူ့မိသားစုဟာ မြို့ခံအများစုလိုပဲ အိမ်တွေကိုစွန့်ခွာထွက်ပြေးဖို့ ဆုံးဖြတ်ခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ဒါပေမဲ့ ငါးနှစ်အရွယ် သူ့သားအငယ်ဆုံးလေး ထွန်းဟာ သေနတ်သံတွေနဲ့ ပေါက်ကွဲသံတွေ ပိုပြီးကျယ်လောင်လာချိန်မှာ အကြောက်လွန်ပြီး အငိုအရယ်မရှိ ကြက်သေသေသွားခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ဒါကြောင့် ဟေမာက သားလေးကို ကျောပိုးပြီး ကျန်တဲ့မိသားစုတွေနဲ့အတူ အိမ်အနီးက တောထဲကို တတ်နိုင်သမျှ အမြန်ဆုံး ပြေးခဲ့ရပါတယ်။
ကျန်နေခဲ့ကြတဲ့သူတွေကလဲ အားနည်းထိခိုက်လွယ်ဆုံးသူတွေဖြစ်ပြီး အများစုကတော့ သက်ကြီးရွယ်အိုတွေရယ်၊ ကိုယ်ဝန်အရင့်အမာနဲ့ အမျိုးသမီးတွေရယ်ပဲဖြစ်ပါတယ်။
“ကျွန်မယောက္ခမကြီးက ကျွန်မတို့နဲ့အတူ ပြေးလို့ရပေမဲ့ သူကမပြေးချင်ဘူး၊ သူ့အိမ်မှာပဲနေခဲ့ချင်တယ်လို့ပြောတယ်” လို့ ဟေမာက ပြောပြပါတယ်။"
အခြားထောင်ပေါင်းများစွာသောလူတွေလိုပဲ ဟေမာနဲ့ ခင်ပွန်းဖြစ်သူက တောထဲမှာ သူတို့ကလေးသုံးယောက်အတွက် ယာယီတဲလေးတစ်ခုဆောက်ခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ဒါပေမဲ့ အဲ့သည့်အချိန်မှ စကာစ မုတ်သုန်မိုးအတွက်တော့ အကာအကွယ်က မလုံလောက်ပါဘူး။ ကံကောင်းတာက နှစ်ပတ် သုံးပတ်ကြာပြီးနောက်မှာ ဟေမာတို့မိသားစု အနီးအနားရွာတစ်ရွာက မိတ်ဆွေတစ်ဦးရဲ့အိမ်မှာ ခိုလှုံခွင့်ရခဲ့တာပဲဖြစ်ပါတယ်။
ပဋိပက္ခနဲ့ ကပ်ဘေးများကြားမှပင် လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားရေး အကူအညီများ ရောက်ရှိ
မင်းတပ်မြို့မှာ မာရှယ်လောအမိန့်ကြေညာထားပြီး လက်နက်ကိုင်တိုက်ပွဲများ ဆက်လက်ဖြစ်ပွားနေသလို ဒီဒေသမှာ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံရဲ့ ကိုဗစ်-၁၉ တတိယလှိုင်း ရိုက်ခတ်တဲ့ဒဏ်ကိုလည်း ခံခဲ့ရပါတယ်။ ကုလသမဂ္ဂ လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားရေးအစီရင်ခံစာအရ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံက လူပေါင်း သုံးသန်းခန့်နီးပါးက အကူအညီလိုအပ်မယ်လို့ မှန်းဆထားပါတယ်။ မင်းတပ်မြို့ဟာ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံက အဆိုးဝါးဆုံး ထိခိုက်ခံရတဲ့နေရာတွေထဲက တစ်ခုအပါအဝင်ဖြစ်ပါတယ်။ ဒါဟာ ဟေမာတို့မိသားစုလိုပဲ အရေးပေါ် အကူအညီတွေ လိုအပ်နေတဲ့ မိသားစုတွေ အများကြီးရှိနေတယ်ဆိုတာကို ပြနေပါတယ်။
သြဂုတ်လထဲမှာ ယူနီဆက်က မင်းတပ်မြို့ရှိ စစ်ရှောင်စခန်း ၁၀ ခုရှိ နေရပ်စွန့်ခွာသူများထံ ၂၀၂၁ ခုနှစ် ဖေဖော်ဝါရီလ မှစပြီး ပထမဦးဆုံးအကြိမ်အဖြစ် အရေးပေါ် လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားရေး အကူအညီများ ပေးပို့နိုင်ခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ယူနီဆက်က ကိုယ်ဝန်ဆောင်နဲ့ နို့တိုက်မိခင်တွေအတွက် ဘက်စုံအနုအာဟာရဆေးပြားများ၊ အသက် ငါးနှစ်အောက်ကလေးတွေအတွက် လေးလစာ အနုအာဟာရမှုန့်အထုပ်ငယ်များ၊ ၁၀ လီတာနဲ့ လီတာ ၂၀ ဆန့် ပလတ်စတစ်ရေပုံးများနဲ့ ရေသန့်ဆေးအထုပ်ငယ်များ ပါဝင်တဲ့ တစ်ကိုယ်ရေသန့်ရှင်းရေးသုံးပစ္စည်းများ၊ ကလေးငယ်များနဲ့ ဆယ်ကျော်သက်လူငယ်များအတွက် ကလေးသူငယ်များအား အကာအကွယ်ပေးခြင်းနှင့် အစောပိုင်းကလေးဘဝအရွယ်ဆိုင်ရာ ပညာရေးပစ္စည်းများ၊ စာရေးကိရိယာများနဲ့ ကစားစရာများ စတဲ့ အရေးပါတဲ့ ပံ့ပိုးရေးပစ္စည်းများကို ဖြန့်ဝေပေးခဲ့ပါတယ်။
ယူနီဆက်က နောက်ထပ်စစ်ဘေးရှောင်စခန်းများထံ အကူအညီများပေးနိုင်ဖို့ မျှော်လင့်ထားခဲ့ပေမဲ့ ဆက်လက်ဖြစ်ပေါ်နေတဲ့ အခက်အခဲများစွာကြောင့် မရောက်ရှိနိုင်ခဲ့ပါဘူး။ ဒါပေမဲ့လည်း အခြေခံအကျဆုံး ဝန်ဆောင်မှုတွေကိုတောင် မရရှိဘဲ စစ်ရှောင်စခန်းတွေမှာ ယာယီနေထိုင်နေကြရသူ ကလေးများစွာနဲ့ မိသားစုတွေအတွက် အကူအညီများပေးနိုင်ရန် ယူနီဆက်က မရပ်မနား ဆက်လက်ဆောင်ရွက်သွားမှာဖြစ်ပါတယ်။
အနာဂါတ်ကာလမှာ ဘာတွေဖြစ်လာမှာလဲ..?
“ကျွန်မတို့ ဒီအခြေအနေမှာ ဆက်နေမယ်ဆိုရင် ကျွန်မကလေးတွေ ဘယ်လိုကြီးပြင်းလာရမှာလဲ ကျွန်မတို့အနာဂတ်အတွက် သိပ်စိတ်ပူတယ်၊ ကျွန်မ အေးအေးချမ်းချမ်းလေးပဲ နေချင်တာပါ။”
ဟေမာတို့မိသားစု မင်းတပ်မြို့ကနေ စွန့်ခွာထွက်ပြေးလာတာ နှစ်ပါတ်ကျော်ကာလကိုရောက်လာပါပြီ။ မြို့ထဲမှာကျန်ခဲ့တဲ့ ယောက္ခမဖြစ်သူကို စိုးရိမ်တဲ့အတွက် ကလေးသုံးယောက်နဲ့အတူ မင်းတပ်ကိုပြန်ဖို့ ဆုံးဖြတ်ခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ဟေမာ့ရဲ့ အငယ်ဆုံးသားလေးဖြစ်တဲ့ ထွန်းက သူတို့ဇာတိမြို့ကိုပြန်ဝင်လာချိန်မှာပဲ အကြောက်လွန်ပြီး တုန်လှုပ်သွားခဲ့ပါတယ်။ အခုကတော့ သူရဲ့ စိတ်ဒဏ်ရာကို ကျော်ဖြတ်နိုင်တဲ့ လက္ခဏာတွေကို ပြသလာပြီး အရင်ကလို ပျော်ပျော်နေတတ်တဲ့ကလေးလေး ပြန်ဖြစ်လာပါပြီလို့ ဟေမာက ပြောပြပါတယ်။
ထွန်းရဲ့ ကောင်းတဲ့ပြောင်းလဲမှုတွေအတွက် ဟေမာက ပျော်ပေမယ့် ဒီအခြေအနေကဘယ်လောက်ထိ ကြာမလဲဆိုတာ သူသေချာမသိဘူးလို့ ဖြည့်စွက်ပြောပါတယ်။ မင်းတပ်က ကလေးအများစုလိုပဲ သူ့ရဲ့နောက်ကလေးနှစ်ယောက်ဖြစ်တဲ့ အသက် ၁၂ နှစ်နဲ့ ၁၇ နှစ်အရွယ် ကလေးနှစ်ယောက်က ကျောင်းမတက်ရတာ နှစ်နှစ်နီးပါးရှိနေပါပြီ။ အစကတော့ ကပ်ရောဂါကြောင့် သူတို့အိမ်ပြန်လာကြတာပါ၊ ဒါပေမဲ့ နောက်ပိုင်းမှာတော့ လုံခြုံရေးအခြေအနေ ခြိမ်းခြောက်မှုတွေကြောင့်ဖြစ်ပါတယ်။
“ကျွန်မတို့ ဒီအခြေအနေမှာ ဆက်နေမယ်ဆိုရင် ကျွန်မကလေးတွေ ဘယ်လိုကြီးပြင်းလာရမှာလဲ” လို့ စိုးရိမ်ပူပန်စွာနဲ့ ဟေမာက မေးခဲ့ပါတယ်။ “ကျွန်မတို့အနာဂတ်အတွက် သိပ်စိတ်ပူတယ်၊ ကျွန်မ အေးအေးချမ်းချမ်းလေးပဲ နေချင်တာပါ။” လို့ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံက မိခင်အများစုရဲ့ သောကတွေကို ထင်ဟပ်အောင်ပြောပြသွားပါတယ်။..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-18
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-19
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Children, Human rights and education, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
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"KEY DISPLACEMENT FIGURES
22,000 Estimated refugee movements to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021
980,000 Refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in neighbouring countries as of 31 December 2020
215,000 Estimated total internal displacement within Myanmar since 1 February 2021
370,000 Estimated internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar as of 31 December 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
There are currently an estimated 215,000 internally displaced within Myanmar due to conflict and unrest since 1 February 2021. In the second half of September, violence and displacement increased in various parts of Myanmar, particularly the Northwest (Chin State, Sagaing and Magway regions). Nearly 41,096 people are currently displaced in the Region (not including Paletwa Township) as a result of heightened clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Chinland Defence Forces (CDF) or People's Defence Forces (PDF). Acts of vandalism and destruction of private property and religious sites, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, injuries, and deaths are reported. Harvesting and other livelihood activities have been seriously disrupted, leaving IDPs with an urgent need for food, healthcare, and other basic services.
Internal displacement also increased in Shan State (North), due to intense armed clashes between Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) in Mongkaing Township; in Kayah State, due to the intensification of conflict, arbitrary arrests, and general insecurity in Demoso and Loikaw townships; and in Mon State where people were displaced in Kyaikhto Township from mid-September, due to clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Border Guard Forces (BGF) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). Across South-East Myanmar, access to basic services, especially healthcare, remains constrained. The situation remains compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, with new positive cases among IDPs, including some 90 IDPs at two displacement sites in Kayah State. With positivity rates still increasing in some IDP sites, IDPs continue to have urgent needs for personal protective equipment (PPE), and COVID-19-related restrictions continue to restrict their access to livelihoods and humanitarian assistance. Despite the easing of such restrictions in some parts of the country, more than 110 townships remain under stay-at-home orders.
In Kachin State, armed clashes between the MAF and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) erupted in Tar Lon village, Tanai Township, with civilians caught in the crossfire, while in Shan State (North), fighting in Mongkaing Township forced hundreds of people to seek refuge in village monasteries. IDPs reported difficulties accessing food, healthcare, education, shelter, and WASH assistance.
In Rakhine State, a relatively small number of IDPs continue to return to their places of origin to access livelihoods and food that had been in shortage at displacement sites, but the majority of IDPs remain reluctant to return, fearing a resumption of conflict and landmines. IDPs across Rakhine State, as well as non-displaced Rohingya communities, continue to report restrictions in accessing basic services, livelihoods, and humanitarian assistance, a situation exacerbated by rising commodity prices and COVID-19 prevention measures.
RESPONSE
Myanmar
Following needs assessments, UNHCR delivered life-saving assistance to IDPs across SouthEast Myanmar. In Kayah State, over a thousand people will benefit from pipeline and water catchment systems installed in IDP sites in Demoso and Loikaw townships; the construction of one bathing unit in Loi Nan Hpa region and two at a displacement site in Loikaw township; and solar lights installed in Demoso township. Essential COVID-19 PPE items and medical equipment were also delivered to 25 hospitals and clinics in Bago (East) Region, and Tanintharyi Region, where UNHCR and the Myanmar Red Cross Society concluded a second rapid protection assessment in Palaw Township; and in Kayin State, where UNHCR conducted a rapid protection assessment in Hpapun Township.
In Kachin and Shan States, UNHCR has started distributing NFIs via local partner to IDPs recently displaced, including over 100 people in Lawa, Hpakant township, and some 660 inMongkoe Muse township, a border area near China. UNHCR conducted rapid needs assessments at 13 sites in Waingmaw township, while in Bhamo UNHCR engaged local partners to assess areas of return, as IDPs there continue to indicate return intentions and needs.
In Rakhine State, UNHCR field missions in central Rakhine continue, with some new access to IDP sites that were previously inaccessible. Between 19 September and 1 October UNHCR and its partners have distributed much needed NFI kits for 1,160 households in Rohingya camps in Sittwe Township. Additionally, shelter construction is ongoing and almost completed for more households in Sin Tet Maw camp in Pauktaw Township, and for Thet Ka Pyin in Sittwe Township. In northern Rakhine, UNHCR completed COVID-19 related NFI distributions for IDP sites in Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-07
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
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"Highlights
• The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) substantially increased to 400,000 people (43% children) during the reporting period, due to the intensifying armed clashes, increased military operations, and monsoon floods across the country.
• Although the COVID-19 transmission rate declined overall in September, there was a reported surge of COVID cases in Kachin IDP camps and in Kayah and Kayin states in August 2021.
• With UNICEF’s support, the Myanmar Health Assistant Association vaccinated 8,102 people in 10 camps in Rakhine against COVID-19.
• In August, over 125,000 people were reportedly affected by floods across the country. In Rakhine and Kayin, UNICEF reached 33,260 people affected with critical WASH supplies • Legal aid service and assistance was given to 395 children (29 per cent girls) and 587 young people (26 per cent females) who had been arbitrarily arrested and detained following the military takeover.
• Timely humanitarian responses are constrained by additional mandatory requirements for travel authorization, a limited number of humanitarian partners, restricted access to conflict areas and limited banking services..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-05
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Human Rights and international relations
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446.44 KB
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"HIGHLIGHTS:
Overall rice and oil prices in August 2021 remained stable compared to the previous month (+1-2%) but were considerably higher than the same time last year (+19% for rice, +61% for oils)
Kayin saw +14% increase in rice price due to a combination of COVID-19 that caused interruption of rice milling, shop closures and lockdowns, as well as conflict and flooding
The upward trend in chickpea and pulse prices continued as stocks decline amidst poor production this year and high local and international demand (+10% and +6% compared to previous month, respectively)
Egg prices stabilized in most areas but remain higher than normal (+27% higher than August 2020) given elevated demand, with the notable exception of Shan where prices increased again by +11% due to high demand, COVID-19 transportation-related challenges and worsening local exchange rate with the Chinese Yuan (the kyat has depreciated by 20% against the yuan between January and August 2021).
While commodity prices have been rising around the country, Shan state has seen noticeably consistent upward pressure on nearly all commodities since early 2021 due to the transportation challenges and the dependence on the Chinese Yuan.
Overall tomato prices continue to fall (-8%) as local availability improved. However, some areas saw rising prices given dependence on importing from other states/regions and transportation challenges (cost, travel restrictions, delays and reduced frequency causing spoilage, etc.)
Of reporting traders, 12% experienced scarcity in products in August, 17% indicated that they did not expect to receive products within a week of ordering and 16-17% said they could not predict prices 1 week or 1 month from now for at least some commodities.
Fuel prices declined slightly from end of July to end of August, at -3% for diesel, -2% for premium diesel, and -1% for octane 92 and 95 each. Compared to the beginning of February 2021, prices are +36-50% higher by fuel type across the monitored townships..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-05
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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"UNOPS-managed LIFT signals rampant weakening coping mechanisms of smallholder farmers producing most of the country’s agricultural outputs.
*UNOPS-managed Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) signals that coping mechanisms of many smallholder farmers, who produce most of the country’s agricultural outputs, have been rampantly weakened and signal a severe threat to rural livelihoods[1]. Following dual crises brought on by COVID-19 and the military’s takeover of government, Myanmar’s financial system is all but paralyzed and is disrupting the country’s agricultural sector. *
In the rural economy, an especially important sector for resilience and food security, farm families are squeezed on all sides by lower earnings, higher costs, delayed access to markets, and slow payments for last season’s crops. Landless laborers see fewer jobs and more competition while small rural enterprises struggle to meet the needs of their customers and suppliers.
Disruptions to the agri-food system have been persistent and are becoming more severe. Farmers are investing less in inputs for the 2021 monsoon season due to the higher cost (especially fertilizer) and the uncertainty concerning output markets. At the same time, many smallholder farmers are cash constrained while credit markets for farm input purchases are in disarray due to the mixed signals to farmers about their repayment obligations and the broader ongoing financial system crisis.
The effects are already being felt in lower farmgate prices and higher consumer prices for food, which may pose risks as the main agricultural season, the monsoon season, is underway.
Political crisis obscures the desperation for working capital loans in rural agriculture
Smallholder farmers typically borrow funds at the start of their planting seasons for rice, beans and pulses, and increasingly maize/corn, and repay lenders when crops are sold, generally 5-6 months later. 2021 however has broken the established business cycle.
For the 48-year old mother of seven and a farmer from the Ayeyarwaddy Region, microfinance loans have been a lifeline and a life-changer. A disciplined borrower, she successfully managed three loan products to boost her all-year-round agricultural production and establish businesses such as a grocery store and boat transportation services, which in turn generated employment for ten laborers. The combined effects of COVID-19 and the military takeover have added unexpected strains on Daw Htay Htay Win’s businesses:
"Fertilizer costs have increased almost twofold during this rainy season and my income from the boat transportation, which I used to reinvest in the rainfed paddy season in May and June have shrunken to 30% of what it was before. We are now forced to consume our income and not invest it.”
Without the working capital loans that farmers have come to depend on, farmers economize on fertilizers and other valuable agricultural inputs, lowering their crop yields and incomes. Without extra funds, farmers hire fewer day laborers, creating further distress for landless workers and rural economies.
The challenge is even more acute as all input prices have risen significantly, led by fuel and fertilizers’ prices rocketing due to global oil price increases and a 30-35 percent devaluation of the kyat against the US dollar since the start of 2021.
A 46-year-old single mother of five and a farmer from Mandalay Region, falls behind this sorrow statistics. A member of the microfinance scheme for the last three years, she has been using loans to grow paddy, beans, sesame and betel leaves. The outbreak of the COVID-19 third wave, drought and the unfolding political crisis have affected her production and left her without affordable lending at a time when she needs it most.
"Insecurity and travel restrictions affected my income from selling betel leaves, which we used for family needs. Recent drought and the ever growing costs for fertilizers and other inputs affected my rainfed sesame fields and I’m worried my income will be much lower this year and I will need to borrow more for the next season.”
“Farmers here realize the benefits of borrowing at a relatively cheaper cost of finance from MFIs. They do not want to take informal loans nor make pre-sell arrangements of their crops to brokers whenever possible,” said a farmer and client of MFI in Ye U, located in Sagaing’s rice belt.
While a loan from a microfinance institution normally costs farmers 2.3% per month, informal borrowing typically charges 5% per month, while farmers can pay up to 8-10% of the value of their harvest to brokers who lend them money to help fund planting. Recently, farmers are required to pay for their inputs with cash rather than on credit terms, further straining their resources.
“People in the community try their best not to miss any principal and interest payments as they want MFIs to continue operating in the village,” says the farmer, echoing widespread concerns that the government-operated Myanmar Agricultural Development has halted its credit operations.
As farmers strive for affordable loans, microfinance institutions halt their services over severe operational and funding difficulties
Myanmar’s most reliable rural lenders, microfinance institutions (MFIs), are facing severe disruptions to their businesses – with field staff prevented from coming to work, customers missing scheduled repayments, and troubled local banks trapping MFIs’ funds that otherwise would be repaid to lenders or distributed as local loans or staff salaries.
While both the rural economy and MFIs claw through day-to-day operating challenges, a larger crisis looms if Myanmar’s MFIs go out of business or run out of funds to lend to their estimated 4 millionborrowers[2] due to the meltdown of the domestic banking sector and as foreign lenders’ pause on new loans for Myanmar’s financial sector.
Like the rest of the country, MFIs struggle to transact through local banks or get their hands on enough cash - kyat or US dollars - to conduct business normally or repay their offshore loans. Late payments and the drumbeat of bad news from Myanmar has put foreign lenders on high alert.
Unless renewed sources of funding quickly emerge and/or existing obligations are rescheduled, MFIs will be forced to further curtail their lending and unable to assist their vulnerable rural clients who will continue to suffer lower incomes and harder times.
Some MFIs have already started rationing credit, reducing the size of loans to their customers.
“We are coping with serious operational issues, including very limited access to our cash, non-repayment of loans, and new security issues, but what really keeps us awake at night is worrying about how we can refinance our current loans from local banks and international financial institutions as they come due over the next few years,” says the head of funding for one MFI supported by LIFT.
“We certainly don’t want to pull back. But without funding certainty, we’ll have to plan to shrink our loan book and make fewer and smaller loans just when they are needed more than ever by our clients,” the MFI executive explains, highlighting a potential sector-wide retreat in one of Myanmar’s brightest, highest impact sectors.
If MFIs cannot make new loans to customers after they re-pay, non-performing loans are liable to sky-rocket, further jeopardizing MFIs’ financial stability and their capacities to offer affordable funding to agricultural producers.
While most farmers managed to access production inputs for the monsoon season, though of lower quantity and quality, the harvest and post-harvest management of monsoon crops as well as the post-monsoon production season are under threat if no affordable loans are made available.
“As responsible lenders, we have to balance our clients’ needs against those of the institution,” says a manager of a LIFT-funded MFI, which operates in Sagaing and Chin State and heavily supports small-scale farmers and livestock breeders. “But without funding certainty, we can’t be there for them.”
While among the smaller and more rurally-focused MFIs in LIFT’s network, Thitsar Ooyin is taking a typical approach to managing immediate and looming risks.
“The very first step has been to slow our expansion,” explains the MFI manager, “The second is to reduce the size of each loan, and the third is to stop renewing clients, which greatly increases our risks because our clients, especially in these times, are understandably reluctant to repay without faith we will lend to them again - right away”.
LIFT facilitated the development of the microfinance sector to strengthen food systems…
LIFT has been strongly supporting microfinance development in Myanmar, especially in the rural areas , seeing access to finance and fair lending practices as fundamental building blocks for improving rural livelihoods and resilience among households and small businesses.
Since its start in 2012/13, LIFT-supported MFIs have reached nearly half of total individual loans in the country (2.5 million against a total 5.4 million loans), worth 1.4 billion kyats in total (against a nation-wide total of 2.6 billion kyats).
LIFT’s catalytic collaboration with the TCX programme worked to “hedge” the investor’s currency risk for the USD-to-kyat lending kyat to customers. Two rounds of funding in 2017 and 2020 effectively opened up Myanmar's MFI market to global sources of capital and directly supported more than $200 million of loans from foreign funders to Myanmar MFIs.
The vast majority of these loans were made to the rural sector to support the planting seasons, boost innovations and promote mechanisation in agriculture, leading to improved food security. Through direct grants, technical assistance for lenders and regulators alike and the sponsorship of innovative financing schemes, LIFT has helped increase the flow of more reasonably-priced credit to farmers which, in turn, has lowered the cost of essential working capital and led to investments in better seeds, fertilizers and planting techniques that can bring better returns on their seasonal toil.
As responsible MFI lending has steadily replaced higher-priced informal loans, and lessened farmers’ dependence on their suppliers or crop buyers for credit, the overall sector has grown dramatically, reaching otherwise excluded borrowers especially rural women, driving greater financial inclusion, and helping improve rural incomes. While not all MFI lending occurs in rural areas, rural borrowers have become highly reliant on MFI loans to keep planting and harvesting and bolstering their incomes through unpredictable times.
… and remains committed to support financial inclusion to revive agriculture production and boost food security
There is an imminent threat of a reversal in rural lending and direct negative consequences for rural livelihoods and smallholder farmers.
Creating “breathing space” for MFIs to reschedule some of their repayments to lenders is critical, so that lenders and borrowers can cope with new and extraordinary circumstances. This would allow MFIs to restructure outstanding loans and to extend more loans to their clients, particularly smallholder farm farmers, to sustain their livelihoods.
Only through ensuring that borrowers can continue to access essential funds will Myanmar’s MFI sector sustain its remarkable momentum and continue to play a fundamental role in supporting inclusive economic development across the country..."
Source/publisher:
UN Country Team in Myanmar via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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"Despite the ongoing challenges IOM and partners continue providing assistance to support vulnerable migrants and communities
Humanitarian assistance
Myanmar has always been a country of significant human mobility and one in four people are internal or international migrants. It is therefore not uncommon to see many leveraging migration to complement their income and livelihoods as Ko Kyaw Latt*, a young internal migrant from Mandalay Region explained:
“I was a household electrician and regularly travelled from my village to other townships for work. Although this was tiring, I could earn a worthy salary”.
However, the ability of internal migrants and communities to benefit from the positive impacts of migration, such as the diversification of livelihoods and incomes, remittances, and the circulation of skills and knowledge, has been disrupted by the multiple crises. COVID-19 control measures such as travel bans and stay-at-home orders continue making migration difficult. As a result, many migrants have lost their jobs and sources of income, leaving them with few options but to put migration plans on hold or return home.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partners have been providing humanitarian assistance to internal migrants and migrant families in situations of vulnerability. In 2021, 9,508 internal migrants and migrant-sending families, primarily from Rakhine and Ayeyarwady, have been supported with safe return, food and cash allowances, and hygiene kits.
International migrants face similar challenges to those of internal migrants when returning to Myanmar. Renewed outbreaks of COVID-19 in neighbouring countries, particularly in Thailand, have resulted in less job opportunities at usual migrant destinations.
Facing decreasing incomes and unable to send regular remittances, an increasing number of migrants have returned despite the challenging socioeconomic and COVID-19 situation in Myanmar in recent months, with estimates of over 50,000 migrants having returned through official border crossings at the Thai-Myanmar border since February. Having left much behind and facing quarantine immediately upon return, many returning migrants are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
Through its network of Migrant Resource Centres across the country, IOM has mobilized humanitarian assistance to support migrants returning to Myanmar due to the increasingly difficult livelihoods situation abroad.
Since May, a total of 7,434 migrants have been supported with migration information services and humanitarian assistance, including onward transportation to their communities of origin, as well as with meals, clothes and hygiene kits.
Migration in Myanmar
Most Myanmar nationals migrate for better economic opportunities, and 4.25 million Myanmar migrants are abroad, according to a 2019 estimate by MOLIP.
Myanmar is a country of vast internal migration, with around 9.4 million Myanmar nationals migrating within the country – approximately 17 per cent of the population.
The majority of remittances in Myanmar are received from abroad, and 2020 estimates by MOLIP indicate USD 2.8 billion and USD 5.2 billion remittances were received last year through formal and informal channels, respectively.
Livelihood assistance
The strengthening of migrants’ skills to enable access to improved livelihood opportunities, remains a key priority for supporting the resilience of migrant households and communities in light of heightened socio-economic vulnerabilities. While operational constraints remain, IOM has maintained skills development programming and in 2021, IOM and partners have supported 1,130 internal and returned migrants to gain enhanced skills and livelihood opportunities through skills development training on a range of topics, including electrical wiring, sewing, food and beverage, English and Japanese language training, among others.
Kyaw Kyaw was one of the beneficiaries of the skills training. After he was unable to continue as an electrician due to the crises since February, he undertook the motorbike repair training. “It was very useful for me. Though I had no skills in motorbike repair, I have become sufficiently skilled that I now train others at my village and can gain some income”, he said.
IOM and partners in Chin, Shan, Mon and Kayin States and Mandalay, Magway, and Tanintharyi Regions have also been providing micro-enterprise coaching to migrants who successfully complete skills development training. A total of 616 migrants have successfully completed micro-enterprise coaching and launched small businesses.
While the context remains challenging, migrants like Kyaw Kyaw retain their aspirations for the future.
“My future goal is setting up my own motorbike repair shop. When all this passes, I plan to migrate with the skills I have learned and practice motorbike repair in other places.”
IOM and its partners remain committed to support all migrant populations and communities and will continue doing their utmost to ensure essential assistance reaches those in need across Myanmar.
* Name changed to protect identity.
IOM’s critical work in Myanmar has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Japan, the European Union, Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), the Global Fund, and the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT).
ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာ နေထိုင်သူများနှင့် ၎င်းတို့၏ရပ်ရွာလူထုများအား လိုအပ်သော လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားမှုနှင့် အသက်မွေးဝမ်းကြောင်းဆိုင်ရာ အကူအညီများကို IOM မှ ဆက်လက်ထောက်ပံ့ပေးလျက်ရှိ
လက်ရှိတွင်ဖြစ်ပေါ်လျက်ရှိသော စိန်ခေါ်မှုများကြားမှ အပြည်ပြည်ဆိုင်ရာ ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်ခြင်းဆိုင်ရာ နိုင်ငံတကာအဖွဲ့အစည်း (IOM) နှင့် ၎င်း၏ မိတ်ဖက်အဖွဲ့အစည်းများသည် အကူအညီများကို အားနည်း၍ လိုအပ်ချက်များပြားသည့် အခြေအနေတွင်ရှိနေသော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများနှင့် ၎င်းတို့၏ရပ်ရွာလူထုများအား ဆက်လက်ပံ့ပိုးလျက်ရှိနေပါသည်။
လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားမှု အကူအညီ
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသည် လူဦးရေအရ ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်မှု အစဉ်အမြဲ သိသာများပြားသော နိုင်ငံတစ်ခုဖြစ်ပြီး လူလေးဦးတွင် တစ်ဦးသည် ပြည်တွင်း (သို့) ပြည်ပသို့ ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်နေကြသည်။ ထို့ကြောင့် များစွာသောသူတို့သည် ၎င်းတို့၏ ဝင်ငွေနှင့် အသက်မွေးဝမ်းကျောင်းလိုအပ်ချက်များကို ဖြည့်စွက်ရန် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်နေကြသည်ကို မြင်ရခြင်းမှာ အဆန်းမဟုတ်တော့ကြောင်း မန္တလေးတိုင်းမှ ပြည်တွင်းရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူ လူငယ်တစ်ဦးမှ ဆိုသည်။
"ကျွန်တော်အရင်က အိမ်တွေမှာ လျှပ်စစ်ပညာရှင်အနေနဲ့ အလုပ်လိုက်လုပ်တယ်။ ကျွန်တော့ရွာကနေ တခြားမြို့တွေကို ခရီးပုံမှန်သွားရတာဆိုတော့ ပင်ပန်းတာပေါ့။ ဒါပေမဲ့ ထိုက်တန်တဲ့ လစာတော့ရတာပေါ့" ဟု ကိုကျော်ကျော်လတ်က ဆိုသည်။
သို့သော်လည်း ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်ခြင်းမှ ရနိုင်သော အကျိုးကျေးဇူးများဖြစ်သည့် အသက်မွေးဝမ်းကျောင်းပြုရန်နှင် ဝင်ငွေရရှိနိုင်ရန် အခွင့်အလမ်းများတိုးပွါးလာခြင်း၊ အိမ်သို့ ငွေပြန်ပို့နိုင်ခြင်း၊ အတတ်ပညာနှင့် ဗဟုသုတများ ဖြန့်ဝေပေးနိုင်ခြင်း စသည်တို့ကို ခံစာနိုင်ရန် အနှောင့်အယှက် အကျပ်အတည်းမျိုးစုံရှိနေခြင်းကြောင့် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများနှင့် ၎င်းတို့၏ရပ်ရွာလူထုများမှ အပြည့်အဝ မခံစားရဘဲ ရှိနေသည်။ COVID-19 ထိန်းချုပ်ရေး အစီအမံများဖြစ်သည့် ခရီးသွားလာခွင့် ပိတ်ပင်ခြင်းနှင့် stay-at-home ကဲ့သို့သော အိမ်တွင်းသာနေထိုင်ရန် အမိန့်များကြောင့် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်မှုပြုလုပ်ရန် ခက်ခဲလျက်ရှိနေသည်။ အကျိုးဆက်အနေဖြင့် များစွာသော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူတို့သည် အလုပ်အကိုင်နှင့် ဝင်ငွေများ ဆုံးရှုံးနေပြီး ရွေးချယ်နိုင်သည့် အခွင့်အလမ်း နည်းပါးကာ ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်မှုပြုလုပ်ရန်အစီအစဥ်များအား ဆိုင်းငံ့၍ မိမိနေရပ်သို့ ပြန်ရသည်များရှိနေသည်။
IOM နှင့် ၎င်း၏ မိတ်ဖက်အဖွဲ့အစည်းများအနေဖြင့် အားနည်းသော အခြေအနေတွင်ရှိသော ပြည်တွင်းရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများနှင့် ၎င်းတို့၏ မိသားစုဝင်များကို စဉ်ဆက်မပြတ် လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားမှု အကူအညီများ ပေးလျက်ရှိပါသည်။ ၂၀၂၁ ခုနှစ်အတွင်း ၉၅၀၈ ဦးသော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများနှင့် ၎င်းတို့၏ မိသားစုဝင်များ (ရခိုင်နှင့် ဧရာဝတီတိုင်းမှ အများစု) ကို ငွေကြေးအထောက်အပံ့၊ တစ်ကိုယ်ရည်သန့်ရှင်းမှုသုံး ပစ္စည်းများနှင့် လုံခြုံစွာဖြင့် နေရပ်ပြန်နိုင်ရေးတို့ ကူညီပံ့ပိုးပေးခဲ့ပါသည်။
ပြည်တွင်းရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများနည်းတူ ပြည်ပရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူတို့သည်လည်း မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသို့ ပြန်လာရာတွင် အခက်အခဲများ ကြုံတွေ့ကြရသည်။ အထူးသဖြင့် ပုံမှန်ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်မှုများသောနေရာများဖြစ်သည့် အိမ်နီးချင်း ထိုင်းနိုင်ငံကဲ့သို့သော နိုင်ငံများတွင် COVID-19 ကူးစက်မှုအသစ်များ ဖြစ်ပွါးမှုကြောင့် အလုပ်အကိုင်အခွင့်အလမ်းများ ရှားပါးလာခဲ့သည်။
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံအတွင်းလူမှုစီးပွားအခက်အခဲများနှင့် COVID-19 အခြေအနေများ ရှိနေသည့်သော်လည်း ဝင်ငွေလျော့နည်းလာခြင်းနှင့် မိမိအိမ်သို့ ပုံမှန်ငွေလွှဲခြင်းများ မပြုလုပ်နိုင်ကြသဖြင့် မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသို့ ပြန်လာကြသည့် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူ အရေအတွက်မှာ ပြီးခဲ့သည့်လများအတွင်း ပို၍ပင် တိုးလာခဲ့ပြီး ဖေဖော်ဝါရီလမှ စတင်ကာ ခန့်မှန်းခြေ ၅၀၀၀၀ ကျော်သော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများသည် ထိုင်း-မြန်မာ တရားဝင်နပ်စပ်ဖြတ်ကျော်မှုမှတစ်ဆင့် မြန်မာနိုင်ငံအတွင်းသို့ ပြန်လည် ဝင်ရောက်လာခဲ့ကြသည်။ များစွာသောအရာတို့ကို မျက်နှာလွှဲ ချန်ထားခဲ့ရပြီး မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသို့ ရောက်ရောက်ချင်းတွင် COVID-19 ရောဂါ ကူးစက်ပြန့်ပွားမှုကာကွယ်ရန်အတွက် သတ်မှတ်ထားသောနေရာများတွင် သီးသန့်ခွဲခြားထိုင်ရသဖြင့် ပြန်လည်ရောက်ရှိလာကြသော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းနေထိုင်သူအများအပြားသည် အရေးပေါ် လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားမှု အကူအညီများလိုအပ်နေခဲ့ပါသည်။
ပြည်ပတွင် အသက်မွေးဝမ်းကျောင်းပြုရန် အခက်အခဲများ ပိုမိုများပြားလာ၍ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသို့ ပြန်လည်ရောက်ရှိလာသော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းနေထိုင်သူများကို နိုင်ငံတစ်ဝှမ်းရှိ ရွှေ့ပြောင်းလုပ်သား ထောက်ပံ့ကူညီရေး ဗဟိုဌာနများမှတစ်ဆင့် IOM သည် လူသားချင်းစာနာထောက်ထားမှု အကူအညီများ ပံ့ပိုးပေးခဲ့ပါသည်။
မေလမှစတင်ကာ စုစုပေါင်း ၇၄၃၄ ယောက်သော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများကို နေရပ်ပြန်ရန်လိုအပ်သည့် ပို့ဆောင်ဆက်သွယ်ရေးပံ့ပိုးမှု၊ အစားအသောက်၊ အဝတ်အထည်နှင့် တစ်ကိုယ်ရေသန့်ရှင်းမှု အသုံးအဆောင်ပစ္စည်းများ စသည့် လူသားခြင်းစာနာထောက်ထားမှု အကူအညီများနှင့် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်မှုနှင့်ဆိုင်သာ သတင်းအချက်အလက် ဝန်ဆောင်မှုများကိုလည်း ပံ့ပို့ပေးခဲ့ပါသည်။
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံ၏ ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်မှု အခြေအနေ
အများစုသော မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသားများသည် ပိုမိုကောင်းမွန်သော စီးပွါးရေး အခွင့်အလမ်းများအတွက် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်ခြင်းကို ပြုကြသည်။ ၂၀၁၉ ခုနှစ် အလုပ်သမား၊ လူဝင်မှုကြီးကြပ်ရေးနှင့် ပြည်သူ့အင်အား ဝန်ကြီးဌာန၏ ခန့်မှန်းချက်အရ ၄.၂၅ သန်းသော မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသားများသည် ပြည်ပရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများဖြစ်သည်။
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသည် ပြည်တွင်း ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူ ၉.၄သန်းခန့်ရှိသည့် ပြည်တွင်းရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်မှု ကျယ်ပြန့်များပြားသော နိုင်ငံတစ်ခုဖြစ်ပြီး ၎င်းမှာ နိုင်ငံလူဦးရေ၏ ၁၇ ရာခိုင်နှုန်းခန့်ရှိသည်။
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံသည် လွှဲငွေအများစုကို ပြည်ပမှ လက်ခံရရှိပြီး အလုပ်သမား၊ လူဝင်မှုကြီးကြပ်ရေးနှင့် ပြည်သူ့အင်အား ဝန်ကြီးဌာန၏ ၂၀၂၀ ခန့်မှန်းချက်အရ ယမန်နှစ်အတွင်း အမေရိကန်ဒေါ်လာ ၂.၈ ဘီလီယံ နှင့် ၅.၂ ဘီလီယံ တန်ဖိုးရှိ လွှဲငွေများကို တရားဝင်လမ်းကြောင်း နှင့် အလွတ်သဘောမဟုတ်သော လမ်းကြောင်းအသီးသီးတို့မှ ရရှိခဲ့သည်။
အသက်မွေးဝမ်းကျောင်းဆိုင်ရာ အကူအညီ
အသက်မွေးဝမ်းကျောင်းအခွင့်အလမ်းများ များပြားလာစေရန်အတွက် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းလုပ်သားများ၏ ကျွမ်းကျင်မှုများကို အားသန်လာအောင်ထောက်ပံ့ပေးခြင်းသည် လက်ရှိဖြစ်ပေါ်လျက်ရှိသော လူမှုစီးပွား အားနည်းချက်များကြားမှ ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများရှိသည့် အိမ်ထောင်စုများနှင့် ရပ်ရွာလူထုများ ကြံ့ကြံ့ခံ ရပ်တည်နိုင်ရန်အတွက် အဓိကကြသော အထောက်အပံ့တစ်ခု ဖြစ်ပါသည်။ လုပ်ငန်းလည်ပတ်မှု ကန့်သတ်ချက်များ ရှိနေသည့်ကြားမှ ၂၀၂၁ ခုနှစ်တွင် IOM အနေဖြင့် ကျွမ်းကျင်မှု ဖွံ့ဖြိုးတိုးတက်စေရေး အစီအစဉ်များကို ဆက်လက်လုပ်ဆောင်ခဲ့ပြီး IOM ၏ မိတ်ဖက်အဖွဲ့အစည်းများနှင့်အတူ ပြည်တွင်း ရွှေ့ပြောင်းနေထိုင်သူနှင့် နေရပ်ပြန် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းလုပ်သား စုစုပေါင်း ၁၁၃၀ ဦးကို ကျွမ်းကျင်မှုနှင့် အသက်မွေးဝမ်းကျောင်းအခွင့်အလမ်းများ မြှင့်တင်နိုင်ရန် လျှပ်စစ်ဝါယာသွယ်တန်းခြင်းသင်တန်း၊ စက်ချုပ်သင်တန်း၊ အစားအစာနှင့် အဖျော်ယမကာ၊ အင်္ဂလိပ်စာ၊ ဂျပန်စာ စသည့် သင်တန်းများအပါအဝင် သင်တန်းအမျိုးမျိုးတို့ဖြင့် ပံ့ပိုးနိုင်ခဲ့ပါသည်။
ကျော်ကျော်သည် ထိုသင်တန်းများမှ အကျိုးခံစားရသူ တစ်ဦးဖြစ်ပါသည်။ ဖေဖော်ဝါရီလမှ စတင်ကာ ဖြစ်ပွါးခဲ့သည့် အကျပ်အတည်းကြောင့် ကျော်ကျော်သည် လျှပ်စစ်ပညာရှင်အဖြစ် ဆက်လက်ရပ်တည်ရန် ခက်ခဲခဲ့ပြီးနောက်တွင် မော်တော်ဆိုင်ကယ်ပြုပြင်ခြင်း သင်တန်းကို တက်ရောက်ခဲ့ပါသည်။ "ဒီသင်တန်းက ကျွန်တော့်အတွက် အရမ်းအထောက်အကူဖြစ်ခဲ့ပါတယ်။ ကျွန်တော်အရင်က ဆိုင်ကယ်မပြင်တတ်ခဲ့ပေမဲ့ အခုတော့ လိုအပ်တဲ့ ကျွန်းကျင်မှုလည်း ရှိလာတော့ ရွာမှာ တခြားသူတွေကိုလည်း ပြန်သင်ပေးတယ်။ အဲ့တော့ ဝင်ငွေလည်း ရလာတာပေါ့"
IOM နှင့်တကွ ချင်းပြည်နည်၊ ရှမ်းပြည်နည်၊ မွန်ပြည်နည်၊ ကရင်ပြည်နည်၊ မန္တလေးတိုင်း၊ မကွေးတိုင်းနှင့် တနင်္သာရီတိုင်းတို့တွင်ရှိသော မိတ်ဖက်အဖွဲ့အစည်းများ ပူးပေါင်းကာ ကျွမ်းကျင်မှုတိုးတက်ရေးသင်တန်းများ ပြီးစီးထားသော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများကို အသေးစား စီးပွားရေးလုပ်ငန်းလုပ်ကိုင်ပုံသင်တန်းကိုလည်း ယခုအခါ ပြုလုပ်ပေးလျက်ရှိပါသည်။ ယခုအခါ ထိုအသေးစား စီးပွါးရေးလုပ်ငန်းလုပ်ကိုင်ပုံ သင်တန်းမှ ၆၁၆ ယောက်သော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူတို့သည် သင်တန်းကို အောင်မြင်စွာ ပြီးဆုံးသွားပြီဖြစ်၍ အသေးစားစီးပွါရေးလုပ်ငန်းများကို စတင်အကောင်အထည်ဖော် လုပ်ဆောင်နေပြီလည်း ဖြစ်ပါသည်။
အခက်အခဲများ ရှိနေသည့်ကြားမှ ကျော်ကျော်ကဲ့သို့သော ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူများသည် ၎င်းတို့၏ မျှော်မှန်းချက်များကို ဆက်လက် ထားရှိနိုင်ခဲ့ကြပါသည်။
"ကျွန်တော့်ရဲ့ ရည်မှန်းချက်ကတော့ ကိုယ်ပိုင် ဆိုင်ကယ်ပြင်ဆိုင်လေး ဖွင့်နိုင်ဖို့ပါပဲ။ အခုအခြေအနေတွေအားလုံးပြီးသွားတဲ့အခါ ကျွန်တော်သင်ယူတတ်မြောက်ထားတဲ့ကျွမ်းကျင်မှုနဲ့ တခြားနေရာတွေကို ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်ပြီးတော့ ဒီဆိုင်ကယ်ပြုပြင်တဲ့ အလုပ်ကို လုပ်ဖို့ ရည်ရွယ်ထားပါတယ်။"
IOM နှင့် ၎င်း၏ မိတ်ဆက်အဖွဲ့အစည်းများအနေဖြင့် ရွှေ့ပြောင်းသွားလာနေထိုင်သူ လူထုအားလုံးနှင့် ၎င်းတို့၏ရပ်ရွာလူထုများကို တစိုက်မတ်မတ် ကူညီပံ့ပိုးလျက်ရှိပြီး ဆက်လက်၍လည်း လိုအပ်လျက်ရှိသော အကူညီများ မြန်မာနိုင်ငံတစ်ဝှမ်း အနှံ့အပြားရောက်ရှိနိုင်ရန် အစွမ်းကုန် ဆက်လက်ကြိုးပမ်းသွားမည် ဖြစ်ပါသည်။
* အမည်လွှဲကို အသုံးပြုထားပါသည်။
မြန်မာနိုင်ငံအတွင်း IOM ၏ အရေးပါသော လုပ်ဆောင်ချက်များသည် United States Agency for International Development (USAID)၊ the Government of Japan၊ the European Union၊ Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC)၊ the Global Fund နှင့် the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) တို့၏ ရက်ရောသော ပံ့ပိုးမှုတို့ကြောင့် ဆောင်ရွက်နိုင်ခဲ့ခြင်းဖြစ်ပါသည်။..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations Myanmar
Date of publication:
2021-10-01
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
IOM Burma/Myanmar, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Humanitarian assistance - emergencies
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Description:
"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments from 24 August to 30 September, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group, UNHCR and WFP. The next update will be issued towards the end of October 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS
The humanitarian situation in several townships in Sagaing and Magway regions is deteriorating with an estimated 63,000 people temporarily displaced in Sagaing between 4 and 13 September and more than 12,000 currently displaced in Magway, according to local partners.
In Chin State, clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and local People’s Defense Force (PDF) escalated, particularly around Thantlang. As of 13 September, close to 12,000 people remain displaced in several townships and neighbouring regions.
The security situation in south-eastern Myanmar continued to deteriorate throughout September, particularly in Kayah State and the bordering townships of southern Shan. An estimated 142,000 people remain displaced, mostly in Kayah State, due to clashes and insecurity since 1 February.
Despite access, security and other operational constraints, WFP and partners have started to overcome challenges in food and cash distributions in conflict-affected areas and elsewhere.
An estimated 34,000 people have fled across Shan State since the beginning of 2021; close to 13,380 remain displaced.
Across the country, access to vulnerable people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and protection services remains significantly restricted due to escalating armed clashes, overall insecurity and COVID-related restrictions.
As of 27 September, less than half of the US$276.5 million requested under the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), and only 15 per cent of the US$109 million requested under the Interim Emergency Response Plan have been funded, according to the FTS.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
DIRE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION AND DISPLACEMENT IN SAGAING AND MAGWAY: The humanitarian situation in Sagaing and Magway regions of central Myanmar remains dire, with armed clashes reported between the MAF and local PDFs with security incidents recorded in several townships since early April. On 16 September, airstrikes were reported for the first time in Sagaing, targeting local PDFs in Chaung-U Township and resulting in civilian deaths. The ongoing hostilities have caused thousands of people to flee their homes and destruction of property. Houses have been burnt in both regions. It remains difficult to determine the full humanitarian impact, including the exact number of people cumulatively displaced, the number of civilian casualties and the damage to civilian property because humanitarian partners have not been granted access to the regions with travel authorizations pending.
In Sagaing Region, the conflict has affected about 18 townships. The most affected areas include Kani, Myaung, Tabayin, Shwebo and Yinmarbin. According to partners, an estimated 63,600 people were displaced from many villages in 11 townships in September. Some 45,000 of this group were temporarily displaced from 8 townships between 4 and 13 September and about 18,600 people in 3 townships were temporarily displaced between 7 and 10 September. In Magway Region, armed clashes and security incidents have reportedly affected several townships, mostly in Gangaw, Myaing, Pauk and Saw. More than 12,000 people fled to nearby safer villages and into the forest, according to local sources. About half of them are newly displaced from four villages in Gangaw and from one village in Saw township due to clashes in early September. Around 4,900 remain displaced in Saw and another 1,100 remain displaced in Pauk townships since mid-May and mid-June respectively, having fled from neighbouring Chin State due to MAF-PDF clashes.
Since 15-25 September, 10 townships in Sagaing and 4 townships in Magway have experienced blackouts of mobile internet and Wi-Fi services. In addition, three Sagaing townships – Kawlin, Pinlebu and Wuntho – have also been experiencing loss of mobile telecommunications since 25 September. There have been further reports of Mytel Telecom towers across Sagaing Region and other areas being destroyed. The internet blackout across those townships has deprived affected populations of access to timely information, access to mobile banking and remote health care, as well as communication channels for online learning being used while schools have been closed..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-10-01
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
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"Since the military takeover on 1 February, insecurity and armed clashes continue to be reported across much of the country. Disruptions to banking services, communications, healthcare, and supply chains ensue, while armed conflict in the north and the South-East between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and/or People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) have resulted in civilian casualties and the displacement of thousands of people.
Natural hazards, such as flooding, has further exacerbated the vulnerability of communities.
Throughout the reporting period, UNHCR and partners continued providing critical life-saving humanitarian assistance, while following the development of the situation closely to understand the full impact on people of concern (PoCs), including IDPs, stateless populations and host communities. Early warning systems, initiated by UNHCR and partners, are employed to detect changes on the ground which could impact on operations and PoCs with the view to inform timely mitigating measures and responses.
The ongoing COVID-19 health crisis continues to pose additional challenges to already strained or disrupted health services, particularly with the surge in cases mid-year, which plunged the country into its most severe wave of infections to date. While integrating COVID-19 prevention and response into regular programming, UNHCR takes proactive measures to adapt in an agile manner to the evolving context to minimize risks to PoCs and to devise ways in which to continue interventions that support them..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2021-10-01
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general
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"Highlights
Overall, prices of key commodities were mostly stable when compared to June 2021 (rice +1%, cooking oil +2%, mixed oil +4%), with the notable exception of egg prices that increased dramatically in July (+26%), and a smaller but steady increase in the price of chickpeas (+5%).
However, the overall stability masks variations at lower levels, with some areas experiencing higher price increases across a range of commodities due mostly to the surge in COVID-19 cases and ensuing mitigation measures (travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, shop closures) that caused disruption in transportation and supply chains.
For eggs, the steep increase was due mostly to a surge in demand amidst rumors that eggs boost the immune system against COVID19, while for chickpeas, the price increase is due to low production this year and strong local demand. Prices for both commodities are also affected by transportation challenges and the increasing cost of transport.
For oil at area and state levels, disparities in price variation compared to last month can be seen, with higher increases recorded for mixed oil in Chin (+10%) and Magway (+7%) and for cooking oil in Magway (+9%) and Yangon (+5%). These increases were related to transport challenges mentioned above.
In Kayin, the prices of cooking oil, mixed oil, and chickpeas increased much more than elsewhere (+23%, +9%, +22% respectively) due to inaccessibility from COVID-19 travel restrictions, shop closures, compounded by extensive flooding in the second half of July.
16% of traders said they were experiencing scarcity in stock this month, a sharp increase from 5% last month. In addition, 19% said that if they ordered now, they did not think they could receive the goods within a week, with nearly half of them saying it would take 3-4 weeks. This is up from 8% last month..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-07-31
Date of entry/update:
2021-09-08
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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Description:
"On 1st February 2021, the Myanmar military took power in a coup, announced a state of emergency, and formed the State Administrative Council (SAC) to rule the country instead of the elected parliament. The coup was justified under claims of electoral fraud, which were comprehensively rebuked by independent observers. The coup was widely condemned and millions of protestors took to the streets in protest participating in a Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). The military response to these protests was increasingly violent, with over 5,500 people arrested and more than 900 people killed since 1st February.
With the brutal backlash against the Civil Disobedience Movement in the urban areas, thousands of people sought shelter in the ethnic controlled areas. The National Unity Government (NUG) established by elected MPs and civil society leaders took steps to abolish the 2008 Constitution and to create a space for genuine Federal Democracy.
SAC interventions in the Central Bank of Myanmar and restrictions on internet access caused massive disruptions in the financial sector. The lack of cash liquidity constrained the operations of aid agencies alongside all other sectors with premiums increasing to at least 10% in informal money markets. The World Bank and UNDP have projected that the proportion of people living in poverty could double to almost half of the nation’s population by the beginning of 2022. This would reverse the gains made since 2005.
Indiscriminate artillery attacks against civilians in northern Karen and Kayah States have been the primary cause of displacement for 170,000 people. School buildings, health clinics and churches are amongst the community buildings that have been damaged by heavy artillery attacks. Patterns of systematic violence and abuse reflect the “four cuts” counter-insurgency strategies that have targeted civilians for decades to undermine the access of EAOs to food, recruits, intelligence and resources. These military offensives have disrupted access to fields just as upland farmers should be preparing hillside plots for the wet season rice crops, so food security for the coming year will be adversely affected.
More than 8,000 people crossed into Thailand, to be detained at the border by the Royal Thai Army and then sent back to Myanmar after the Thai army considered it safe, only to cross again when the airstrikes resumed but once again were returned back to Myanmar within days.
COVID -19 has surged in Myanmar with over 150,000 cases confirmed and 3,300 deaths exacerbated by the near collapse of the health system, targeting of health personnel, seizure of life saving equipment by the military and a slow roll out of vaccinations, hampered by mistrust of the military regime. By June only 3% of the country was fully vaccinated..."
Source/publisher:
The Border Consortium (Thailand) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-09-06
Date of entry/update:
2021-09-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
TBC, TBBC, : Annual reports and 6-monthly Programme Reports, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état, Anti-coup protesters, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
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"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments from 28 July to 23 August, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group, UNHCR and WHO. The next update will be issued towards the end of September 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS
• At least 125,000 people have been affected by monsoon floods since 21 July across various regions and states, according to local partners.
• Thousands of people have been displaced following armed clashes between the “People’s Defense Forces” (“PDF”) and Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) in Sagaing Region, according to local partners.
• In Chin State, clashes between the MAF and “PDF” continue in and around Mindat Township.
As of 17 August, close to 16,700 people remain displaced in several townships in the area.
• In the south-eastern parts of the country, an estimated 141,200 people remain displaced, mostly in Kayah and Kayin states, due to clashes and insecurity since 1 February.
• Food insecurity is becoming an evolving concern, with reports of food shortage in displacement sites and communities in northern Shan and Rakhine states.
• In Shan State, population movement remains fluid, with new displacements and returns reported on a regular basis. More than 26,300 people have been displaced across the state since the beginning of 2021; about 6,400 of them remain displaced to date.
• Regular humanitarian programmes and COVID-19 related response continue across various parts of the country, despite access challenges and insecurity.
• As of 27 August, 45 per cent of the US$276.5 million requested under the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), and over 10 per cent of the US$109 million requested under the Interim Emergency Response Plan have been funded, according to the FTS.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
OVER 125,000 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY MONSOON FLOODS: Monsoon floods have been reported across the country since 21 July in a number of states and regions as torrential rains resulted in river overflows. As of midAugust, an estimated 125,000 people have been affected by flooding, mainly in Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and eastern areas of Shan states as well as in Mandalay and Tanintharyi regions, according to local partners. There have also been reports of civilian deaths and injury, as well as damage and destruction to houses and other civilian property.
In Kachin State, flash floods and a landslide on 12 August reportedly destroyed at least 15 shelters in Maga Yang camp in Waingmaw Township, which hosts about 1,600 internally displaced people (IDP); one civilian was reportedly killed during the floods. Similarly, several townships in eastern areas of Shan State experienced flash floods and landslides between 11 and 18 August. A local community, three temporary displacement sites and a relocation site in Muse Township, which hosts around 350 displaced families have been affected. Similar incidents took place in Mogoke Township of Mandalay Region in the second week of August, with floods and landslides reportedly killing four persons, including a child, and washing away a number of houses. In Rakhine State, at least 10 villages in Toungup Township have been flooded due to heavy rains on 6 August, affecting some 1,300 houses, a hospital and paddy fields, according to local partners.
Heavy rains and floods have further aggravated an already extremely challenging situation in the south-eastern parts of the country. In Kayin State, at least five townships have been affected.
Another nine townships were affected by floods in Mon State, while in Tanintharyi Region, at least three townships have been affected.
Local humanitarian actors, volunteers and communities responded to the needs of affected families, including with organizing temporary shelter for those who had to be evacuated to safer areas. The floods have also damaged crops, and according to initial assessments, at least 2,000 acres of paddy fields in Kyainseikgyi Township in Kayin State have been impacted, with farmers facing difficulties with seeds and expenses to cover replanting of the paddy.
An additional 40,000 cultivated land has been affected across different states and regions, according to partners.
NEW DISPLACEMENT IN SAGAING REGION: An unconfirmed number of people, reported to be in thousands, have been displaced across at least six townships in Sagaing Region due to clashes between the MAF and the “PDF” and insecurity in recent weeks, according to various sources. The exact number of people displaced, and their current host locations is still difficult to verify due to access challenges, fluidity and the complex nature of the situation. According to initial information, many IDPs are hiding in nearby forests. There had been limited presence of humanitarian personnel in Sagaing Region prior to this worsening situation in the area. Humanitarian partners are making efforts to scale up coordination to assess needs and provide the necessary support to the newly displaced.
VOLATILE SITUATION IN THE SOUTH-EAST: The security situation in south-eastern Myanmar remains volatile, particularly across Kayah and Kayin as well as southern areas of neighbouring Shan State. Sporadic clashes between the MAF and the “Karenni Nationalities Defense Force” (“KNDF”), “PDFs” and “Karen National Liberation Army” (“KNLA”) continue to be reported. In Kayah State, hostilities between the MAF and the “KNDF” have increased up since 3 August in Bawlake, Demoso, Hpasawng, Hpruso and Loikaw townships. In the southern areas of Shan State, clashes between the alliance of “KNDF” with local “PDFs” and the combined forces of the MAF with the “Pa-O National Army” have also been reported in Pekon and Pinlaung townships. In Kayin State, armed clashes, including artillery fire, have been reported between the “KNLA” and the alliance of the MAF with the Border Guard Force (BGF) in Hpapun Township since 1 August. Sporadic small-scale clashes between the MAF and the “KNLA” and “PDFs” have also been reported in Mon State, eastern Bago and Tanintharyi regions.
As of 23 August, UNHCR estimates that 141,200 people remained internally displaced across south-eastern Myanmar as a result of armed clashes and insecurity; this includes 75,300 in Kayah, 17,700 in southern Shan State (South- Pekon and Hsihseng townships), 47,100 in Kayin and 1,100 in Mon states. Population movement in affected areas remains fluid; initial reports indicated at least 4,000 people were newly displaced in Kayah State during the reporting period. Despite intermittent fighting, returns have been observed in Kayah State and Shan State (South) in recent weeks as IDPs did not have access to healthcare in the displacement areas and some of them needed to tend to farming in their areas of origin. Many IDPs were previously sheltered by host families and living in difficult, crowded and make-shift conditions with limited resources. Renewed or recurrent displacements from areas of return can be expected should the security situation deteriorate.
The majority of displaced populations and those otherwise affected by hostilities remain in need food, health care, shelter, WASH and protection services, despite the efforts of operational partners and local communities. UNHCR and partners, for example, have been able to distribute non-food items to around 10,000 individuals in Kayin State and Bago Region since 1 February. Mounting a comprehensive response, however, has been a challenge since the escalation of clashes due to access restrictions, caused by active conflicts, poor road conditions (including as a result of monsoon floods), COVID-19-related travel restrictions and bureaucratic impediments.
CONTINUED VIOLENCE IN AND AROUND MINDAT: The security situation in Chin State remains volatile with renewed and intense fighting reported between the MAF and “PDF” in Falam, Hakha, Matupi, Mindat and Thantlang townships. In Mindat Township, indiscriminate artillery shelling has been reported, which forced an unconfirmed number of people from Shet and Muitui villages as well as surrounding areas to flee to safer locations. The exact locations of people newly displaced and their humanitarian needs could not be identified due to access and communications challenges. As of 17 August, close to 16,700 people remained displaced in several townships in and around Chin State. Despite the volatile security situation, there have also been reports of small-scale returns among the displaced population, with some 2,170 people having returned to Thantlang during the reporting period.
Humanitarian assistance to people who remain displaced and those otherwise affected remains hindered. Food and non-food assistance have been distributed to the IDPs in urban Mindat in recent weeks; however, significant needs still remain, especially in the rural areas of Mindat and other townships in Chin State. This displacement is in addition to some 9,850 people who remain displaced across 27 sites in Paletwa Township in Chin State due to the earlier conflict between the MAF and the “Arakan Army” (“AA”).
FOOD SHORTAGE IN SHAN AND RAKHINE: Food insecurity is becoming an evolving humanitarian concern, with reports of food shortage in displacement sites and communities in northern Shan and Rakhine states. In Kutkai Township in northern Shan, urgent food needs have been reported in five relocation/resettlement sites in Mine Yu Lay Village, which hosts more than 1,000 IDPs since 2013. Similar food needs have been reported in other relocation sites across northern Shan, including Hseni and Kutkai and among local communities in Manton townships, since early August.
In Rakhine State, 900 IDPs in Kan Htaung Gyi displacement site in Myebon Township have been facing food shortage since June. Humanitarian partners reported being unable to deliver food assistance to the site due to access challenges and difficulties withdrawing cash. Food distributions in other displacement sites have also been delayed since July. Shortage of food has also been reported among some 200 IDPs in Bodawmaw Monastery displacement site in Sittwe Township, as well as at the Nyaung Chaung displacement site in Kyauktaw Township.
Despite these challenges, 1.2 million vulnerable people across various parts of Myanmar received food, cash and nutrition assistance since the beginning of 2021.
