Myanmar

Overview

The humanitarian situation in Myanmar is driven by longstanding conflicts between the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and various insurgent groups known as ethnic armed organisations (EAOs). Nearly one million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with the highest needs concentrated in Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan, where armed conflict has sought independence and self-determination for various ethnic groups in Myanmar.?

Rakhine and Shan states are sites of active conflict. Clashes between EAOs and the Tatmadaw near civilian areas occur often. In Shan, more than 50,000 people have been displaced since 2018. In Rakhine, the August 2017 crackdown against the Rohingya population forced 700,000 to flee to Bangladesh. This was followed by an intensification of conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw, displacing at least 60,000 people, primarily to Sittwe, since January 2019. Additionally, protracted displacement has left 130,000 in IDPs in Rakhine and 9,000 in Shan confined to IDP camps for more than seven years. ?

Conflict in Kachin escalated in 2011, following the collapse of a ceasefire between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Tatmadaw. Although limited new violence has occurred since 2018, around 100,000 people remain in protracted displacement.?

Protection is a key concern across Myanmar as armed conflict and violations of international humanitarian law by the Tatmadaw and armed groups continue to impact civilians. Access to basic services is limited and livelihoods are threatened by conflict and lack of economic opportunity, particularly for the stateless Rohingya in Rakhine and IDPs living in non-government-controlled areas in northern Shan.?

INFORM measures Myanmar's risk of humanitarian crisis and disaster at 6.3/10.?

Latest Developments

Fighting between Tatmadaw forces and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) has escalated since 30 September in northern Shan state. 4,500 displaced people were sheltering in temples around Kyaukme township, their needs unknown. Returning IDPs have found their homes looted and improvised explosive devices (IED) in their villages.?

15/10/2020 - Fighting between Tatmadaw government forces and the Arakan Army (AA) escalated when fighter jets were used in and around Rathedaung. 18,658 people remain displaced in Rathedaung township as of 4 October, and lack adequate shelter. Conflict has resulted in extreme access constraints for humanitarian staff.?

8/10/2020 - Fighting in northern Shan state continues between government forces and ethnic armed organisations (EAO) as well as the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA). On 4 October fighting in Kyaukme township displaced some 700 people. 500 are sheltering in Tawng Htip village and 200 found shelter in a monastery; their needs are unknown. The lack of information in northern Shan makes tracking displacement and assessing the needs of IDPs particularly difficult. There are reports of forced recruitment among children and young men, injuries and deaths from landmines, and longer-term impacts on livelihood activities as the result of fighting. With monsoon season coming to an end, more fighting is expected across the state despite a ceasefire agreement in response to the pandemic.?