Myanmar

Myanmar November 2017

A woman sells vegetables in Thae Chaung village, Sittwe Township, Rakhine State. Photo: OCHA

The Humanitarian News Digest is a monthly compilation of links to reports, web stories, press releases, and other public products published online by organizations with humanitarian operations in Myanmar. The content and views expressed in these publications do not necessarily reflect the views of OCHA.

PRESS RELEASES AND STATEMENTS Myanmar: UN experts request exceptional report on situation of women and girls from northern Rakhine State (UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, 28 November 2017)

Myanmar: UN experts request exceptional report on situation of women and girls from northern Rakhine State (OHCHR, 28 November 2017) Over 1,800 Rohingya Refugees Have Arrived in Bangladesh in Past Week as Violence Continues in Myanmar (IOM, 28 November 2017) Japan-UNICEF partnership to benefit over 25,000 school children in Rakhine (UNICEF, 28 November 2017)

World Vision calls for safe, voluntary repatriation of refugees in Bangladesh (World Vision, 25 November 2017)

People fleeing Myanmar for Bangladesh desperate for more support (IFRC, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, 24 November 2017)

Statement on return agreement of refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh (CARE, 24 November 2017) UNHCR – Rohingya refugee returns must meet international standards (UNHCR, 24 November 2017) Rohingya don’t want to go back to Myanmar, and they must not be forced (IRC, 24 November 2017) Statement by HR/VP Federica Mogherini on the signing of a bilateral repatriation agreement between the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh (European Union, 23 November 2017) Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on Myanmar/Burma (European Union, 20 November 2017)

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Kristin Davis calls for urgent action for Rohingya refugee children (UNHCR, 20 November 2017)

Government of Japan Donates US$15 Million to WFP Response to Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh (WFP, 19 November 2017)

Home-made rafts arriving from Myanmar / Refugee population density soaring (UNHCR, 17 November 2017)

U.S. assistance in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh (US Department of State, 16 November 2017)

UN Migration Agency Warns of Trafficking, Labour Exploitation, Sexual Abuse of Rohingya Refugees (IOM, 14 November 2017)

Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H. E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (United Nations, 14 November 2017)

Joint statement: Myanmar Bangladesh emergency appeal launched by Australia’s leading aid agencies (Australian Red Cross, Caritas Australia, CARE, Oxfam, Save the Children, Plan International, UNHCR, World Vision, 11 November 2017)

Rohingya return rests on safety and trust, says UNHCR’s Volker Türk (UNHCR, 7 November 2017) Security Council Presidential Statement Calls on Myanmar to End Excessive Military Force, Intercommunal Violence in Rakhine State (Presidential Statement S/PRST/2017/22) (UN Security Council, 6 November 2017)

Rohingya refugees still fleeing to Bangladesh with crisis in third month (UNHCR, 3 November 2017) Myanmar: Law and order, community trust needed to overcome humanitarian crisis (ICRC, 2 November 2017)

UN Assistant High Commissioner calls for humanitarian access and safe, voluntary repatriation of refugees during Myanmar visit (UNHCR, 1 November 2017)

WEB STORIES AND BLOGS Flood Mock Drill Conducting at Ann Township, Rakhine State (LWF, 23 November 2017) Million arrivals from Myanmar pose increasing humanitarian challenge (IFRC, 22 November 2017) Solar lanterns light perilous path to shared toilets in Myanmar refugee camps (UNFPA, 17 November 2017)

Sustainable emergency sanitation – no longer a pipe dream! (Oxfam, 17 November 2017) How do you build a family when everything has fallen apart, especially when you have new born baby? (Plan International, 17 November 2017) Helping children in camps cope through play (IFRC, 16 November 2017) Rohingya Refugees Struggle to Reach Safety in Bangladesh (MSF, 16 November 2017) ‘Thousands’ of Rohingya waiting to sail to safety in Bangladesh (UNHCR, 2 November 2017)

MAPS AND INFOGRAPHICS Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (21 - 27 November 2017) (UNOCHA, 27 November 2017)

Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (14 - 20 November 2017) (UNOCHA, 20 November 2017)

Resettlement of Myanmar Refugees from Temporary Shelters in Thailand, 31 October 2017 (UNHCR, 20 November 2017)

Myanmar: Maungdaw Township / Rakhine State (Imagery analysis: 1 Oct. 2017 - 11 Nov. 2017 | Published 18 November 2017 | Version 1.0) (UNOST, 18 November 2017) USG Humanitarian Assistance in Rakhine and Bangladesh (USAID, 17 Nov 2017) Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (7 - 13 November 2017) (UNOCHA, 13 November 2017)

Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 Aug 2017 (as of 12 Nov 2017) (UNOCHA, 13 November 2017)