FLUID POPULATION MOVEMENT IN SHAN STATE: An estimated 4,000 people have reportedly been newly displaced in four townships in the southern and northern areas of Shan State during the reporting period due to armed clashes between the MAF and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and among EAOs. In Kyaukme Township in northern areas of Shan State, close to 2,000 people from eight village tracts had fled from their home due to clashes between the “Restoration Council of Shan State” and the alliance of the “Shan State Progress Party” with the “Ta’ang National Liberation Army”; a further 170 people in Man Yang Village Tract in Muse Township were displaced due to clashes between the MAF and the “Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army”. There have also been displacements in Kyethi and Mongkaing townships in southern areas of Shan State.
Meanwhile, IDP returns in areas where the security situation improved continue to be reported. For example, in Kyethi Township, close to 4,200 IDPs were able to return to their villages of origin during the reporting period. There were small-scale returns in other townships during the reporting period. Since the beginning of 2021, about 20,000 people have managed to return out of more than 26,300 persons who have been internally displaced across 15 townships in Shan State..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-08-27
Date of entry/update:
2021-08-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
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"Highlights
• To date in 2021, 1.25 million people in Myanmar have received WFP food, cash and nutrition assistance across urban and rural areas.
• Since May, WFP has supported over 800,000 vulnerable people in its large-scale urban food response in Yangon peri-urban areas.
• Significant funding shortfalls may hamper WFP’s ability to sustain ongoing life-saving operations while scaling up to support up to 3.3 million food -insecure people in Myanmar.
Situation Update
The situation in Myanmar remains complex and volatile: The triple impact of poverty, ongoing political unrest and economic crisis, compounded by a rapidly spreading third wave of COVID-19 transmissions since June, have exacerbated food insecurity in Myanmar. Lockdown measures and the spread of COVID-19 cases among WFP’s staff, partners and contractors, as well as in internally displaced people (IDP) camps, further constrain WFP’s ability to respond to life-saving needs. Heavy floods, particularly in the southeast and Rakhine State, in late July have further complicated humanitarian efforts.
Conflict-driven displacements hit a new high:
As of 9 August, UNHCR estimates that at least 191,100 people remain internally displaced across Myanmar since the military takeover. The humanitarian situation for many IDPs, in urgent need of food and other support, remains dire during the monsoon season. However, access remains largely limited due to security reasons and bureaucratic requirements.
The economic outlook is bleak: The World Bank estimates an 18 percent contraction in Myanmar’s economy in the 2021 fiscal year. In 2022, the poverty rate is likely to more than double compared to preCOVID levels in 2019, and up to 1 million more jobs could be lost.
The vulnerable bear the brunt of price volatility:
WFP’s latest market monitoring in June showed a continued increase in the price of fuel (48 percent), cooking oil (37 percent), and rice (13 percent) compared to pre-1 February. Overall, the cost of a basic food basket has increased by 16 percent . These are likely to have significantly worsened the precarious situation faced by many poor and food-insecure households..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (Rome)
Date of publication:
2021-08-13
Date of entry/update:
2021-08-14
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
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"Rakhine State is one of the poorest states in Myanmar, with over 40 percent of its households food insecure, more than half of whom are moderately or severely food insecure. The most vulnerable communities are unable to access sufficient food or a source of livelihood. Violent clashes over the past year have increased in regularity and intensity, the geographical scope has expanded and the civilian toll has grown. This conflict combined with the health-related COVID-19 restriction measures have severely reduced access to food and livelihoods, and has reduced vulnerable households' purchasing power. Insecurity, displacement and disruption of agricultural production has led to an increase in poverty levels, especially for smallholder and landless farmers.
Through the financial support of the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF), FAO is implementing a project entitled "Farming and livelihood support to 1 200 landless and most vulnerable farmers in Maungdaw and Buthiduang Townships, Rakhine State, Myanmar". The project's overall objective is to meet the urgent food security and livelihood needs of the most vulnerable conflict- and COVID-19-affected small-scale farmers and landless seasonal workers. The project aims to ensure continued food production and support livelihoods through the provision of multipurpose cash transfers and agricultural inputs. In addition, it aims to increase the capacity of beneficiaries to use the provided inputs effectively while enhancing the communities' knowledge of nutrition. Information on best hygiene practices were also shared to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The project has targeted extremely poor households with limited access to land and productive assets, as well as landless farmers, stateless households, and households headed by women or with malnourished children.
Through this project a total of 500 farming households (3 088 people) have already received** agricultural inputs** consisting of rice paddy seeds, vegetable seeds and fertilizers to enable them to continue their agricultural production and sustain their livelihoods during the 2021 monsoon season. These 500 households also received leaflets on Good Agricultural Practices, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, resilient crop production and improved hygiene practices. Additionally, they were provided with hygiene kits, including face masks and bars of soap, as well as information to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The information was shared using a social and behaviour change approach and was communicated through orientation sessions, posters and leaflets.
Beneficiary profiles
Daw Oo Than
Daw Oo Than, 38, lives with her family in Ywar Thar Yar Village, Maungdaw township and is one of the beneficiaries of the project. Her family includes her husband, U Aung San Nu, who is unemployed, their two sons and one daughter, who has disabilities and is deaf. The family owns a small plot of farmland, which is 1 acre in size.
Daw Oo Than said her family is fortunate to be included as a beneficiary of the project because they do not have any source of income, and it is challenging to acquire enough food to feed her entire family. She also shared that their economic situation worsened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as income earning opportunities became scarcer due to the restrictions of movement for people and goods.
Through this MHF-funded project, FAO provided Than's family with paddy seed, vegetable seed, compound fertilizer and hygiene items, including bars of soap and face masks. The family is so happy and thankful to MHF and FAO for this assistance. Without this support, Than's family would have faced difficulties, which may have forced them to resort to negative coping strategies, such as borrowing money at high interest rates. The family expects to harvest enough rice to feed themselves for at least four months and enough vegetables to last the whole monsoon season.
Ze Bu Raw Man
Ze Bu Raw Man, of Let Wai Dat Ywar Thit Village, Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar, also benefited from the MHF-funded project. He lives with his family of six, including his wife, three sons, one daughter and his father. The family owns a small plot of farmland 1 acre in size, but Ze Bu Raw Man stated that life is difficult for his family, and that it is hard to find income-generating opportunities to support his family’s the basic needs. His wife is not employed and the family has little money and relies on subsistence farming, provided that they manage to acquire agricultural inputs.
With the inputs provided by the project, Ze Bu Raw Man and his family are expected to harvest enough rice and vegetables to cover their own food needs for the next few months. Ze Bu Raw Man highlighted that if his family had not been supported by this FAO project, it would have been very difficult to obtain inputs to farm this year and that his family would have run out of food, which would have led them to engage in negative coping strategies, such as reducing the number of meals eaten per day..."
Source/publisher:
Food and Agriculture Organization (Rome) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-08-05
Date of entry/update:
2021-08-06
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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"FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
• Mixed start of 2021 monsoon season
• Rice exports in 2021 forecast to contract
• Persistent conflicts severely affect large numbers of people
Mixed start of 2021 monsoon season
Planting of the predominantly rainfed main season paddy crop, which accounts for more than 80 percent of the annual production, is nearing completion. Since its start in May, the monsoon season has been characterized by average to above‑average precipitation amounts in the northern and southern main producing areas, benefitting planting activities and germination of crops. By contrast, in central rice producing areas, including Magwe, Mandalay and Sagaing regions and Shan State, well below‑average rainfall amounts may have delayed planting operations and affected early crop development. Moisture deficits resulted in below‑average vegetation conditions in June, raising concerns regarding crop yields. Farmers are reportedly planting more drought‑resistant crops, such as oil seeds, in the areas affected by scarce precipitation. A further factor that has weighed on the production outlook this year is the political instability, which began on 1 February with the change of regime. The instability has caused disruptions to key supply chains and critical support services, including the banking system, and these impacts could curb production. The performance of the monsoon rains until the end of the season in October will be crucial for the final outcome.
Planting of the 2021 main maize crop started in June and is expected to finalize in August. Some delays have been reported in the central producing areas due to below‑average rainfall amounts. Strong demand by the domestic feed industry and export markets, including China (mainland) and Thailand, are expected to encourage farmers to maintain an area planted that is above the five‑year average.
Persistent conflicts severely affect large numbers of people
Following the military take-over on 1 February 2021, increased tension and unrest are affecting the country. The current uncertain political conditions may further compromise the fragile situation of the vulnerable households already affected by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions. Armed conflict between the military and non-State armed groups led to population displacements, disrupted agricultural activities and limited access for humanitarian support especially in Rakhine, Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Kayah and Shan states. According to the latest data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in June 2021, an estimated 177 500 people had been forced to flee their homes in southern parts of the country due to conflicts since February. Most of the internally displaced people are suffer high levels of food insecurity as the conflict is hampering the delivery of adequate humanitarian assistance and impending the restoration of local livelihoods. Income losses due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have already had a severe and adverse impact on the food security situation of the vulnerable households. In addition, the monsoon season, with recurrent heavy downpours or flooding, adds another layer of risk. Disclaimer: The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries..."
Source/publisher:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-08-03
Date of entry/update:
2021-08-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
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"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments from 24 June to 27 July, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR and WHO. The next update will be issued towards the end of August 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS
• An estimated 170,200 people remain displaced in south-eastern parts of Myanmar due to violence, armed clashes and insecurity since 1 February. This includes around 121,400 people displaced in Kayah State and neighboring townships of southern areas of Shan State following an escalation of clashes since 21 May.
• In Chin State, clashes continued in and around Mindat Township over the course of July and more than 18,100 persons remain internally displaced in over 100 sites in Chin State and in neighboring Magway and Sagaing regions.
• In Shan State, population movement remains fluid, with new displacements and small-scale returns recorded during the reporting period. A total of 22,000 people have been displaced across north and southern parts of Shan State since the beginning of 2021; about 7,000 of them remain displaced across 33 temporary sites.
• Continuous rains resulted in floods affecting several townships across Rakhine State and parts of south-eastern Myanmar. A number of fatalities have been reported and several thousand people were affected or displaced, according to initial reports.
• An Interim Emergency Response Plan has been developed and seeks US$109 million to reach an additional 2 million people with prioritized emergency humanitarian response activities beyond the scope of the 2021.
• More funds have been secured for humanitarian response in Myanmar and as of 29 July, 42 per cent of the US$276.5 million requested under the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) has been funded, according to the FTS. However, strengthened donor support is necessary to address the over 50 per cent funding gap.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
3 MILLION PEOPLE NEED HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN MYANMAR: About 3 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection services across various parts of Myanmar. This includes about 1 million people living in conflict-affected areas in Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, northern Shan and Rakhine identified at the start of 2021 in the HRP. An additional 2 million people are targeted for humanitarian assistance and protection services, as part of the recently developed Interim Emergency Response Plan. The Plan mainly focuses on people in urban and peri-urban areas in Yangon and Mandalay, as well as those displaced or otherwise affected in Chin and Kayin states since 1 February.
The Plan will ensure a coordinated approach to respond to people’s food and nutrition needs, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, shelter, health and a wide range of protection services, such as Child Protection and prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The Plan will integrate COVID-19 related prevention and response in its programming.
The Interim Emergency Response Plan aims to complement the existing HRP and ensures an operational planning framework for humanitarian partners to coordinate response. The Plan identifies an additional US$109 million in emergency humanitarian programming to be implemented until the end of 2021. These requirements are in addition to the $276.5 million requested through the 2021 HRP. As of 30 July, US$7.8 million has been received against the total requirements under the Interim Plan, which represents 7 per cent of funding.
FLUID POPULATION MOVEMENT IN THE SOUTHEAST: The security situation in south-eastern Myanmar remains tense, with sporadic clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) or the “People’s Defense Forces” (“PDFs”) reported in Kayah, Kayin and Mon states and eastern Bago and Tanintharyi regions. In Kayah State, about 5,000 people from 11 villages in Loilen Lay Town in eastern part of Loikaw Township have been displaced on 12 July, following clashes between the MAF and the “Karenni Nationalities Defense Force”, a coalition of the “Karenni Army” and the “PDFs”.
UNHCR estimates that about 170,200 persons have been internally displaced since 1 February in south-eastern Myanmar. This includes some 121,400 displaced in Kayah and southern areas of Shan states (Hsihseng and Pekon townships), about 47,700 in Kayin State, including 7,000 people who had returned after having fled to Thailand between April and May but who remain internally displaced, and a further 1,100 in Mon State. According to public sources, 69 civilians have been killed, about 160 houses and 8 churches destroyed in Kayah and southern areas of Shan states due to the hostilities that have erupted in May. Details of these incidents could not be verified due to access challenges and security concerns.
The humanitarian situation in the area remains dire, as the majority of displaced populations, who are unable to return due to ongoing hostilities, continue to experience significant challenges in accessing basic needs due to various constraints, including limited humanitarian access.
Humanitarian partners continue to make efforts to provide food, non-food-items, medical assistance and shelter materials as well as protection services to the newly displaced and otherwise vulnerable populations. In tandem with increasing needs, humanitarian organizations, are mobilizing funds and finalizing a contingency plan to respond to the emerging situation in the area. Critical needs for food, medicines and shelter have been reported, while a wide range of protection services and other humanitarian needs of affected communities – especially children, women and elderly persons – remain to be fully addressed.
OVER 18,000 PEOPLE REMAIN DISPLACED IN CHIN STATE: The security situation in Chin State and neighbouring two regions remains unpredictable, as hostilities between the MAF and the “PDFs” picked up again in several townships. Intermittent clashes have been reported in Mindat in Chin State as well as in Saw in Magway and Kale and Tamu townships in Sagaing regions throughout July. Increased deployment of troops and continued road blockages and checkpoints have been reported in and around Mindat Township with the temporary ceasefire between the “Chinland Defense Force-Mindat” and the MAF not extended beyond 14 July. In Magway Region, several rounds of artillery were reported in Saw Township on 15 July. In Sagaing Region, clashes in several villages in Kale and Tamu townships in mid-July resulted in a reported number of civilian casualties.
As of 19 July, more than 18,100 persons remain internally displaced in over 100 displacement sites in Chin, Magway and Sagaing. Most of the displaced persons are in four townships in Chin State, where they have been displaced since mid-May. This displacement is in addition to some 9,850 people who remain displaced across 27 sites in Paletwa Township in Chin State due to the earlier conflict between the MAF and the “Arakan Army”.
Access to affected areas remains substantially constrained, although two partners were able to deliver essential assistance to the people in need in certain locations in Mindat Township, including food items for two weeks, medicines, surgical masks and hand sanitizers targeting about 2,000 people. A UN agency also distributed non-food items, including tarpaulins, mosquito nets, mats, blankets, kitchen sets, solar lamps and protective medical equipment in Mindat.
RECURRENT POPULATION MOVEMENT IN NORTH AND SOUTHERN SHAN: Armed clashes between the MAF and EAOs and among EAOs in north and southern areas of Shan State continued between late June and mid-July. On 30 June, some 860 persons from 11 villages in Kyaukme Township in northern Shan were displaced following a series of clashes between the “Restoration Council of Shan State” (RCSS) and the allied forces of the “Shan State Progress Party” (SSPP) and the “Ta’ang National Liberation Army”. In Muse Township, more than 400 people in Man Yang Village Tract fled their home on 6 July due to armed clashes between the MAF and the “Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army”; the displaced families were able to return only on 17 July. In Hsipaw Township, about 300 persons from two villages fled their home on 16 July due to clashes between the RCSS and the SSPP. In southern areas of Shan State, partners confirmed the displacement of over 2,900 persons in Kyethi and Mongkaing in mid-July.
As of 22 July, some 7,000, out of the 22,479 persons who have been displaced across 14 townships in Shan State, remain displaced across 33 temporary sites in Kyethi and Mongkaing townships in the south and in Hsipaw,
Kyaukme and Kunlong townships in northern parts of Shan State.
Humanitarian partners and local communities are complementing locally led responses to the newly displaced persons through the provision of food and non-food; however, displaced people remain in need of food, mosquito nets, blankets and COVID-19 prevention related support.
FLOODS AFFECT TOWNSHIPS IN RAKHINE STATE AND PARTS OF SOUTH-EAST: Continuous monsoon rains caused flooding in lowland areas in Rakhine State and certain parts of south-eastern Myanmar, including Kayin and Mon states and Tanintharyi Region.
Initial reports indicated that some 3,000 people have reportedly been affected, with 100 households evacuated from their homes in Hlaingbwe Township in Kayin State. In addition, more than 1,400 people in several wards in Myawaddy Town in Kayin State were evacuated to 10 relief camps on 26 July and received rice assistance from local communities and structures. Additional people, whose exact number could not be ascertained, have also been affected in several townships in Mon State, including in Mawlamyine and Ye.
In Rakhine, initial reports indicated that Kalar Chaung Monastery displacement site, hosting about 1,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Mrauk-U Township has been flooded on 25 July. This has affected approximately 24 out of 142 shelters within the displacement site. In Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships, over 600 households in several villages have been affected, while roads connecting communities have been blocked and power supply disrupted in Thandwe Township since 26 July; water levels on the roads have reached up to nine feet. Some 200 households in the township’s affected areas have been evacuated to safer locations by local volunteers; they are expected to return to their places of origin soon. In Kyaukpyu Township, Kyauk Ta Lone IDP camp, at least 27 families have had their temporary shelter damaged, and dozens of sanitation facilities damaged or destroyed due to the floods. The affected people are taking refuge in the higher sections of the camp, hosted by relatives.
Operational partners are currently collaborating with local aid groups and volunteers to better understand the situation and collect information on people’s needs. According to multiple sources, many people in affected locations and other areas where precipitation had been forecasted need support with evacuation. Those who have been evacuated or otherwise affected by floods require assistance in food, emergency shelter, health care and medical supplies, according to initial reports. Local volunteers have managed to evacuate the affected people and have provided initial assistance in terms of food and WASH as well as some COVID-19 awareness raising activities. The response, however, is likely to be impacted by access limitations, including those related to the current COVID-19 prevention measures.
COVID-19: Available figures suggest that COVID-19 testing is taking place in States and Regions from both the public and private sectors, with the variants Alpha, Delta, and Kappa identified across the country, according to a report from 15 June, but not the extent to which any single variant dominates infections.
Current figures show that the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases have rapidly accelerated, as has the demand for hospitalization. Because the data is limited, it is not possible to confirm how these figures reflect the real situation, but it indicates a rapidly increasing number of infections in the country. From 1-28 July, a total of 126,822 cases were reported from 382,125 tests with a test positive ratio of 33.18 per cent; daily test positive ratio is reaching 40 per cent. A total of 4,876 deaths attributed to COVID-19 were reported during the same period, with Bago, Yangon and Sagaing regions heavily affected.
A stay-at-home order have been imposed in over 80 townships across the country, and public holidays in July have been extended in an attempt to reduce the movement of people. This situation is unfolding in a context where access to health facilities is extremely limited. Partners are working to re-operationalize testing and surveillance activities, while COVID-19 treatment centres are being established with available resources and capacities. The full operationalizing of clinical management of cases is planned as soon as possible..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-07-30
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Right to Life: reports of violations in Burma, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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"• The recently launched addendum to the 2021 Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan: Interim Emergency Response Plan for new areas estimates that an additional 2 million people need humanitarian assistance since February 2021.
• Rainfalls across the country recorded since 25 July resulted in flooding and overflow of rivers, affecting several townships in Rakhine State and certain areas of south-eastern parts of the country • Amidst the COVID-19 third wave (with test positivity over 35 per cent and mortality at ~2 per cent) and operational challenges, UNICEF is working with partners and directly with private contractors to procure and deliver additional oxygen concentrators to central medical store depots for further distribution to hospitals as needed; as well as providing personal protective equipment and risk communication and community engagement messages.
• 500 portable hand-washing stations to reach 25,000 people have been distributed and installed in communal places, temporary learning spaces (TLS) and schools through the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) response.
• A total of 4,889 individuals, including 3,981 children (1,812 girls and 2,169 boys), have benefited from psychosocial support; this includes targeted responses to Hotline distress calls and individual psychotherapy sessions..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-07-30
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Public Health, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
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"The MIMU 3W gathers inputs from participating humanitarian and development agencies on Who is doing What,
Where, across Myanmar. It is normally conducted every 6 months and provides information on agencies’ activities at various levels (village/village tract/township and IDP camps). Given the changing situation, there has been a 9 month gap since the last 3W round documenting agencies activities as of August 28th 2020.
In total, 159 agencies participated in the May 2021 3W, providing information on their humanitarian, development and peace-focused activities across 22 sectors and 157 sub-sectors as defined by technical/sector working groups. 3W reporting tends to be more comprehensive for projects of INGOs, UN and Red Cross agencies, but there is underreporting of activities for local NGOs and CBOs, since not all are participating. 54 less agencies reported in this May 2021 round than in the last MIMU 3W in August 2020, possibly due to the pressures of the COVID pandemic and/or uncertainty re the situation for agencies’ activities countrywide. Note that agencies must report to a sufficiently detailed level (village or camp level) for their work to be reflected fully in the MIMU 3W products.
This Overview covers projects under implementation reported to the MIMU 3W as of May 31, 2021 in Bago (East),
Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Shan (East), Shan (South) and Tanintharyi. Further information on planned and recently completed projects is available from the 3W dataset, which can be requested by 3W Partners. Projects under implementation can also be viewed on our interactive dashboards - 3W Township Dashboard and 3W Village Tract Dashboard..."
