Mizzima
UNHCR published the latest numbers on displacement connected to the conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State.
The data that was released 20 September shows the figures for the period from January to August 2023.
Currently, in Rakhine State, 51,590 individuals have been displaced across 10 townships due to
the ongoing conflict between the AA and junta forces.
Additionally, they note that 4,472 individuals have been displaced in Paletwa township in Chin State, bringing the total number of displaced persons to 56,062.
As of August 2023, a further 4,174 individuals newly displaced remain in Mrauk-U, Kyautaw,
Sittwe, Myebon, Minbya, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Ponnagyun townships, according to their latest report.
In collaboration with partners and other UN agencies, UNHCR is responding to the humanitarian needs and continues to provide assistance to affected communities, they say.
Since January 2023, UNHCR provided core relief items, emergency shelter support, dignity kits and
cloth masks to some 44,917 individuals in Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Myebon, Sittwe, Pauktaw, Paletwa, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships.
Rakhine State has been seriously affected by conflict but also by Cyclone Mocha that struck the state in May, and by subsequent flooding during the monsoon season.
The Arakan Army was established in 2009 with the political objective of greater autonomy for the people of Rakhine. It formed a strong military base by the end of 2020.
The AA has claimed it had de facto control over two-third of the state six months after 2021 coup, and it now has 30,000 people under arms, around 6,000 of which are supporting its ethnic allies and resistance groups in Kachin, Karen, and Shan states and in other parts of the country.
The AA agreed to make a temporary truce with the Myanmar military in August 2022. However, reports said that the AA provided military training or arms for at least 15 other resistance groups which are fighting against the military council in Chin, Magway, Bago and Ayarwaddy.