Myanmar: IDP sites in Rakhine State (Sep 2017) (UNOCHA, 8 November 2017) Asia and the Pacific: Weekly Regional Humanitarian Snapshot (31 October - 6 November 2017) (UNOCHA, 6 November 2017)

REPORTS Myanmar Red Cross Society: Community Engagement and Accountability Minimum Standards Commitments and Key Actions (MRCS, 29 November 2017) Burma Complex Emergency Rakhine Crisis Response Fact Sheet #1, Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 (USAID, 17 Nov 2017)

Myanmar: Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 3 2017 | 23 September - 13 November 2017 (UNOCHA, 13 Nov 2017)

Without Borders: Issue 37 October – December 2017 (MSF, 7 November 2017) Burma: Food Assistance Fact Sheet - November 5, 2017 (USAID, 5 Nov 2017)

GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN ISSUES Health and Care for Migrants and Displaced Persons - Case studies from the Asia Pacific region (IFRC, 29 November 2017)

Community stories of resilience building in ASEAN: Strengthening community resilience through peer-to-peer learning (ADB, ASEAN, Government of Canada, Oxfam, Building Resilience and Adaption to Climate Extremes and Disasters, 29 November 2017)

2017 Community Engagement and Accountability – Good practices from around the world (ICRC, IFRC, 27 November 2017)

One Against Disaster and Climate Risks: A Repository of Good Practices for Strengthening DRR and CCA Integration in ASEAN (ASEAN, JICA, 20 November 2017) Education in Emergencies - ECHO Factsheet (European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, 20 November 2017)

ASEAN to implement work plan for disaster risk reduction and climate change (ASEAN, 17 November 2017)

Secretary General Stresses Comprehensive, Preventive Actions against Terrorism, Violent Extremism, in Remarks to Summit with Southeast Asian Nations (United Nations, 13 November 2017) Global Operations Update, November 2017 (WFP, 10 November 2017) Global Climate Risk Index 2018: Who Suffers Most From Extreme Weather Events? Weather-related Loss Events in 2016 and 1997 to 2016 (Germanwatch, 9 November 2017) “This is our home” Stateless minorities and their search for citizenship (UNHCR, 3 November 2017) Statement to the United Nations Security Council, by Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR, 2 November 2017) UNHCR chief urges international leaders to tackle conflicts at the root of today’s global displacement crisis (UNHCR, 2 November 2017) CERF Advisory Group Comes Together in New York and Discusses Future of the Fund (UNOCHA, 1 November 2017)

The Humanitarian News Digest is a monthly compilation of links to reports, web stories, press releases, and other public products published online by organizations with humanitarian operations in Myanmar. The content and views expressed in these publications do not necessarily reflect the views of OCHA.

Humanitarian Bulletin Myanmar Issue 3 2017 | 23 September – 13 November

In this issue Over 600,000 people flee Rakhine State P.1

HIGHLIGHTS

Access restrictions in central Rakhine P.5

 Over 600,000 people flee Rakhine State since 25 August, while access for international

Challenges in aid delivery in Kachin, Shan P.6 Strengthening community resilience P.7 Displaced people with disabilities P.8

organisations inside northern Rakhine remains restricted  Restrictions on humanitarian access in central Rakhine  Challenges in getting aid to displaced people in Kachin and

Over 600,000 people flee Rakhine State: world’s fastest growing refugee crisis

Shan states  Launch of 2017 Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction  Displaced people with disabilities tell their own stories

FIGURES IDPs in Kachin

9,000 129,000

Refugee arrivals in Bangladesh (Oct 2016-Jul 2017) Refugee arrivals in Bangladesh (Oct- 12 Nov 2017)

87,000

616,000

New IDPs in Rakhine (Confirmed by Govt as at 10 Nov)

2,400

FUNDING 2017

150 million requested (US$)

96.8 million received (US$)

64% Funded

A humanitarian crisis continues to unfold on both sides of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. This follows a series of attacks on police posts in northern Rakhine on 25 August by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and subsequent security operations by the Myanmar Military that have resulted in the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis in Bangladesh and new humanitarian needs amongst people remaining in Rakhine.

89,000

IDPs in Shan IDPs in Rakhine since 2012

Refugees continue to arrive in Bangladesh while thousands more remain displaced inside Rakhine State

A total of 616,000 people have fled across the border from northern Rakhine into Bangladesh between 25 August and 12 November, according to the United Nations team in Bangladesh. There have been widespread allegations of attacks on civilians, threats and violence used to drive people out of their homes and other serious human rights violations, including the killing of civilians and largescale burnings of villages in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships. The vast majority of the vulnerable people who are on the move are stateless Muslims who self-identify as Rohingya. The exodus of people from northern Rakhine has slowed in recent weeks but departures continue amid ongoing reports of arson, looting, harassment, loss of livelihoods and limited access to food.