Source/publisher:
Myanmar Information Management Unit via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-07-29
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
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"The MIMU 3W gathers inputs from participating humanitarian and development agencies on Who is doing What, Where, across Myanmar. It is normally conducted every 6 months and provides information on agencies’ activities at various levels (village/village tract/township, and IDPs camps). Given the changing situation, there has been a 9 month gap since the last 3W round documenting agencies activities as of August 28th 2020.
In total, 159 agencies participated in the May 2021 3W, providing information on their humanitarian and development activities across 22 sectors and 157 sub-sectors as defined by technical/sector working groups. 3W reporting is quite comprehensive for projects of INGO, UN and Red Cross agencies, but there is under-reporting of activities for local NGOs and CBOs, since not all are participating. This indicates 54 less agencies reporting than in the last MIMU 3W in August 2020, possibly due to the pressures of the COVID pandemic and/or uncertainty re the situation for agencies’ activities countrywide. Note that Agencies must report to a sufficiently detailed level (village or camp level) for their work to be reflected fully in the MIMU 3W products.
This Overview describes projects under implementation in Kachin as of May 31, 2021. Further information on planned and recently completed projects is available from the 3W dataset, which can be requested by 3W Partners. Projects under implementation can also be viewed on our interactive dashboards - 3W Township Dashboard and 3W Village Tract Dashboard..."
Source/publisher:
Myanmar Information Management Unit
Date of publication:
2021-07-22
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-23
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups.
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"MYANMAR:
Available figures on hospitalization and cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) indicate that the number of COVID-19 infections is rapidly increasing.
Between 12-18 July, a total of 32,023 cases were reported with a test positivity rate of 35.3 per cent. At least 233 deaths attributed to COVID-19 were reported during last week, with the regions of Bago, Yangon and Sagaing most heavily affected. Stay-at-home orders have been issued in over 70 townships across the country. Information on the capacity of the health system to cope with the increasing workload of severe and acute cases is limited, but available data from last year suggests that capacities will be surpassed soon if the current trend continues. As access to health facilities is extremely limited, the provision of critical health services and COVID-19 vaccination are urgent priorities. Partners are working on re-operationalizing testing and surveillance activities and establishing COVID-19 treatment centers within the constraints of available resources and capacities..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-07-21
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-21
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Individual Documents
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1.85 MB
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"The Interim Emergency Response Plan has been developed under the leadership of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) as an operational planning framework to enable prioritized emergency humanitarian response activities beyond the scope of the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) that was launched in January 2021. The operational plan builds on efforts to date to respond to humanitarian needs arising since 1 February 2021, which have drawn on contingency stocks or reorientation of planned development assistance. The Interim Plan focuses on 1) urban and peri-urban townships in Yangon and Mandalay which have seen dramatic increases in humanitarian needs due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing situation since 1 February; 2) scaling up of emergency response in Kayah State, Chin State, and other areas where clashes have driven large-scale displacement in previously stable areas; and 3) flexible inter-agency rapid response in other areas when new emergency needs related to violence, insecurity, and displacement are identified.
The operating environment across the country has become more challenging in a number of respects. In particular, the volatile security situation and communications and banking disruptions are complicating activities countrywide. Responding in areas with limited pre-existing humanitarian capacity, which are the primary focus of this plan, creates specific challenges and risks that partners are working to address. The Interim Plan, therefore, emphasizes the importance of a cautious and iterative approach, as efforts continue to define needs more clearly, improve information collection and to optimize response approaches. As always, humanitarian response activities will be guided by the internationally recognized principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity.
The Interim Plan emphasizes the importance of ensuring inclusive humanitarian response approaches tailored to the needs of particular groups, including women, girls, the elderly and persons with disabilities, who are being impacted by the current situation in different ways. It also highlights the centrality of protection and do-no-harm approaches as humanitarian operations extend into new areas.
The Interim Plan identifies $109 million in emergency humanitarian programming to be implemented until the end of 2021. These requirements are in addition to the $276.5 million requested through the 2021 HRP for ongoing humanitarian efforts in Kachin, northern Shan, Rakhine, southern Chin and Kayin states, and parts of eastern Bago Region. The HCT has emphasized that efforts to mobilize in new locations should not draw capacities or resources away from the conflict-affected settings targeted through the HRP and has noted that needs are growing in many of these locations. The HRP and the Interim Plan are therefore distinct but closely linked and will also be implemented in parallel with the development of complementary planning instruments providing, among other areas, for support for the continuity of Myanmar’s health system. If required, lifesaving activities in the areas covered by the Plan and other locations may need to be integrated into a more expansive 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan..."
Source/publisher:
Humanitarian Country Team in Myanmar and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-07-12
Date of entry/update:
2021-07-13
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Public Health, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations
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"Highlights:
The situation in the country remains volatile with ongoing reports of violence, restriction of movement, arrests and arbitrary detention.
Access to, and delivery of, humanitarian assistance is still heavily restricted, due in part to, challenges with renewals of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for implementing partners and obtaining travel authorization, coupled with massive disruptions to the banking system.
A reemergence of COVID-19 has occurred since early May, notably in Chin State and other areas. UNICEF has provided oxygen concentrators, with necessary supplies and parts, to district hospitals of Falam and Mindat, Hakha State hospital, Tonzaang Township Hospital and Cikha Station hospital, as well as district hospitals of Kale and Tamu.
Working with partners, UNICEF has also provided handwashing facilities and personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as promoted community health awareness raising through distribution of risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) material..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-28
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-29
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
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1.02 MB
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Description:
"• An estimated 177,500 people have been displaced in southeastern parts of Myanmar due to violence, armed clashes and insecurity since 1 February. This includes around 103,500 people displaced in Kayah State following an escalation of clashes since 21 May.
• In Chin State, clashes between the Chinland Defence Forces (CDF) and Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) continued across a number of townships until early June and more than 20,000 people are currently hosted in over 100 displacement sites in five townships in Chin State, one in Magway and another in Sagaing regions.
• In Kachin State, the displacement of 2,000 people has been verified in two townships. A total of 11,650 people have been internally displaced across Kachin since mid-March 2021; more than 10,200 of them remain displaced to date.
• Armed clashes were reported for the first time in Kyethi and Mongkaing townships in southern areas of Shan State in 2021, leading to the displacement of an estimated 1,660 people in June. Since the start of 2021, around 17,730 people have been internally displaced across 14 townships in north and southern parts of Shan State.
• The security situation across Rakhine remains relatively calm and despite a lull in hostilities since November 2020, thousands of displaced people who remain in camps and sites are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection services.
• The Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF) First Standard Allocation will disburse US$12.1 million ($1.8 million increase from the initial strategy) to enable partners to strengthen the response in line with the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The allocation will also target additional life-saving activities to address the emerging humanitarian needs in other areas. The HRP, which seeks US$276.5 million remains only 21 per cent funded..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-24
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Public Health, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups.
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"Price increases are now affecting a broader range of commodities when compared to reporting from last month – average prices are up for palm oil (+11%), mixed oil (+8%), rice (+3%), onions (+11%), tomatoes (+22%), and pulses (+5%) compared to last month.
The local rise in oil prices is linked to a broader global upward trend, exacerbated by import restrictions and rising transportation costs domestically.
In urban areas of Mandalay and Yangon, oil prices rose again, by 14% and 20% for mixed oil and cooking oil, respectively, in Mandalay, and by 14% for both mixed and cooking oil in Yangon.
Rice prices remained mostly stable (+1-2%) in both areas.
Compared to pre-crisis (January 2021), average prices of mixed oil and cooking oil have increased by 38% while rice has increased by 9% overall.
Compared to the same time last year (May 2020), the average price of mixed oil has increased by 52%, cooking oil by 47%, and rice by 18%.
Compared to last month, Sagaing has seen particularly steep increases across a range of commodities due to fuel price increases and disruption in transport, with average prices increasing +10% for rice, +16% for mixed oil, +27% for palm oil and onions respectively, +76% for tomato, and +3% for eggs, pulses and chickpeas respectively.
Between mid-May and mid-June, fuel prices largely stayed stable except in Dawei in the Southeast and in northern Rakhine (Buthidaung) where increases ranged from 6-13% depending on the fuel type. Compared to the first week of February, the average percent increase was 42% across all townships and fuel types..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-24
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Agricultural marketing, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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700.84 KB
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"This report shares the results of a joint analysis by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) on the agri-food system in Myanmar based on an assessment conducted from August to October 2020.
The analysis was part of a broader initiative to contribute to data collection and analysis linked to COVID-19, informing evidence-based programming in selected countries. Its objective was to assess the effects of COVID-19 on Myanmar’s agri-food system, which includes livestock and fishing, food supplies, livelihoods and the food security of rural people at the national level. Information is collected from primary sources of the production process: producer households, traders or marketers, inputs suppliers, extension officers and key informants. The first round of data collection has been completed, with Rounds II and III taking place in 2021.
This assessment covered 75 townships in eight states and regions: Mon, Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine, Sagaing, Shan and Yangon; data were collected between mid-August to mid-October 2020, complemented by a survey of input vendors.
This report was made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of FAO and WFP, and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government..."
Source/publisher:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Food Programme via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-23
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), WFP (World Food Programme), Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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744.58 KB (52 Pages)
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"In May, WFP progressively expanded its food assistance in urban centres, while maintaining its agility to respond to increasing population displacements.
Ongoing conflict, as well as severe socio-economic disruptions are exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition in Myanmar. WFP estimates that an additional 3.4 million people across Myanmar are at risk of food insecurity, particularly in urban centres.
In May, WFP assisted 766,700 people in Myanmar with 5,491 mt of food and US$ 2.3 million in cash-based transfers (CBT).
WFP has established a two-month contingency food stock for 500,000 people to quickly mobilize in-kind assistance when and where needed.
While the banking situation is gradually improving, WFP and partners are still facing considerable challenges in terms of timely cash withdrawals. This requires WFP to adjust quickly and explore alternative solutions to sustain its regular CBT programme and to pay its suppliers.
WFP continues to advocate for safe and unimpeded access to all populations in need but remains cut off from significant numbers of internally displaced people (IDP)..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (Rome)
Date of publication:
2021-06-21
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security and displacement in Burma
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1.59 MB
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"HIGHLIGHTS: Tens of thousands of people have been newly displaced within Myanmar in recent weeks, as fighting broke out between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and local defence groups, particularly in Kayah State, Shan State (south), Chin State and Magway Region. There are now an estimated 200,000 people who have been displaced within Myanmar since 1 February, a nearly 15% increase since two weeks ago. In southeast Myanmar, the security situation remains volatile, with intense armed clashes in Kayah State, Kayin State and eastern Bago Region, as the MAF clashed with both the Kayah People’s Defense Forces and Karen National Union. Among over 160,000 people displaced in or from the southeast since 1 February, some 97,000 are in Kayah State and 48,000 in Kayin State. Following an outbreak of conflict in an area of Kayin State, some 400 Myanmar nationals crossed into Thailand’s Tak Province in early June, but have since returned to Myanmar.
In Chin State, new fighting between the MAF and local defence groups has further increased displacement and spread into Magway Region, where an additional 5,000 people have recently been displaced. Violence has also continued in Kachin State, with more armed clashes between the MAF and the Kachin Independence Army, as well as instances of explosions and arson. As a result of the situation in Chin State, Indian state authorities have been reported in the media as estimating that the border states neighbouring Myanmar are currently sheltering around 15,000 new arrivals, although UNHCR is unable to verify precise figures..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-15
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-18
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., UN System humanitarian assistance, Human Rights and international relations
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7.6 MB
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"The United Nations in Myanmar is concerned about the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Kayah State and other areas in southeastern Myanmar.
Recent violence in Kayah State, including indiscriminate attacks by security forces against civilian areas, has led to the internal displacement of an estimated 100,000 men, women and children. Many of them are currently seeking safety in host communities and forests across Kayah and southern parts of neighboring Shan state. This crisis could push people across international borders seeking safety, as already seen in other parts of the country.
The United Nations reiterates its earlier calls for all parties to urgently take the necessary measures and precautions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly protected objects such as medical units and personnel, and to adhere to the fundamental principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and protection.
People fleeing and those remaining in locations affected by ongoing hostilities are in urgent need of food, water, shelter, fuel and access to healthcare. The United Nations and its partners have humanitarian supplies, including food, shelter materials and other basic relief items ready to be deployed to complement the local response, which has been immediate, but insufficient to address all needs, particularly for those persons in remote locations. Ongoing insecurity, travel restrictions imposed by security forces, and poor road conditions, however, are delaying the delivery of these supplies. The United Nations calls on the security forces to allow safe passage of humanitarian supplies and personnel and to facilitate the direct provision of relief assistance by the UN and its partners to all those in need in Kayah, as well as other states and regions across the country where there are urgent humanitarian needs.
The United Nations reiterates the Secretary General’s call for a global ceasefire made in March 2020 and to join forces to respond to the growing risk of another outbreak of COVID-19 and other humanitarian and health challenges..."
Source/publisher:
UN Country Team in Myanmar via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-08
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Human Rights and international relations, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., UN System humanitarian assistance, Food Security and displacement in Burma, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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269.12 KB 294.6 KB
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"HIGHLIGHTS: The civil unrest and conflict in Myanmar following 1 February has resulted in increased displacement and there are now an estimated half a million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country, including those displaced before 01 February. In the last two weeks, the estimated number of new IDPs has nearly tripled from 61,000 to 175,000, largely due to new armed clashes and a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Kayah State.
In Kayah State, located in eastern Myanmar, an estimated 100,000 people have now been displaced since 1 February, most of whom have been displaced since 20 May. The security situation also continues to be particularly tense across southeast Myanmar, with explosions and shelling reported in various locations and intensified clashes also observed in Kayin State and eastern Bago Region. Many of the 149,000 total IDPs in southeast Myanmar remain in hiding. In northern Myanmar, internal displacement has increased due to ongoing fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Kachin Independence Army, expanding across Kachin State, the northernmost state in Myanmar, and into northern Sagaing Region. In northern Shan State, armed conflict among ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and between EAOs and the MAF continued to displace people across a number of townships.
As a result of recent fighting in Kayah and Shan States, there have not yet been new reported movements from Myanmar toward Thailand. From earlier displacement from Myanmar, Mae Hong Son Province remains the most affected area in Thailand, though humanitarian actors have not yet formally been granted access. The group of over 1,700 arrivals from Myanmar reported on 13 May has now reduced to some 255, who are being accommodated in four temporary safety areas, managed by the Royal Thai Government. The remainder of the group has reportedly returned to Myanmar..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-03
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security and militarisation in Burma, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Human Rights and international relations
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"An estimated 151,000 people in southeastern parts of the country have been internally displaced by insecurity and armed conflict between various parties as of 31 May. In Kayah State, between 85,000 to 100,000 people are estimated to have been displaced by ongoing hostilities between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Karenni Army as well as the Karenni People's Defence Force. Fighting in the area continues to escalate with airstrikes and indiscriminate shelling reported. The majority of the displaced people are concentrated in Demoso, Hpruso and Loikaw townships in Kayah State as well as Hsiseng and Pekon townships in southern Shan State, according to UNHCR. The displacement in Kayah State is in addition to 51,200 people who had been displaced in the south-east, over 47,300 people in Kayin State, with a further 3,900 in parts of Mon State and eastern Bago Region, since 1 February due to insecurity and clashes between the MAF and the Karen National Liberation Army. The humanitarian impact of hostilities in the region remains severe, with people displaced and those who remain in areas affected across the south-eastern parts of the country in urgent need of food, shelter, medicine, water as well as sanitation services. Humanitarian access to people in need is constrained by insecurity, road blockages, landmine risks and lengthy or unclear approval processes. As needs grow, the capacities of local partners are increasingly stretched and require additional financial support. Despite the challenges, operational partners are responding to needs where possible. During the reporting period, a small number of families displaced across several townships in Kayah State, Kayin State, and eastern parts of Bago Region received shelter and emergency kits, hygiene assistance, and basic medical supplies. The partners will continue to explore all possible options to respond to the needs of people displaced and everyone affected..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-01
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-03
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
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1.9 MB
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Description:
"Highlights: In 2020, the situation in Myanmar was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The main focus of all UNICEF’s work was adapting programmes to COVID-19-safe engagement modalities and ensuring critical activities continued. UNICEF Myanmar rapidly repurposed its operations to support a massive coordinated national COVID-19 response, to ensure that children in Myanmar, including the most vulnerable, stayed healthy, able to access critical services, and supported by strengthened systems to mitigate the secondary impacts of the crisis.
As we prepare this annual report, the context in Myanmar has significantly changed as a result of the military takeover on 1 February 2021. However, it is worth noting the results achieved last year, and reflecting on how to continue our critical work for children..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-06-02
Date of entry/update:
2021-06-02
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Children, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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3.16 MB (38 pages)
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Description:
"Introduction: From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were concerns about what would happen in Myanmar, given its extremely weak health infrastructure, its long history of conflict and political instability, and its large impoverished and at-risk population. The low spread of the virus in Myanmar through the first half of 2020 however led some to believe that the Myanmar government was getting it right. The World Health Organisation’s country representative in Myanmar boasted in July 2020 that “Myanmar has done extraordinarily well so far”. He cited Myanmar’s “whole-of-government” approach, adding: “So the country has really gone all out to strengthen the public health side and preparedness and response, which has been critically important to try and make sure we have as few cases as possible in Myanmar.”
Although the Myanmar government’s COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan (entitled “Overcoming as One”) made claims about being a coordinated action “leaving no-one behind”, many of the positive actions of the government have not reached the entire population. Aid and support have remained insufficient in most rural areas, like that of Southeast Myanmar, which is largely populated by ethnic minorities who are already vulnerable due to protracted and on-going conflict, displacement, and ethnic oppression by the central government. Thus Myanmar’s “success” should and can only be gauged through a closer look at COVID-19 response and impact in rural ethnic areas.
Very early on in the pandemic, despite the relatively slow spread of the virus, political fractures and infrastructure weaknesses due to Myanmar’s long and on-going history of conflict could be seen not simply in the government’s response, but that of other stakeholders, like Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), locally based civil society organisations, and NGO/INGOs. In a brief report on the situation in Southeast Myanmar during the first wave of the pandemic, KHRG noted the poor coordination and collaboration between stakeholders and the delayed and uneven response to the crisis. KHRG argued that “the lack of coordination between political stakeholders has meant that villagers and local leaders have struggled to obtain information and consistent training and regulations, and has left too much of the responsibility of figuring out what to do in the hands of those who lack information and resources to effectively organise awareness and prevention”. Not only did this poor coordination result in the forced removal of screening checkpoints by the Tatmadaw, KHRG also found the rise of conflict and tension between villages, increasingly critical challenges to livelihood, as well as the breakdown of local systems of mutual aid.
Given the early indications that COVID-19 response and support were failing in some of the most vulnerable areas in Southeast Myanmar, KHRG continued to monitor the situation to more fully assess the structural weaknesses and barriers that might lead to crisis as the pandemic entered a second wave of outbreaks beginning in August 2020. Increased threats of infection in rural areas did in some cases lead to new efforts at awareness and prevention, but in general sparked heightened restrictions by both the Myanmar government and the Karen National Union (KNU). Thus rather than working to increase individual knowledge and responsibility on the part of villagers, most measures ended up being in the form of broad restrictions like travel bans and school closures that have had significant negative impact on villagers’ lives. These restrictions also seemed to be matched by a reduction in the range of stakeholders providing services and aid. Although the government has provided small amounts of financial and material assistance to households in need, villagers living in KNU-controlled and some mixed control areas have been excluded, leaving local authorities and CSO/CBOs to figure out solutions to support these communities.
Most rural areas in Southeast Myanmar have not (yet) experienced widespread local transmission of the virus, and thus impacts have been more clearly tied to restrictions and prevention measures as opposed to the full-on health crisis seen elsewhere. But because of the already extremely vulnerable situation of many rural communities, the livelihood impacts are themselves at risk of creating a humanitarian crisis. The poor handling thus far of information and prevention, as well as of testing and treatment, may also have wider implications if outbreaks start occurring in the more remote areas.
On February 1st 2021, the Myanmar military seized power by staging a coup against the newly elected government. Although this report focuses on the situation prior to the coup, the infrastructure and services (albeit insufficient) that the central government, EAOs and other stakeholders have put in place over the past year are in the process of being dismantled. Public healthcare services in some areas have come to a halt, and there have been major disruptions to communication, transportation, supply chains, and banking services. COVID-19 testing has been largely reduced, with little reporting now taking place. Any plans for widespread vaccination seem to have been entirely interrupted.
If rural areas of Southeast Myanmar have not yet faced widespread problems of infection, all of this is likely to change. As local doctors have pointed out: “Since the military takeover, the COVID-19 response has stalled. Mass public rallies and protests are both serving a critical function for resistance and unity, but also as likely superspreader events for virus transmission. Without adequate testing, public compliance and goodwill for isolation, access to acute clinical care, and continued immunisations, the implications for COVID-19 spread, morbidity, and mortality are substantial.” Thus, there is need more than ever to find solutions to bring support and aid to rural villagers, whose situation has already deteriorated and become more precarious over the past year. With the military now in control, there is even less likelihood that support and services will reach rural ethnic communities.
Although this report covers the period prior to the coup, and describes an infrastructure that may now barely exist, the problems created by COVID-19 and the government’s response have not disappeared, and will need to be addressed. Furthermore, the underlying political dynamics that impede the development of a support infrastructure capable of addressing the needs of rural ethnic minorities continue to play out. The report thus begins by providing a brief overview of the political dynamics that have shaped access to services and COVID-19 response. Followed by that is a discussion of COVID-19 reporting and testing, and the prevention measures that have been put in place to address the rise in COVID-19 cases. The discussion then turns to impacts on livelihood, access to different forms of support, and the situation of healthcare and education..."
Source/publisher:
Karen Human Rights Group
Date of publication:
2021-05-27
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) reports
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"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments in conflict-affected areas from 24 April to 24 May, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next update will be issued towards the end of June 2021.....HIGHLIGHTS: Around 46,000 people were displaced in the south-eastern part of Myanmar between April and May due to the conflict and insecurity, about 37,000 of them displaced in late May following the clashes in Kayah State.
In Chin State, thousands have been internally displaced following an escalation of hostilities in the town of Mindat since 12 May.
In northern Shan, clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and among EAOs continue and around 2,800 people were displaced in May. A total of 8,400 people who have fled since January 2021 remain displaced.
In Kachin State, there has been no new displacement during the reporting period, despite the active armed conflict between the MAF and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA); about 8,500 people who fled insecurity since mid-March remain displaced.
No new population displacement has been reported in Rakhine State. Cases of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) are reported in IDP camps in Mrauk-U, Paukaw and Sittwe townships.
Humanitarian response remains severely constrained in all conflict-affected areas due to insecurity, banking disruptions, road blockages and pre-existing access challenges.
Myanmar Humanitarian Fund First Standard Allocation of US$10 million launched on 13 May has been amended with an additional $0.35 million to scale up response in Chin State.
A total of US$40.2 million has been mobilized under the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan, which seeks $276.5 million to address the needs of around 1 million people in conflict-affected areas. This represents less than 15 per cent of the funds required.
KEY FIGURES
85.9K people internally displaced in the South-east due to clashes and insecurity in 2021
15K people internally displaced in northern Shan due to armed clashes in 2021
10K people internally displaced in Kachin State due to armed clashes in 2021
10K people hosted in sites in Chin State and Magway Region due to hostilities in Mindat in May
SITUATION OVERVIEW
UPSURGE IN DISPLACEMENT IN THE SOUTH-EAST: Around 46,000 people were displaced in the southeastern part of the country between April and May, according to data obtained by UNHCR from various sources. This includes the displacement of an estimated 37,000 persons across 57 locations in Kayah State where violence had erupted in late May between the MAF and the Karenni Army, the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party, as well as the Karenni People’s Defense Force, an armed group formed by civilian resistance fighters.
There have been additional displacements, mainly in Kayin State due to insecurity and the clashes between the Karen National Liberation Army and the MAF. Around 45,000 people are currently internally displaced in Kayin State. The majority of them are hiding in jungles with some 8,000 sheltering in caves along Salween River at the border with Thailand. A further 3,900 people remain displaced in Mon State and Bago Region since February. This makes 85,900 the total number of people who have been internally displaced in the region due to armed clashes as well as insecurity as of 24 May.
The internal displacement comes in addition to cross-border movement that remains fluid. Around 7,000 people from Kayin State have crossed the border to seek safety in Thailand since late March and some 1,000 remain in temporary areas in Mae Hong Son Province in Thailand as of 23 May, according to UNHCR.
Humanitarian needs include food, shelter and access to hygiene and sanitation facilities. Additionally, there have been reports of cases of water-borne diseases among the displaced population in the jungle as result of extended lack of access to hygiene and sanitation facilities compounded by the early arrival of the rainy season. Local sources warn of a looming food security crisis if people are unable to return to their villages of origin to tend to their crops and livestock.
Humanitarian partners are doing their best to respond to these needs, both within Myanmar and across the border. For example, in Kayah State, partners provided food and basic households items, child protection and health interventions to a small number of IDPs. However, access restrictions due to insecurity, road blockages, remote terrain, landmine contamination and other bureaucratic impediments continue to impede programme delivery across Kayah and elsewhere.
INCREASING HUMANITARIAN NEEDS IN CHIN STATE: Thousands of people have been displaced following an escalation of violence between the MAF and the Chinland Defense Forces (CDF) in and around the town of Mindat in Chin State on 12 May. The MAF deployed heavy artillery, military helicopters and snipers to the area, and despite the reported retreat of the CDF the following day, the MAF reportedly continued its attacks, including against civilian areas and infrastructure in the town of Mindat, which is home to about 25,000 people (2014 data).
Over 9,000 IDPs are currently hosted in 16 sites, mainly in churches and monasteries, in and around Mindat and 7 sites in Saw in Magway Region. Thousands more had reportedly fled to nearby forests and mountains in search of safety and protection. There are also reports of civilian casualties, damage to and occupation of civilian infrastructure, incidents of the MAF using civilians as human shields and alleged cases of sexual assault against women and girls. Clashes also occurred between the MAF and the CDF in Loklung Village near the capital city of Hakkha on 18 May. This has led to the displacement of around 1,000 people to neighboring villages, according to local partners.
The displaced population and those who remain in town are in urgent need of food, water, medicine, shelter and protection services, such as gender-based violence and psychological support. Local communities and religious institutions are making efforts to provide humanitarian assistance; however, this is not reaching everyone in need. Access restrictions, including due to road blockages and insecurity, are complicating the efforts to verify the reports of displacement, casualties and other incidents, as well as assess needs and respond. The Myanmar Humanitarian Fund (MHF) is supporting an operational partner in Chin State to scale up response, by topping up with an additional funding an existing humanitarian programme.
MORE PEOPLE DISPLACED IN NORTHERN SHAN: Population movement remains fluid in northern areas of Shan State with new displacements and small-scale returns reported on a regular basis. In Hsipaw Township, around 2,510 people fled from their homes to safe areas due to hostilities between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army and the allied forces of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army on 18 May. Small-scale population movements were also reported in Nawnghkio and Namtu townships and over the course of May, 2,800 people were internally displaced due to various clashes. A total of 15,151 people have been internally displaced in northern Shan since the start of 2021. While almost half of them returned to their places of origin within weeks, some 8,400 people remain displaced in 34 sites in Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Momeik, Namtu, Namhkan and Nawghkio townships. The IDPs are unable to return due to damage to their property and livelihoods as well as insecurity and risks from landmine contamination.
Humanitarian partners organized three missions to the displacement sites and protracted IDP camps over the course of May to assess people’s needs and strengthen response coordination. Despite some assistance provided by host communities and local partners, the needs of families newly displaced remain largely unmet. The IDPs currently require temporary shelter, food, basic household materials, including mosquito nets, blankets, and mats, as well as access to water and sanitation facilities.
NO NEW DISPLACEMENT IN KACHIN DESPITE INSECURITY: There has been no new population displacement in Kachin during the reporting period. Close to 10,000 people have been displaced across Kachin State following the resumption of clashes in mid-March. While many have returned to their places of origin since then, over 8,500 people remain displaced in Bhamo, Hpakant, Injanyang, Momauk, Myitkyina, Sadung, Shwegu and Waingmaw townships. Local communities and operational partners are responding to the needs of newly displaced people; however, access challenges and insecurity are complicating these efforts.
The security situation remains volatile in Kachin State, with regular armed clashes between the MAF and the KIA in several townships and general insecurity across the state. Hostilities were reported across as many as 13 townships; however, clashes were intense in Momauk Township in particular, where fighting around the Ah Law Bum mountain area, currently controlled by the KIA continues unabated, with reports of aerial strikes by the MAF and artillery shelling by both sides. Since March, over 100 armed engagements were reported across Kachin. According to public sources, 11 civilians were killed and 22 others injured between 11 March and 12 May. The details of these incidents could not be verified at the time of reporting due to access challenges.
ACUTE WATERY DIARRHEA IN CENTRAL RAKHINE: AWD cases were reported in IDP camps in MraukU, Pauktaw and Sittwe townships with majority of cases affecting children under five. Based on available information, the cases were reported to be highest during the week of 3 May, with 1,200 cases, and majority reported from six IDP camps. Over 2,000 cases of AWD have so far been reported as of 25 May. The situation has started to stabilize as the number of cases started to go down since 16 May, following robust response by operational partners who are coordination with relevant entities to scale up awareness raising efforts of good hygiene, testing of water quality, chlorination of the boreholes, and cleaning of solid waste and disinfection of latrines. Disease surveillance is ongoing and operational hours of mobile clinics have been extended in certain camps with larger caseloads. Case investigation and laboratory sample collection were also conducted with relevant entities and findings were directly shared to frontline health partners for appropriate clinical management.
NO NEW DIPLACEMENT IN RAKHINE: There has not been any new clashes between the MAF and the AA since November 2020 and no new displacement has been reported. Some small-scale returns among IDPs continue to take place in a number of townships. Close to 82,000 people remain displaced at 147 sites and 27 host communities in 10 townships across Rakhine State. This is in addition to 126,000 IDPs hosted in protracted camps established in 2012..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-05-27
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-28
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Internal displacement/forced migration of Shan. Palaung and Wa villagers, Internal displacement/forced migration of Kachin, Internal displacement/forced migration of Karen villagers, Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Various groups, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Public Health, Human Rights and international relations, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
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643.58 KB (8 pages)
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Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Description:
"In the first half of May, heavy fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), particularly in Kayin, Kachin and Chin states, killed dozens of combatants and internally displaced thousands of civilians. Approximately 61,000 people have now been displaced internally in Myanmar since the military takeover on 1 February 2021, of whom some 56,000 remain displaced, representing a 10 percent increase since the beginning of May. This number includes an estimated 42,000 in south-eastern Myanmar and 14,000 in Kachin and northern Shan states. Thousands of people are also additionally believed to be internally displaced in Chin State and Sagaing Region.
Since late March, some 6,900 Myanmar nationals have also sought safety from armed clashes in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province, with 1,800 refugees currently being accommodated in temporary safety areas along the Thai-Myanmar border. In India, refugees from Myanmar continue crossing into Mizoram and Manipur to seek refuge, including as the COVID-19 outbreak in the border areas becomes worse..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva)
Date of publication:
2021-05-20
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-21
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Food Security and human rights in Burma, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security and displacement in Burma, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Public Health, Human Rights and international relations
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3.59 MB
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Topic:
Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Topic:
Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Description:
"Since the military takeover on 1 February, insecurity and clashes continue to be reported across much of the country with arrest, detention and use of excessive force against protestors by police and security forces. Disruptions to banking services, healthcare, communications, and supply chains ensue, while tensions and confrontations in the north and southeast intensify between Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations.
UNHCR and partners continue providing critical life-saving humanitarian assistance, while following the development of the situation closely to better understand the full potential impact on people of concern, including IDPs and stateless populations. Early warning systems, initiated by UNHCR and partners, continue to be employed to detect changes on the ground which could impact on operations and people of concern with the view to inform timely mitigating measures and responses.
At the same time, in this rapidly evolving context, the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis continues to pose additional potential challenges to already strained or disrupted health services. While integrating COVID-19 prevention and response into regular programming, UNHCR will continue to monitor the impact on populations of concern given the heightened risks they may face with critical protection service and assistance increasingly restricted.....NUMBERS AT A GLANCE: 600,000 Estimated stateless Rohingya in Rakhine State, of which some 144,000 are living in 21 displacement camps as well as among the host community since 2012
285,000 Internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Rakhine, Chin,
Kachin, northern Shan, Kayin states, and Bago (east) region, including some 93,100* in 201 sites displaced due to the AAMAF conflict, and at least 58,600 due to the resumption and intensification of clashes between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in the north-and south-east Townships across Rakhine, Chin, Kachin and northern Shan states, and the south-east where UNHCR has consulted with communities through the Early Warning Systems
46,746 Displaced and affected people in Myanmar supported with basic non-food items and shelter material by UNHCR and partners in 2021
Financial requirements in 2021 (as of 04 May 2021) Financial requirements in 2020 (as of 05 January 2021)
USD 52.7 million (14% funded).....KEY HIGHLIGHTS | March - April 2021: Kachin & northern Shan
The resumption and intensification of armed clashes in the Kachin and northern Shan states between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) since March have resulted in the displacement of over 18,000** individuals by 10 May, 14,300 of whom remain in displacement.
In March and April, UNHCR and partners continued to provide support to persons with specific needs (PSNs), including persons with disabilities, elderly, single/female headed households, and those with serious medical conditions, through provision of emergency cash assistance benefitting 207 PSNs and their families. The support is aimed at addressing their most pressing needs such as medical expenses while reducing the risk of resorting to negative coping mechanisms such as borrowing money or taking on debt, or reducing expenditure on key items including water, food, education and healthcare.
UNHCR continues to provide targeted non-food items (NFI) to meet the needs of displaced persons. In March and April, UNHCR distributed NFI items including blankets, mosquito nets, plastic mats, kitchen sets, tarpaulins, solar lights, soap, and jerry cans to 1,034 families (4,354 individuals) in Kachin and northern Shan states.
In March, UNHCR and partners, completed a community-based project in Mogaung Township, Kachin State. A communal hall was completed with the involvement of the community and will benefit 450 individuals. Since the beginning of the year, UNHCR and partners have completed several projects benefitting over 4,000 individuals. Examples of projects, which are aimed at improving conditions in communities and strengthening social cohesion, include the construction and renovation of schools, road construction, and the construction of gravity flow water systems.....Rakhine & southern Chin: As of April 2021, there are over 93,100 persons displaced across 201 sites and in host communities in Rakhine and southern Chin states in connection with the AAMAF conflict.
Support to displacement sites and IDP camps continue despite limitations imposed by the current political and COVID-19 context. In March and April, UNHCR contributed 10,560 CGI sheets and 811kg of nails for shelter reconstruction through combined efforts of Shelter Cluster partners and UNHCR direct implementation in central Rakhine, and 1,351 families (6,755 individuals) in 31 displacement sites received shelter material to prevent damage during the rainy season in April. In addition, 48 families (240 individuals) received tarpaulins and rope as well as portable solar lamps.
Based on assessments carried out in northern Rakhine townships to identify persons with specific needs in both villages and displacement sites, including persons with disabilities, elderly, and single/female headed households,1,218 households (6,090 individuals) received NFI support, items included kitchen sets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, jerry cans, blankets, tarpaulins.
Field activities within the framework of creating conditions for sustainable solutions for displaced persons from Rakhine State remain ongoing. During the reporting period, a number of community-based projects have been progressing; two community water pond rehabilitation projects are near completion, as is the drilling of a borehole, while another borehole is in the early stages of work. The installation of 59 solar streetlights has been completed in three villages, and a road project and water pond project have been initiated in two village tracts. In another location, a project to improve village paths and access roads in two villages is more than halfway complete.....South-east: Sustained armed clashes in the southeast region of Myanmar between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), including the use of airstrikes, have led to the displacement of an estimated 44,300 people, 5,000 of whom have crossed the border into Thailand and have subsequently returned to Myanmar and remain displaced internally.
The current political situation continues to result in the suspension of many activities in the southeast, both of UNHCR’s and partners’, aside from a few including those carried out by UNHCR through direct implementation.
On 27 April, UNHCR distributed non-food items (NFIs) to new IDPs who fled from airstrikes in Hpa-Pun Township, benefitting 46 families (191 individuals).
In coordination with the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), UNHCR facilitated two first aid and trauma trainings targeting 35 members of the community and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Loikaw Township, Kayah State. Given the positive feedback received, two more similar trainings will be organized for May targeting 60 individuals.
In March and April, the implementation of community-based projects in Kayin State progressed with an aim of improving infrastructure and supporting peaceful coexistence among communities. Several projects are in various stages of completion, including solar streetlight installation and the construction of a primary school, which are nearing completion, and the construction of a health centre including staff housing and the construction of a study hall are nearly half complete..."
Source/publisher:
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Geneva) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-04-30
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-15
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Armed conflict in Burma - Impact on village life, including health and education, Armed conflict in Kachin State - displacement and the humanitarian situation, Armed conflict in Shan State - displacement, mass exoduses and the humanitarian situation, Armed conflict in Rakhine (Arakan) State, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health
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Format :
pdf
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364.49 KB
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Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Description:
"On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup and ordered a year-long state of emergency under sections 417 and 418(a) of the 2008 constitution, promising that new elections would be held one year after what they labelled ‘fraudulent elections’ in November 2020 (Myanmar Times 02/02/2021; Reuters 16/02/2021 and 01/02/2021). This coup transferred all legislative, executive, and judicial powers of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Commander in Chief of the Defence Services (Reuters 01/02/2021). In response, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) was immediately formed as a parliament, primarily by democratically elected members of the 2020 general election. CRPH recognises itself as the only legitimate government (CRPH 20/02/2021). By mid-April, a National Unity Government was established (CRPH 16/04/2021). This move, coupled with the formation and growth of a civil disobedience movement (CDM) and associated protests, has severely constrained the military junta’s ability to consolidate power and rule of law (01/02/2021).
Countrywide protests are ongoing, with the military junta using systemic and arbitrary violence against anti-coup protesters. The use of live ammunition, raids, strip searches, beatings, and detention has been reported..."
Source/publisher:
Assessment Capacities Project (Geneva) via "Reuters" (UK)
Date of publication:
2021-04-29
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Human Rights and international relations, Political prisoners and other violations in Burma - reports, Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, violations of, Public Health, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Armed conflict in Burma - attacks on civilians, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
7.19 MB
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Topic:
Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Logistics and Telecommunications, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Topic:
Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Logistics and Telecommunications, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Description:
"This regular humanitarian update, covering the period from 20 January to 24 February, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next update will be issued towards the end of March 2021.....HIGHLIGHTS: The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar reaffirms the commitment of the UN and its partners to stay and deliver humanitarian assistance and protection services and calls for donor support for the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan, which seeks US$276.5 million to respond to the needs of 945,000 people.
Humanitarian response efforts are affected by operational challenges resulting from the recent developments, such as cash shortages and concerns for staff safety and security.
In northern Shan, around 2,300 people were newly displaced in Kyaukme,
Namtu and Hsipaw townships in February due to armed clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) or between EAOs. Another 1,000 people remain displaced in Kyaukme in northern Shan since January.
In Lashio and Laukkaing townships in northern Shan, nine people were reportedly killed and eight others, including an unidentified number of children, injured due to armed clashes on 5 February.
Over 5,300 people remain displaced in Kayin State and Bago Region since late December; sporadic clashes continued to be reported between the MAF and the Karen National Union (KNU) throughout February..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-02-25
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, The discussion on humanitarian assistance to Burma, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Water resources of Burma/Myanmar
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
200.29 KB
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Topic:
Contributions, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Topic:
Contributions, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Description:
"Highlights: • Artillery shelling and indiscriminate airstrikes by armed forces in Kayin State caused more than 20,000 civilians to flee and hide in forest areas along the Myanmar-Thailand border.
• New displacements are reported in Kachin State, northern Shan State and Bago region. On a single day.9 April, 82 civilians were killed in Bago region, and tens of thousands of people were displaced.
• Provision of health, education and other critical services continue to be disrupted in many parts of the country.
Protests and a civil disobedience movement (CDM) against the military takeover continue.
• Since the events of 1 February, a significant decline in the number of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths has been observed. COVID-19 vaccination is currently being managed by the de facto authorities without any clear prioritization by age or associated risk factors. Even before, nearly one million people in five states, including 336,000 IDPs, needed humanitarian assistance.
• There are additional needs for areas falling outside of Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) areas, especially in the Yangon, Mandalay and Bago regions..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (Myanmar) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-04-40
Date of entry/update:
2021-05-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Children, Anti-coup protesters, Spring Revolution, Children's rights: reports of violations in Burma against more than one ethnic group, Children's rights: resources and organisations, Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, COVID-19 (Coronavirus), 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
373.36 KB
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Topic:
Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Logistics and Telecommunications, Mine Action, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Topic:
Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Logistics and Telecommunications, Mine Action, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Description:
"This regular update, covering humanitarian developments in conflict-affected areas from 26 March to 23 April, is produced by OCHA Myanmar in collaboration with the Inter-Cluster Coordination Group and UNHCR. The next update will be issued towards the end of May 2021.....HIGHLIGHTS: In south-eastern Myanmar, an estimated 40,000 people have been displaced due to insecurity, armed clashes between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), and indiscriminate attacks by the MAF on civilian areas.
In Kachin State, around 5,800 people have been displaced since armed confrontation between the MAF and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) resurged in early March; about 5,000 remain displaced.
In northern Shan, the volatile security situation and clashes, mostly involving Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), have caused the displacement of about 11,000 people since January.
In Rakhine and Chin states, casualties due to landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) are on the rise, with 11 civilians, including 9 children killed or injured in April.
Humanitarian assistance and protection services in conflict-affected areas continue despite the impact of the political crisis on operations and pre-existing access challenges. The escalation of violence in parts of Myanmar increases threats to the safety of humanitarian operations and compounds existing access challenges.
