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Myanmar

UNICEF Myanmar Humanitarian Situation Report #6 (September 2018)

Attachments

Highlights

  • Over 178,000 children and caregivers have access to UNICEF-supported psycho-social programming through 2018 programming.
  • UNICEF has provided over 15,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women in Rakhine with infant and young child feeding counselling.
  • WASH support continues for over 16,600 IDPs.
  • UNICEF is working with the humanitarian stakeholders to finalize the 2019 Humanitarian Needs Overview and Humanitarian Response Plan.

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

Rakhine
The situation in Rakhine State remains calm but unpredictable as tensions between communities remains high. UNICEF continues to work with the Government of Myanmar and both international and national partners to provide services in all major programme areas. UNICEF also continues to advocate for full and unfettered access as well as a reduction to bureaucratic impediments to the expansion of humanitarian work through the state to affected communities. UNICEF is concerned about the reports from UNHCR and UNDP on the vulnerabilities of communities in the state, noting concerns about restrictions of movement, shrinking access to livelihoods and basic services, as well as the fear and mistrust among communities.

Kachin and Shan
In Kachin and northern Shan states, UNICEF continues to monitor displacement and support response for those displaced in 2018 in addition to the existing caseload of people displaced and in IDP camps or displacement sites since 2011. The situation in Kachin remained calm for three of four weeks in September; however, troop build ups in Hpakant and Mansi townships are a concern. The Government of Myanmar aims to resettle over 300 households from five townships, however many will continue to require humanitarian assistance. UNICEF participated in a UNHCR-led discussion with IDPs regarding their plans; an overwhelming number of IDPs stated their preference to return to their origin areas of origin, several have noted that resettlement may be the best option for the long term.