(Yangon, 20 May 2013) Tropical Storm Mahasen weakened and dissipated on 17 May, with Rakhine State spared any serious impact, according to the latest assessments undertaken by humanitarian agencies. “The Government responded decisively and proactively to the threat of the storm, taking steps to address the needs of the most vulnerable and provide safety for those most at risk, in collaboration with humanitarian agencies,” the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Ashok Nigam, said. The majority of over 100,000 people that were moved to safer places have returned voluntarily.

Yangon 21 March 2013 – As the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Myanmar, I am deeply concerned with the violence and loss of lives and property in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Division. Prevention of such incidents must be given top priority.

In addition to ardent efforts by the religious and political leaders and the authorities to calm the situation, I call upon all parties in the unrest in Meiktila to exercise the utmost tolerance and restraint within their communities.

ENDS

By Tomás Ojea Quintana, 16 February 2013, Yangon International Airport, Myanmar

I have just concluded my five-day mission to Myanmar - my seventh visit to the country since I was appointed Special Rapporteur in March 2008. I would like to express my appreciation to the Government of Myanmar for its invitation, and for the cooperation and flexibility shown during my visit, in particular for my visits to Rakhine State and Kachin State.

Excellencies Minister U Aung Min, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson of the Committee on Rule of Law and Tranquility of the Pyithu Hluttaw, U Win Mra, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commision, U Ko Ko, Vice President 1 of the Myanmar Journalists Association, Ms. Matilda Bogner, Regional Representative for South East Asia of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rigths, Ambassadors, governmental representatives, colleagues from international organisations and the United Nations, representatives of civil society, ladies and gentlemen, Mingalabar.

Yangon, 28 October 2012 – A United Nations team led by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ashok Nigam, returned today from a visit to Rakhine State accompanying the Union Minister for Border Affairs, Lt. General Thein Htay. The team went to villages in Myebon, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Ramree and Kyauk Phyu townships. The team saw large scale destruction of houses.

Executive Summary

Instability that started in June 2011 across Kachin and northern Shan states has resulted in displacement, damage of infrastructure and loss of lives and livelihoods. Despite ongoing peace negotiations between parties to the conflict, incidents continue to be reported.

Inter-community conflict in Rakhine State, which started in early June 2012, has resulted in displacement, loss of lives and livelihood. Of the over 100,000 people affected at the beginning of the crisis, many have already returned home, and as of 29 July, official Government statistics indicate that some 64,000 people remain displaced and are accommodated in 61 camps in Sittwe and Maungdaw townships. Population movement continues, and figures are being revised on a weekly basis.

11, June, 2012 Yangon— Due to serious disturbances in Rakhine State and with the declaration of State of Emergency by the President, including curfew in five townships, the UN has decided to temporarily relocate, on a voluntary basis, non-essential international and national UN and partner I/NGO staff and their families.

The UN Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator and Designated Official has requested full Government support for the safety and security of all UN and INGO staff and their families in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Sittwe and for their re-location to Yangon.

Yangon, 30 March 2012. United Nations convoys carrying emergency relief supplies to internally displaced people (IDPs) in two locations affected by the conflict in Kachin State have now returned to base after distributing these items in the IDP camps. “Reaching all IDPs in Kachin with humanitarian assistance is critically important.

This joint effort has been possible through receiving the cooperation of the Government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), as well as our humanitarian partners on the ground,” said Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ashok Nigam.