The 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan, which seeks US$276.5 million to assist around 1 million people in conflict-affected areas, remains severely underfunded, with only 12 per cent of requirements covered so far – FTS.....KEY FIGURES: 40K people displaced in the South-east since December 2020
11K people displaced in northern Shan since January 2021
5.8K people displaced in Kachin State since mid-March 2021
11 civilian casualties due to explosive hazards in Rakhine and Chin states in April.....SITUATION OVERVIEW
SURGE IN DISPLACEMENT IN THE SOUTH-EAST: Armed conflict in the south-eastern parts of Myanmar continues to intensify between the MAF and the KNLA, an armed wing of the Karen National Union, resulting in further internal displacement and civilian casualties, mostly in Kayin State and Bago Region. The clashes, which erupted in early December 2020, had internally displaced around 7,100 people by mid-March, mostly in Hpapun Township in Kayin State, where the displaced families were hiding in the jungles with limited access to services and humanitarian assistance.
The humanitarian situation in the area has worsened since late March, with thousands of people having reportedly fled from their homes in Kayin State after the MAF launched airstrikes, including in civilian areas. The continued hostilities, shelling of civilian areas by the MAF, and increased insecurity reportedly led to the displacement of an estimated 40,000 people throughout south-eastern Myanmar by 20 April, according to data gathered from various sources by UNHCR. Prior to developments on 1 February 2021, Kayin State and Bago Region had hosted about 12,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in four locations, both in camp-like and out-of-camp settlements, since 2006.
The hostilities in Kayin and Bago between 27 March and 8 April have killed at least 20 civilians and injured more than 25, according to public sources. There have also been reports of a local school destroyed in Dwe Lo Township in Hpapun District of Kayin State, in addition to damage to other civilian property. The details of civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure could not be verified at the time of reporting. Humanitarian interventions remain constrained due to severe and longstanding access challenges, compounded by growing insecurity in the area. Nevertheless, operational partners are doing their best to deliver assistance to the newly displaced and those otherwise affected by hostilities. Humanitarian partners are planning to roll out a displacement tracking system and carrying out a stocktaking exercise to assess the capacities of partners in Kayin State. This is to facilitate the efficient prepositioning of emergency supplies among partners to ensure a coordinated response.
NEW DISPLACEMENT IN KACHIN DUE TO RESURGENCE OF CONFLICT: The security situation in Kachin State, which began to deteriorate following the eruption of clashes between the MAF and the KIA in early March, remains volatile. Armed confrontations between the MAF and the KIA were reported in at least 12 townships, including Bhamo, Hpakant, Injayang, Kamaing, Mogaung, Momauk, Myitkyina, Putao, Shwegu, Sumprabum, Tanai and Waingmaw, ranging from local skirmishes, to attacks on convoys, airstrikes, artillery and mortar shelling. Hardly any clashes had not been reported in Kachin State since September 2018.
The conflict led to the displacement of over 5,800 people since early March 2021. Around 800 people returned to their places of origin within a few days, while about 5,000 remain displaced across several townships. Some 4,800 people are currently hosted in churches, monasteries and displacement sites in Injanyang, Momauk and Shwegu townships. The remaining IDPs are dispersed in small numbers across Dawthponeyan and Hpakant townships. Attempts are being made to reach the affected communities with assistance; however, insecurity and other access constraints make it difficult for partners to scale up the efforts to address needs, which include emergency shelter, food, basic household items and healthcare. The new displacement comes on top of protracted internal displacement in Kachin State, where about 95,000 people have been living in IDP camps established in 2011.
In addition to increased humanitarian needs and population movement, the ongoing insecurity is raising serious protection concerns, with reports of increased conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) perpetrated against women and girls. Reported incidents included brutal and systematic CRSV committed by multiple perpetrators and most of these violations were perpetrated against women and girls of ethnic minority groups.
POPULATION MOVEMENT IN NORTHERN SHAN: Clashes between the MAF and EAOs or between EAOs in northern Shan continued unabated in the first quarter of 2021 and escalated in March. The Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) and the allied forces of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) engaged in armed confrontations in Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Monghsu and Namtu townships. There were also clashes, albeit with less intensity and frequency between the MAF and the KIA in Lashio, Kutkai and Muse townships, between the MAF and the TNLA in Kutkai and Namhkan townships, and between the MAF and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in Hseni and Kutkai townships.
Clashes between January and April displaced close to 11,000 people in Hsipaw, Kyaukme, Lashio, Namtu, Namhkan, Monghsu and Muse townships. Displacement generally remains temporary; over 6,000 people returned to their places of origin within a few days. The remaining 4,770 people are currently hosted in churches, monasteries and displacement sites, with Kyaukme and Namtu townships hosting around 1,650 and 1,340 IDPs respectively. Local humanitarian partners and host communities are providing life-saving assistance and protection services, although as with other states and regions, operational challenges, including due to pre-existing access constraints and insecurity, continue to hinder their abilities to scale up.
The conflict dynamics and their humanitarian impact in northern Shan so far in 2021 demonstrate an upward trend compared to the same period in 2020, when there were only a few brief armed skirmishes between the EAOs that temporary displaced some 720 people. In addition to the most recent displacements, about 9,800 IDPs continue to reside in protracted displacement camps in northern Shan established since 2011.
EXPLOSIVE HAZARDS A THREAT IN RAKHINE AND CHIN: Despite the absence of hostilities in Rakhine and southern areas of Chin states since November 2020, the physical wellbeing of civilians remains threatened by the presence of landmines and ERWs. In April, a total of 11 civilians were killed or injured by landmines and ERWs, mostly in Rakhine. In Kyauktaw Township in Rakhine State on 4 April, the explosion of an ERW killed a mother and her two children and injured another child. Another explosion reportedly injured six children under 16 years old near Taung Ywar Village in Buthidaung Township on 8 April. A landmine incident was also reported in Paletwa Township in Chin State on 15 April, in which one civilian sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the MAF is demining villages and roads across several townships in Rakhine, tied with efforts to encourage people displaced by the MAF-Arakan Army (AA) conflict to return to their places of origin. However, many IDPs remain unwilling to return due to the continued presence of armed personnel around their villages, concerns about landmines, and the lack of livelihood opportunities. As of 21 April, more than 78,000 people displaced by the MAF-AA conflict were hosted in 146 sites and 5,038 people in 28 host communities in Rakhine State. Another 9,841 IDPs remained in 27 sites in Chin State, as of 21 January. This is in addition to around 126,000 IDPs, mostly stateless persons, who are hosted in protracted camps established in 2012..."
Source/publisher:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-04-30
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-30
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UN human rights documents on Myanmar, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Education in Burma/Myanmar - general, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Freedom of opinion and expression: - the situation in Burma/Myanmar - reports, analyses, recommendations, Humanitarian assistance - emergencies
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Topic:
Contributions, Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights
Topic:
Contributions, Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights
Description:
"Today, the EU has stepped up its response to assist those in need in Myanmar in the context of the recent military coup, with the allocation of an additional €9 million in emergency humanitarian aid to support the most vulnerable.
The critical reinforcement of the EU's response comes on top of a funding package of €11.5 million provided at the start of 2021, to support key humanitarian and disaster preparedness needs in the country, bringing EU humanitarian assistance in Myanmar to a total of €20.5 million in 2021 so far.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: "The violent military junta that has overthrown the legitimate government in Myanmar has been merciless in killing innocent civilians, in egregious violations of International Humanitarian Law that exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis faced by displaced and conflict-affected populations. The EU condemns the despicable acts of violence by the coup d'état and meanwhile reaffirms its will to continue providing strong humanitarian support through its humanitarian partners directly to the most vulnerable population, who also face recurrent natural hazards that further increase their needs. At this crucial and pressing time, the EU is showing up for the people of Myanmar by significantly stepping up its support in humanitarian assistance.”
The funding will be used to respond to urgent humanitarian needs in the sectors of emergency health support, protection, food security, and multi-sector emergency assistance. Through this additional allocation, the EU is stepping up its response capacities in the conflict areas in which it is active, and also in urban settings, where indiscriminate violence has been used by the Myanmar security forces.
The additional funding will also provide humanitarian assistance to those fleeing fighting between Ethnic Armed Groups and the Myanmar Armed Forces, with funds allocated to address the growing regional implications of the crisis, including in Thailand.
All EU humanitarian funding is provided in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and is channelled directly through NGOs, UN Agencies, and the Red Cross. The EU does not provide any humanitarian aid funding to the illegitimate military authorities.
Background
Conflict in Myanmar is marred by widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, resulting in substantial humanitarian needs. More than 336,000 people in Myanmar have been internally displaced, a large majority of whom are in situations of protracted displacement in Rakhine, Kachin, Kayin and Shan states, with limited access to basic services.
An estimated 600,000 Rohingya people remain in Rakhine State, of whom around 126,000 are effectively confined to camps or camp-like settings that were established in 2012, and so still cannot move freely. Restricted humanitarian access to several areas hampers the ability of international aid organisations to provide crucial assistance to people in need. Recurrent natural hazards also increase the vulnerability of people living in disaster-prone areas.
Since 1994, the EU has provided €287 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar, with €19 million allocated in 2020. The EU works with trusted and independent humanitarian partners to address the protection, food, nutrition and health needs of the most vulnerable people, particularly in Rakhine, Chin, Kachin and Shan states.
Following the violence in August 2017, the EU has stepped up its humanitarian assistance in the form of food, nutritional care, healthcare, water and sanitation, coordination, and protection, including mine education.
Humanitarian needs are increasing as a result of the 1 February 2021 coup d'état, as security forces use indiscriminate violence against civilians and fighting increases between Ethnic Armed Groups and the Myanmar Armed Forces. The EU will closely monitor the humanitarian situation in Myanmar, in light of the recent developments, to step up the humanitarian response further, if needed..."
Source/publisher:
Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (Brussels) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-04-16
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
European Union-Burma relations (commentary/analysis), Humanitarian assistance - emergencies, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Human Rights and international relations, Public Health, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
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42.85 KB
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Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights
Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Health, Protection and Human Rights
Description:
"In the wake of Myanmar’s military coup on February 1, 2021, the UNOPS-managed Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) signals a warning on food and nutrition.
In the wake of Myanmar’s military coup on February 1, 2021, the UNOPS-managed Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) signals a warning about the rapidly deteriorating food and nutrition security of thousands of migrant workers and their children in impoverished peri-urban Yangon. As the political crisis continues to unfold, families, who were already surviving on the edge prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, are now living in growing insecurity, facing the complete loss of or reduced income, limited access to food amidst skyrocketing food prices and barriers to accessing health services. The threat of an emerging nutrition and health crisis in peri-urban Yangon is real as thousands of people, women and children in particular, can no longer meet their basic food and healthcare needs.
Even before the arrival of COVID-19, only 40 per cent of the Myanmar population could afford a diet that met their nutrient needs.[1] In some pockets of the country, including peri-urban Yangon, the nutrition context before 2020 reflected particular vulnerability including a high rate of child wasting (9.3%), stunting (28.8%) and maternal underweight (13.7%) while the coverage of essential nutrition and health services was low in Yangon’s informal settlements. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically worsened the nutrition situation with estimations suggesting an additional 110,000 children under-five have become wasted. The ongoing political crisis will certainly trigger a further stark increase in hunger and child malnutrition, particularly among a growing number of vulnerable households in peri-urban townships.
Access to food is becoming harder
The widespread closure of markets, shops and grocery stores has limited access to food, especially for the most vulnerable families. Where food is available, prices are rising, particularly for staple foods such as rice, oil and fuel which have already gone up on average by 10-15 per cent and continue rising, intensifying the food insecurity of the poorest families. Many families struggle to afford basic foodstuffs, let alone all those other food products that make up a diverse, nutrient-dense diet. This puts nutritionally vulnerable groups, particularly young children, adolescents and women of reproductive age at greater risk of undernutrition.
A mother of a six-day old infant in Shwe Pyi Tar said, “I really want to have meat sometimes, but it is not affordable for me.”
Loss of income is widespread
At the same time, workers in peri-urban Yangon are facing significantly reduced income.“None of my family members has a job now. My husband used to drive a sand truck before... We are not financially secure at the moment,” said a mother of a fifteen-month-old in Shwe Pyi Tar.
Many of the factories that sustain peri-urban families have shut down due to reduced orders and supply chain issues; while others face significant cash flow issues. This has led to significant numbers of workers (primarily migrant women) losing their employment altogether with many factories refusing, or unable, to pay outstanding wages.
Facing food shortages, loss of work, and increasing violence, many of the migrants previously employed in the industrial sector have left Yangon, affecting incomes of many smallholder urban vendors. For those who remain, there are further challenges to livelihoods as many are facing debt or have had their assets destroyed. For those who have managed to save money in bank accounts or who are reliant on social protection schemes, there are challenges in accessing cash, as most bank branches are closed. Khin is the head of a twelve person household (with 9 adults and 3 children), which relies on the salary of two adults. She said that although they can purchase food now, they cannot access their money, as banks are closed and ATMs are not reliable.
Reductions in income coupled with movement restrictions further hinder people’s access to healthcare, medicine and other basic needs.
Nutrition and health services are at standstill
In many parts of the city, health facilities are either not functioning or performing at reduced capacity. Difficulties crossing townships mean that health professionals cannot reach patients; this is a particular problem for midwives unable to provide safe and sanitary conditions for pregnant women to deliver their babies and HIV-positive individuals who face challenges accessing HIV services and antiretroviral medication. Even where facilities do function, lack of or reduced resources, military occupation of public hospitals, and restrictions in movement lead to limited or lack of access to routine and emergency nutrition and health services including pre and postnatal care, treatment of malnutrition, breastfeeding counseling, and immunizations, among other services.
A mother of a six-month-old child reported that, “due to the political situation, we are afraid to go to clinics and hospitals now.”
Rise in violence against women
With many peri-urban townships under martial law, communities are facing aggression and random acts of violence on the streets, at workplaces, and increasingly in their homes. Women garment workers have taken a predominant position in demonstrations against the military. In addition to facing the violent crackdown of such demonstrations, there is an increase in incidents of gender-based violence and sexual harassment, which poses another threat to women and children’s nutrition security.
Insecurity is causing spikes in psychosocial stress
Escalating violence affects women’s health and caregiving capacity. Moreover, children’s mental health and wellbeing is a major concern, as children have now been out of school for one year and are surrounded by an increasingly insecure context.
A young mother in Yangon’s industrial zone said, “I feel depressed due to shortage of money. Adults are scared and my baby cries all the time because of the noise at night.”
Coordinated nutrition response is required for peri-urban Yangon
To prevent the sharp increase in hunger and malnutrition, the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) is engaging with partners to scope out immediate needs and respond in close coordination with the Access to Health Fund and the Humanitarian Assistance and Resilience Programme Facility (HARP-F). Partners are mobilising to support a series of social protection interventions such as in-kind transfers, vouchers and/or cash transfers, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and treatment of severe acute malnutrition in the absence of functional public services. Response will also focus on ensuring widespread access to safe water and sanitation services and facilities to safeguard health and nutrition. Wherever possible, Social Behaviour Change Communication will continue to support the adoption of positive nutrition, health and hygiene behaviours. This will be combined with legal counseling, psychosocial support and child protection interventions, such as counseling services to women, children, youth and others who have been exposed to physical or emotional trauma. Where available, shelter accomodation will also be offered to the most vulnerable..."
Source/publisher:
United Nations Office for Project Services (Copenhagen) "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-04-19
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-26
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Right to food: reports of violations in Burma
Language:
more
Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Shelter and Non-Food Items
Topic:
Food and Nutrition, Shelter and Non-Food Items
Description:
"During April 2-8, 2021, Mercy Corps’ Market Analysis Unit (MAU) conducted phone interviews with retailers in Rakhine State to measure the impact of recent events on supply chains for common household goods. Data are based on a convenience sample of 160 active retailers in eight townships, most of whom sell within marketplaces in towns. The study focuses on retailers of products tracked in the MAU’s monthly Market Price Reports.....Key Highlights: Nine in ten respondents faced major livelihood challenges in the past month, often related to poor demand, limited supply, rising prices, or poor access to cash and credit;
Seventy percent of respondents saw reduced customers and spending last month;
More than one-third of respondents report limited supply and larger lead times, particularly for non-food-items (NFIs) sourced from outside of Rakhine State;
One-quarter of retailers expect to face limited supply next month, particularly for NFIs like hygiene and kitchenware but also food items like cooking oil and packaged foods;
Half of retailers say they may raise prices this month on NFIs and certain foods, such as cooking oil and locally-produced rice and fish;
Half of retailers say their access to cash is sustainable for two months or more;
One-third of retailers expect to earn less income this month than last..."
Source/publisher:
Mercy Corps (Portland)
Date of publication:
2021-04- 08
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-25
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security in Arakan (Rakhine) State, Sustainable/alternative development in and for Burma
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
368.66 KB
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Topic:
Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
Topic:
Agriculture, Food and Nutrition
Description:
"The average retail price of rice and cooking oil continue an upward trend.
Since January, the average retail price of rice has increased 5% across monitored markets, with higher increases in central Rakhine (7%), Chin (8%) and Kachin (11%).
The average retail price of cooking oil increased 9% month-on-month. Over the past two months, the average price of cooking oil has increased 18%.
The price of chickpeas increased 5% month-on-month on average, with higher increases over the past two months in Chin (9%), Kachin (18%) and southern Rakhine (19%).
In March, higher than average increases in the price of rice, oil, and pulses were recorded in southern and central Rakhine, Chin, and Kachin.
Transport difficulties are driving up prices and increasing lead times across the country.
In urban areas, between the last week of February to mid-March, a 7% increase in the retail price of rice and a 4% increase in the retail price of cooking oil was recorded in peri-urban Yangon. In Mandalay there has been a 6% increase in the retail price of cooking oil..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (WFP) (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-03-00
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-25
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security in Arakan (Rakhine) State, Food Security in Chin State, Food Security in Kachin State, Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
255.02 KB
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Description:
"Situation Update: Seven weeks following the military takeover on 1
February 2021, the situation in Myanmar is
evolving rapidly, with a high risk of increasing food
insecurity and malnutrition, particularly for the
urban poor.
• Food and fuel prices in Myanmar are rising,
according to WFP price monitoring in February. The
biggest increase was observed in northern Rakhine,
while a 20 percent increase in the price of
vegetable oil was recorded in Yangon. Fuel prices
increased at least 20 percent across the country,
which has an important knock-on effect on food
prices.
• Demonstrations and the general strike throughout
Myanmar are likely to exacerbate the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures,
which saw 80 percent of households lose income.....WFP Response: In February, WFP assisted over half a million people
in Myanmar with cash-based transfers and in-kind
food assistance, through four activities:
Emergency Relief Assistance; Nutrition
(stunting prevention and support to persons living
with HIV and tuberculosis (TB) patients); School
Feeding; and Livelihood Support.....Emergency Relief Assistance: • WFP’s highest priority is to maintain its monthly
life-saving assistance to internally displaced people
and other vulnerable populations who fully rely on
it.
• In February, WFP provided life-saving food and
cash assistance to 349,200 people in conflictaffected states of southern Chin, Kachin, Rakhine
and northern Shan.
• In view of current banking challenges or potential
constrained market supply, WFP is building a
contingency food stock, which would allow it to
provide in-kind food assistance if needed.....Nutrition: • WFP provided a comprehensive package of nutrition
support for 80,300 children aged 6-59 months and
pregnant and lactating women and girls; as well as
some 1,350 people living with HIV and TB patients.
• Continuing WFP nutrition interventions is critical to
avoid short- and long-term public health crises, on
top of the pandemic..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme
Date of publication:
2021-03-26
Date of entry/update:
2021-04-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security and human rights in Burma, Food Security and militarisation in Burma, Food Security and displacement in Burma, Food Security and the economy in Burma, General Strike, 2021 Burma/Myanmar coup d'état
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
271.66 KB
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Topic:
Agriculture, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Coordination, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Logistics and Telecommunications, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Topic:
Agriculture, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, Coordination, Education, Food and Nutrition, Health, Logistics and Telecommunications, Protection and Human Rights, Shelter and Non-Food Items, Water Sanitation Hygiene
Description:
"The present Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) seeks to mobilize assistance for close to 945,000 people in 2021, in support of the efforts of the Government of Myanmar to aid those affected by humanitarian crises and challenges in different parts of the country. As has been the case for previous years, the HRP places protection at the centre of an inclusive response tailored to the particular needs of the most vulnerable women and men, girls and boys.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further demonstrated the critical importance of localization in Myanmar. In 2021, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) will build on the partnerships with national NGOs and local civil society actors that were strengthened as we adjusted to new operational realities in 2020. We will redouble our efforts to put in place robust channels for systematic two-way dialogue and engagement with affected people, and to capitalize on innovations around cash and voucher assistance to further extend our reach.
Humanitarian partners remain committed to contributing to the achievement of durable solutions for displaced people. The National Strategy on Resettlement of Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and Closure of IDP Camps provides a key entry point in this regard. Progress on implementation of the Strategy in 2020 was slowed down by COVID-19 but new opportunities are emerging. Our efforts in this regard in 2021 will seek to create new links across the humanitarian-development nexus, while remaining firmly anchored in the perspectives and concerns of displaced people themselves. In Rakhine, the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State will continue to be an important reference point for engagement between humanitarian organizations and the Government of Myanmar.
Our dialogue with the authorities will continue to emphasize the importance of humanitarian access, so that needs can be fully assessed and analyzed, humanitarian activities can be prioritized on the basis of those needs, and the impact of our efforts can be effectively monitored. The Myanmar HCT remains committed to working in accordance with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and without any adverse distinction based on region, ethnicity, religion or citizenship status..."
