Mizzima-Feb 22
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) issued a statement on 19th February saying that widespread military conflict across Myanmar has left over 15 million people in 13 states and regions facing food insecurity. They are also facing crises such as inflation and power outages. Myanmar continues to grapple with a deepening humanitarian crisis four years after the coup, marked by ongoing conflict and escalating displacement marking the Internal displacement has reached a record high, with more than 3.5 million people now displaced. Armed clashes between Myanmar’s Armed Forces (MAF) and non-state armed groups continue across multiple regions, particularly in the Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast. The expansion of conflict into new areas, such as Ayeyarwady, Bago, and Magway, has further compounded the suffering of civilians. Despite the increasing number of displaced persons, the situation remains unpredictable, with civilians at high risk from airstrikes, shelling, and landmines. Myanmar has become the global epicenter for landmine and explosive ordnance casualties, surpassing all other affected countries. The use of landmines in the ongoing conflict has not only caused numerous civilian deaths and injuries but also disrupted agriculture and displaced entire communities. In 2023, Myanmar recorded the highest number of landmine casualties globally, and despite the growing threat, funding for mine action remains severely underfunded. This gap in funding hampers efforts to address the immediate dangers posed by landmines, leaving civilians vulnerable to these threats. Over 15 million people in Myanmar face acute food insecurity, and millions are also without access to safe shelter, drinking water, and essential services. Education and healthcare systems are severely disrupted, while inflation and loss of livelihoods further exacerbate the situation. Read more at:
