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Myanmar

Myanmar - Military occupation of IDP camp (DG ECHO Partners, UN OCHA) (ECHO Daily Flash of 09 July 2024)

  • The Myanmar military has been occupying a Rohingya internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Sittwe, the capital of western Rakhine State, since 20 June. Soldiers have reportedly placed landmines around the camp in anticipation of an attack by the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group. Reports indicate that in Rakhine, the Myanmar military is using IDPs as human shields, many of who belong to the stateless Rohingya minority.
  • Across Rakhine State, there are reports of forced recruitment of people, including children, by the Myanmar military and other armed groups. This risks fuelling inter-communal tension and aggravating the humanitarian situation.
  • The military occupation comes amidst an increase in violations of international humanitarian and human rights law Rakhine State, including the indiscriminate aerial bombardment of civilians and civilian objects, burning of civilian homes, attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities, and restrictions on humanitarian access.