August 13, 2024
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) issued a statement on August 11, condemning the increasing violence and rising civilian casualties in Myanmar due to ongoing armed conflicts.
The statement highlighted the alarming situation in Maungdaw, Rakhine State, and Lashio, Shan State, where civilians attempting to flee the fighting have been killed. The UN expressed its deep concern over these incidents, noting that they are part of a broader conflict where millions of civilians are being targeted by the brutal military junta.
UNOCHA urged all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to International Humanitarian Law, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and civilian property. The UN also called for unrestricted access to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.
The deteriorating situation has left 18.6 million people in Myanmar in need of humanitarian aid, including 6 million children. Despite this urgent need, funding for humanitarian assistance in 2024 remains critically low, with only 21% (USD 214 million) of the required USD 994 million secured. The UN report also indicated that 5.3 million people across the country are in need of immediate assistance.