Source/publisher:
OCHA (New York) via Reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-01-27
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Burmese refugees in Bangladesh, Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Internal displacement/forced migration of Rohingyas, Human rights and education, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Racial or ethnic discrimination in Burma: reports of violations against several groups
Language:
Format :
pdf
Size:
10.58 MB
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Topic:
Agriculture, Recovery and Reconstruction
Sub-title:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Myanmar's Department of Agriculture (DoA) recently conducted a series of training sessions to support the capacity development of farmers and technical experts. The training aimed to support and restore the agricultural production and livelihoods of communities affected by the heavy monsoon rains in southern Myanmar.
Topic:
Agriculture, Recovery and Reconstruction
Description:
"A total of 214 farmers from communities in Mon and Kayin States and Tanintharyi Region participated in face-to-face training sessions in the following topics.
Good Agricultural Practices: The topics covered in this session included farming practices such as vegetable production, soil fertility management and the proper use of fertilizers to help farmers improve their yields. Participating farmers gained knowledge on practices aimed towards enhancing the production of safe, high quality food, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and ensuring the welfare of farm workers.
Climate-Smart Agriculture: The training session was designed to help farmers understand how climate-induced shocks affect the agricultural sector and share climate-smart agricultural practices that enable families to improve production in a sustainable manner.
Nutrition: The session covered topics related to basic nutrition including a balanced diet, meal planning, food hygiene, and the special feeding needs of children, women and men.
Improving Knowledge: Post-Monsoon Forums
In relation to strengthening early warning early action systems, FAO and the Myanmar Department of Meteorology and Hydrology organized virtual Post-Monsoon Forums in December 2020 for technical officers from relevant line ministries and agencies to share experiences, challenges and lessons learned during the 2020 southwest monsoon season. Some 200 technical officers participated in the discussions which aimed to review the southwest monsoon seasonal forecasts and seasonal climate and water level forecasts in Mon and Kayin States and Tanintharyi Region. Furthermore, the forums also aimed to solicit feedback from end users on the usability of the forecasts and recommendations to enhance the early warning system in order to respond to potential disasters through early action.
Participants raised recommendations, gaps and challenges such as the need for meteorological information technology training for DoA staff, dissemination of real-time meteorological information, capacity development on collection and storage of meteorological records, installation of weather sensors in townships (where there are no meteorological centers in the region) and strengthened coordination and sharing of meteorological information and forecast reports with the DoA..."
Source/publisher:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (Rome) via "Reliefweb" (New York)
Date of publication:
2021-01-06
Date of entry/update:
2021-01-07
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Agriculture in Burma/Myanmar: general and research, Agricultural Land, Commodities - agricultural products, Adaptation to climate change, Sustainable agriculture - Burma/Myanmar, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Sustainable/alternative development in and for Burma, Urban development
Language:
more
Description:
"• WFP is providing food and nutrition assistance to 34,800 returning migrants placed under quarantine in Kayin, Mon,
Shan, Tanintharyi and Yangon, as requested by the authorities.
Food assistance to returning migrants in Kachin will commence this week.
• WFP continues to operate weekly aid flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Yangon, allowing humanitarian cargo and personnel to enter Myanmar.
• The price of the four main food commodities in Myanmar declined after the Myanmar New Year and COVID-19 panicbuying subsided, according to the WFP Market Monitor. Situation Update
• According to the Ministry of Health and Sports, there are 233 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Myanmar as of 3 June, including six fatalities.
• To curb the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Myanmar has extended several restrictions, including the suspension of international commercial flights until 15 June. Meanwhile, the Government lifted the restrictions on the gathering of five or more people in five categories, including (i) staff working in government, organizations, companies, factories and workshops; (ii) schools; (iii) meetings and trainings; (iv) eating at restaurants that are allowed to reopen and (v) staff providing services and businesses essential to the public.
• The WFP Market Monitor for May showed a decline in the average prices of the four main food commodities in Myanmar compared to April. This reflected a normalizing of purchasing behaviour after the Myanmar New Year holidays, and an apparent end to COVID-related panicbuying. WFP will continue to monitor trends..."
Source/publisher:
WFP (World Food Programme)
Date of publication:
2020-06-04
Date of entry/update:
2020-06-04
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Language:
more
Description:
"WFP continues its emergency food and nutrition assistance to 7,500 migrant returnees in quarantine centres, at the request of local authorities.
• WFP is introducing remote monitoring in its operational areas to track the food and nutrition security situation of WFP-supported beneficiaries.
• WFP is chartering a series of flights connecting Yangon to Kuala Lumpur for humanitarian workers and cargo.
• WFP is promoting the use of its newly established Consolidation Hub in Guangzhou, China to humanitarian partners for storing and forwarding COVID-19 related humanitarian cargo.
Situation
• According to the Ministry of Health and Sports, there are 146 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Myanmar as of 27 April, including five deaths.
• To contain the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Myanmar has issued a nationwide order that restricts gatherings of five or more people. A curfew order has also been imposed until further notice in nine out of 14 states and regions in Myanmar, including the capital Nay Pyi Taw and the commercial hub Yangon..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (WFP) (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2020-04-28
Date of entry/update:
2020-04-28
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"Today, the National Nutrition Centre of the Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports and UNICEF presented Frameworks of Action for Complementary Feeding and Maternal Nutrition at an event that included participants from several ministries including the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and Ministry of Education, as well as nutrition development partners in Myanmar.
The Frameworks of Action are a result of renewed regional efforts made in six ASEAN countries, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Myanmar to improve both child complementary feeding and maternal nutrition in the effort to address the triple burden of malnutrition, which includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overweight and obesity. In each of the six countries, a comprehensive landscape exercise was conducted, including the review of key global, regional and country level findings to assess the current situation of children’s diet and maternal nutrition and identify relevant policy and programmatic opportunities. The analysis also included UNICEF’s recent flagship report, the 2019 State of the World’s Children (SOWC) which focuses on nutrition.
The SOWC Report and Myanmar’s landscaping exercise on maternal nutrition and complementary feeding show that poor eating and feeding practices start from the very beginning. Two in five pregnant women (40 per cent) and one in three (30 per cent)[1] of reproductive age women in Myanmar have iron deficiency anaemia, and anaemia during pregnancy can lead to premature birth and low-birth. In addition, only half of children under six months of age in Myanmar are exclusively breastfed– a practice that is protective against malnutrition and poor health, and 39 per cent of those children are introduced to complementary foods too early.
“While the country has done a lot to improve nutrition over the past decade, as seen in the reduction of childhood stunting from 35 per cent in 2009 to 27 per cent in 2017, more can be done particularly in improving the nutrition of pregnant women and the diets that young children consume. Additional focus in these areas will help us to achieve further sustained reductions in malnutrition”, said Dr. Lwin Mar Hlaing, Acting Director of the National Nutrition Centre..."
Source/publisher:
Ministry of Health and Sports (Myanmar) and UNICEF (Myanmar) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2020-02-16
Date of entry/update:
2020-02-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Children
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"Amid fighting between Myanmar and Arakan Army (AA) forces in northern Rakhine state, the global humanitarian organization International Rescue Committee (IRC) said it has decided to end its food program in the state on account of the government’s restrictions on staff movements.
On Jan. 6, the IRC ended its Tat Lan program that provided sustainable food security and improved nutrition and livelihoods to villages in Rakhine’s Myebon, Pauktaw, Kyaukphyu, and Minbya townships.
An announcement by the organization said the program ran for more than five years and had provided livelihood and food security to more than 56,000 people, but that the Rakhine state government instructed it to cease operations in 2018.
IRC staffers were denied travel permission because they were recruiting journalists, said Win Myint, Rakhine minister of municipal affairs.
“They were recruiting the journalists, [and] we didn’t know what their intention was,” he said. “This was something inappropriate. These activities were not include in a memorandum of understanding. That’s why, we stopped the operations.”..."
Source/publisher:
"Radio Free Asia (RFA)" (USA)
Date of publication:
2020-01-09
Date of entry/update:
2020-01-09
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Food Security and displacement in Burma, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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"Myanmar government and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) for food security in the country, according to the Information Ministry on Saturday.
To implement the WFP Country Strategic Plan (2018-2022), the LoU was signed on Friday by Director General U Than Aung Kyaw of Foreign Economic Relations Department under the Ministry of Planning and Finance and Stephen Anderson, country director and resident representative of WFP-Myanmar.
With an estimated budget of 310.8 million U.S. dollars, the strategic plan is set to provide access to food for crisis-affected people and vulnerable people in the country's states and regions as well as to improve nutrition for children under 5, the ministry's release said.
It was also learnt that the strategic plan will benefit about 2.79 million people..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-12-14
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-14
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Individual Documents
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"Rakhine: With increased military activity and new displacements, the ongoing armed conflict continued to cause insecurity in the region in October. New internal displacements were reported in Sittwe, Myebon, Minbya and Buthidaung townships.
In northern Rakhine, WFP responded by providing emergency food assistance to 2,000 newly displaced people, complementing the Government’s rice distributions. In addition, WFP continued to assist 97,400 food-insecure people from 176 Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu villages in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. WFP provided 18,700 children aged 6-59 months and pregnant and lactating women (PLW) with fortified blended food through nutrition interventions in northern Rakhine.
In central Rakhine, WFP’s emergency food assistance reached 3,500 people displaced by the ongoing armed conflict in Kyauk Taw, Minbya, Myebon, Pauk Taw and Sittwe townships. In addition, WFP provided 128,000 food-insecure people with life-saving food and cash assistance. WFP also continued to assist 4,400 of the most vulnerable people from 73 villages in Rathedaung Township with lean- season support. WFP’s nutrition assistance reached 5,200 PLW and 25,000 children aged 6-59 months in central Rakhine.
Kachin: Following relative stability throughout most of this year, armed clashes broke out in Mohnyin Township, though no new displacements were reported. WFP continued to assist 43,000 displaced people in Kachin State with cash-based transfers. WFP also provided cash for six-month food rations to 110 internally displaced people from Bhamo, Momauk and Mansi townships, who decided to return to their home villages. WFP nutrition assistance continued to reach over 1,900 PLW and children aged 6-23 months..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (WFP) (Rome) via reliefweb (New York)
Date of publication:
2019-12-02
Date of entry/update:
2019-12-02
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Individual Documents
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199.15 KB (2 pages)
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"For decades, the Rohingya people have been subjected to systematic discrimination, statelessness and targeted
violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar. Over hundreds and thousands of Rohingyas have arrived in Bangladesh,
with significant spikes following violent incidents in 1978, 1991 – 1992, and again in 2016. The largest and most
rapid Rohingya refugee influx was triggered in August 2017.
In a matter of weeks, over 745,000 fled Myanmar – including more than 400,000 children – bringing the current
camp population to more than 911,000. Since the start of the crisis, WFP has rapidly responded to the influx and
since provided food and nutrition access to over a million refugees and host population, alongside facilitating
essential shared services. Over two years into the multifaceted collaborative response, 88 percent of the refugee
population still remain dependent on external-aid..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (WFP) (Rome)
Date of publication:
2019-11-12
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-13
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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pdf
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597.9 KB (4 pages)
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Topic:
Nutrition, Malnutrition, Health, Myanmar
Topic:
Nutrition, Malnutrition, Health, Myanmar
Description:
"High up in the Thangmual Hills in north-western Myanmar’s Chin State, Nu Lun dreams of her seven-month-old daughter growing up to be strong and clever. Like most mothers, Nu Lun wants the best for her child, but she is unsure about the right way to feed her little one.
Nu Lun lives in a wooden cabin with her baby daughter, husband, mother-in-law and 12-year-old nephew. She buys rice and oil from the market, but most of the family’s food comes from their home garden and farm where her husband works.
To learn about nutrition, Nun Lun attends the local women’s group run by the auxiliary midwife in Tedim. Her mother-in-law also influences her, telling her the things her baby should and should not eat and how to prepare the food.
Nu Lun’s daughter often refuses to eat new foods, struggling with the textures and unable to swallow them. So Nu Lun finds herself reverting to giving her baby girl just breast milk and rice soup.
“They tell us about the extra foods we should give our baby, but my daughter spits them out. They are too coarse for her, so I just give her rice soup and breast,” explains Nu Lun while cooking traditional Chin corn soup for the rest of the family.
Other mothers are apparently also confused about what supplementary foods they should give their babies at what ages. Struggling to understand the food charts, they worry about their children choking..."
Source/publisher:
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) (Myanmar)
Date of publication:
2019-10-23
Date of entry/update:
2019-11-10
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security in Burma/Myanmar - web searches, specialised groups, reports and statistics, Public Health, Children
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Description:
"• Vulnerable communities in Burma lack access to sufficient nutritious food and livelihood opportunities due to poverty, conflict, natural disasters, and movement restrictions. Nearly 30 percent of children younger than five years of age suffer from stunting, a common indicator of chronic malnutrition. In addition, recurring extreme weather events—including cyclones, earthquakes, and floods—often lead to population displacement, destruction of crops, loss of livelihood opportunities, and restricted access to markets, the UN World Food Program (WFP) reports.
• In August 2017, clashes between armed actors and the Government of Burma military, as well as subsequent military operations in Burma’s Rakhine State caused mass population displacement, including many individuals fleeing to Bangladesh. Clashes between the Government of Burma and the Arakan Army in Chin and Rakhine states since December 2018 have resulted in additional population displacement and access restrictions that continue to impede the ability of humanitarian actors to respond to the needs of vulnerable people.
• In Burma’s Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine, and Shan states, nearly 824,000 conflict-affected people are experiencing acute food insecurity and more than 180,000 children and women require life-saving nutrition services, the UN reports. Displaced communities lack access to livelihood opportunities and essential services due to movement restrictions and rely heavily on external assistance to meet their food needs. Lack of access to crisis-affected areas continues to hinder the provision of essential humanitarian assistance..."
Source/publisher:
US Agency for International Development (USA) via Reliefweb (USA)
Date of publication:
2019-10-23
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and displacement in Burma, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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239.32 KB (1 page)
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Description:
"Rakhine: Insecurity continued in September with recurrent skirmishes and new displacements in Sittwe,
Myebon and Minbya townships and various areas in northern Rakhine State.
In northern Rakhine, WFP extended its emergency relief assistance to 4,100 newly displaced people, in addition to 94,800 vulnerable people from 146 Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu villages in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. WFP also supported the nutrition of 20,300 children aged 24-59 months and pregnant and lactating women (PLW) with fortified blended food in northern
Rakhine. In central Rakhine, a total of 130,600 food-insecure people continued to receive life-saving food or cash assistance from WFP. This included over 2,500 newly displaced people affected by the ongoing armed conflict. In addition, WFP also continued to provide food assistance to 4,400 beneficiaries in Rathedaung Township who are vulnerable to the lean season. WFP’s nutrition assistance reached 5,400 PLW and 24,900 children aged 24-59 months in central Rakhine.
Kachin: WFP continued to assist 43,300 displaced people in Kachin State using cash transfers and Emoney. WFP also supported 234 IDPs from four townships with six months of cash transfers, as they returned to their places of origin. WFP also provided nutrition assistance for 1,930 PLW and children aged 6-23 months.
Shan: WFP regained access to conflict-affected communities in Kokang Self-Administered Zone (except the northernmost part because of the security situation). Ongoing armed clashes in Kutkai, Nant San and Kyaukme townships caused the new and temporary displacement of 1,000 people.
Emergency relief distributions continued to reach 7,100 displaced people from northern Shan State and 3,200 people in conflict-affected villages of the KoKang SelfAdministered Zone. WFP provided nutrition assistance for 2,300 PLW and children aged 6-23 months across Shan State..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (WFP) (Italy) via Reliefweb (USA)
Date of publication:
2019-09-30
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-24
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food Security and displacement in Burma
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pdf
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185.29 KB (2 pages)
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Description:
"Myanmar Vice President U Henry Van Thio has called for working towards the production of food safe for consumption and the development of living standard in rural areas to properly feed the growing population and nurture the future generation into healthy and able-bodied citizens.
The vice president made the call at a function in Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday to mark the World Food Day, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Thursday.
"Such a monumental task required the assistance of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the effective implementation of government policies with public cooperation," he said.
Only an absence of hunger can bring about nutritional sufficiency and robust health and can elevate education and drive socio-economic development, he added.
While Myanmar was receiving international assistance to meet the development goals, he reminded that Myanmar people must be the main drivers for change..."
Source/publisher:
"Xinhua" (China)
Date of publication:
2019-10-17
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-17
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Rural development in Burma/Myanmar
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Description:
"With frequent floods, landslides, cyclones and other natural hazards, Myanmar is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which lead to massive population displacements and destruction of livelihoods, crops and other food sources. It ranks 3rd out of the most affected countries in the last two decades since 1998, according the 2019 Global Climate Risk Index.
The humanitarian situation in Myanmar remains fragile. In Rakhine State, more than 140,000 people, mainly Rohingya Muslims, remain internally displaced following several waves of inter -communal violence in 2012, with severe restrictions of movement and limited access to livelihoods, health care, education and other basic social services. The Government’s security operations in August 2017 followed by attacks on border guard posts resulted in 700,000 people, mostly Rohingya Muslims, fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh and exacerbated the food security and overall humanitarian situation of the remaining population. An escalation of fighting since 2018 in Rakhine State between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military, as well as the intensification of ethnic armed conflict in Kachin and Shan states since 2011, has further contributed to instability. An estimated 823,600 people living in conflict-affected areas are vulnerable to food insecurity. More than 240,000 remain internally displaced with limited access to farmland and other livelihood opportunities..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme via Reliefweb
Date of publication:
2019-06-22
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-05
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Burma: Internal displacement/forced migration of several ethnic groups., Food Security - Specialised organisations and mechanisms, Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar
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302.51 KB (2 pages)
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"Owners and representatives of more than 30 small and medium agri-food enterprises from Myanmar joined the Food Safety Learning Event on New Product Labeling Guidelines for Processed Agri-food held on September 26. Organized under Mekong Institute’s Food Safety Project with the support of the New Zealand Aid Programme, the one-day event sought to serve as a platform to present the updated food labeling guidelines in Myanmar as well as discuss opportunities and challenges in enforcing these new requirements.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Maria Theresa Medialdia, Director of MI’s Agricultural Development and Commercialization Department, highlighted that Myanmar, just like its neighboring ASEAN countries, still heavily relies on its agriculture sector. Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region need further support to build their knowledge and skills to produce more high value products. Ms. Medialdia noted that proper food labeling is important as it ensures that crucial product information are provided, ultimately benefitting consumers and other key actors in the food supply chain. Aside from improving food quality and safety, instituting accurate and attractive product labels can strengthen the competitiveness of food businesses, especially among agri-food SMEs.
U Ye Htut Naing, Director of the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Consumer Affairs, was also present to discuss the updated product labeling regulations outlined in the Chapter 18 of the Consumer Protection Law 2019. One of the key focus areas of the new law is promoting stronger compliance on appropriate product labeling, especially among agri-food enterprises. After the presentation, local food safety experts and business sector representatives shared their perspectives on the new regulations as well as on Myanmar SMEs’ potentials, problems, and needs in improving product quality and safety. Among those in the panel were U Thin Maung Myint of the Myanmar Food Processors and Exporters Association; Dr. Hla Aung of Myanmar Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association; as well as Daw Tin Swe Aye and Daw Win Win Kyi of the Myanmar Food Science and Technology Association..."
Source/publisher:
"Mekong Institute" (Thailand)
Date of publication:
2019-09-27
Date of entry/update:
2019-10-02
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Individual Documents
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"Rakhine: New small internal displacements were reported during August due to the ongoing armed conflict. In northern Rakhine State, WFP’s emergency relief assistance continued to reach 97,700 conflict-affected people including 1,900 newly displaced people from 165 Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu villages in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. In addition, WFP reached over 7,800 children under 5 years and pregnant and lactating women (PLW) through nutrition interventions.
In central Rakhine State, WFP continued to assist 110,800 food-insecure people including 2,200 who were newly displaced through emergency relief food assistance. In addition, WFP extended its lean season support to over 4,400 most vulnerable people in Rathedaung Township.
WFP’s nutrition assistance reached 5,200 PLW and 24,600 children under five years of age.
Kachin: WFP provided emergency food assistance to 43,700 displaced and flood-affected people in Kachin State using cash and E-Money transfers. Over 1,860 PLW and children under 2 received nutrition assistance from WFP.
Shan: Armed clashes have flared up in Shan State since mid-August causing over 9,000 temporary internal displacements. Urgent needs of the displaced people were covered by the assistance from the Government and local well-wishers. WFP emergency relief distributions continued to support 7,300 displaced populations from northern Shan State. Hampered by the armed clashes,
WFP could not reach about 8,000 targeted people in conflict-affected villages of the KoKang Self-Administered Zone. Over 1,400 PLW and children under 2 received nutrition assistance in Shan State..."
Source/publisher:
World Food Programme (WFP) (Italy) via Reliefweb
Date of publication:
2019-09-26
Date of entry/update:
2019-09-27
Grouping:
Individual Documents
Category:
WFP (World Food Programme), Food Security and nutrition in Burma/Myanmar, Public Health, Arakan (Rakhine) State - reports etc. by date (latest first), Kachin State, Shan State
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Format :
pdf
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187.02 KB
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