Myanmar Humanitarian Bulletin | 2

Key UN and INGO Statements on Rakhine Security Council Presidential Statement calls on Myanmar to end excessive military force, intercommunal violence in Rakhine State, 6 Nov 2017 Myanmar: Law and order, community trust needed to overcome humanitarian crisis, ICRC 2 Nov 2017 UN Assistant High Commissioner calls for humanitarian access and safe, voluntary repatriation of refugees during Myanmar visit, 1 Nov 2017 Myanmar: UN Security Council must act on Rohingya crisis - UN expert, 26 Oct 2017 Donors pledge over $344 million in response to Rohingya refugee crisis, 23 Oct 2017 USG for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Mark Lowcock: Remarks at the Pledging Conference for the Rohingya Refugee Crisis, 23 Oct 2017 Myanmar/Rakhine: Red Cross reaches tens of thousands despite challenges, 18 Oct 2017 Statement by Adama Dieng, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and Ivan Simonovic, UN Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, on the situation in northern Rakhine state, Myanmar, 18 Oct 2017

Thousands of Muslim people also remain internally displaced or on the move inside northern Rakhine after their villages were burnt to the ground during the recent violence. The authorities have not provided figures on the number of Muslims who remain internally displaced in northern Rakhine and the UN has not been granted access to verify numbers and carry out a comprehensive needs assessment. Reports indicate that there are still thousands of vulnerable, internally displaced people who are waiting along the coast to cross by sea to Bangladesh. Many of them, including women, young children and the elderly, have reportedly been waiting weeks to make the crossing. These people are living in dire conditions and are in poor health and in urgent need An aerial shot shows thousands of refugees crossing the border of humanitarian near Anjuman Para village, Palong Khali, Bangladesh, 16 October 2017. Credit: UNHCR/Roger Arnold assistance. Reports also indicate that many people are resorting to constructing their own makeshift rafts to try and make the crossing, rather than to continue to stay on the beach waiting for boats which reportedly are in limited supply and are becoming increasingly expensive. Some news outlets have also reported that some people are so desperate to leave that they are deciding to swim across the Naf River, clinging to plastic cooking oil containers as floatation devices, putting their lives at risk on these dangerous crossings. The Red Cross Movement is being granted access and is providing some humanitarian assistance, but reports continue to indicate that additional capacity is needed to address the full scope of humanitarian needs in northern Rakhine. The United Nations Secretary-General has called on the authorities in Myanmar to end the violence, allow unhindered humanitarian access and recognize the right of refugees to voluntary return in safety and dignity. He has also called on them to “address the grievances of the Rohingya, whose status has been left unresolved for far too long”. In addition to the affected Muslim population, the Government reported that as of 10 November, 2,420 Rakhine Buddhists and ethnic minority groups such as Mro, Daingnet and Hindu people remained internally displaced. This is down from 26,700 who were initially displaced according to Government figures, the rest having already returned. The Government has reported that it plans to close all the remaining evacuation sites for these people in November.

Humanitarian aid reaches people in northern Rakhine but more is needed The Government continues to authorize humanitarian access for the Red Cross Movement in northern Rakhine. The Red Cross Movement reported that as of 6 November it had distributed emergency items to more than 39,000 people and food to more than 72,000 people since the crisis began and that cash, health and sanitation support is also being provided. In its statement, a Red Cross official said that the Red Cross Movement is doing all that it can to assist people in need but said that it cannot do this alone, referring to the need for other humanitarian organizations to re-engage.

www.unocha.org/myanmar| www.unocha.org United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) • Coordination Saves Lives


Key UN and INGO Statements The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) has also on Rakhine separately dispatched about 80 tonnes of relief items for displaced communities in Rakhine State through the Government’s Relief and Resettlement Department. Note to Correspondents: Visit of Meanwhile, despite strong calls from the UN Secretary-General and other senior UN the United Nations UnderSecretary-General for Political officials for unhindered Affairs to Myanmar, 18 Oct humanitarian access, the 2017 Government continues to impose restrictions on the Under-Secretary-General for movements of staff from the Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, UN and INGOs in northern Mr. Mark Lowcock Remarks at Rakhine. Although most UN and INGO staff have not yet Member States briefing following his mission to been authorized to resume Bangladesh, 16 Oct 2017 humanitarian activities in northern Rakhine, some Joint Statement on the agencies are being permitted Rohingya Refugee Crisis, 16 to carry out specific activities. Oct 2017 In Rathedaung township, the Refugees from northern Rakhine arrive near the village of Anjuman UN World Food Programme Brutal attacks on Rohingya Para in Cox’s Bazar district, south-east Bangladesh after spending (WFP) has managed to meant to make their return four days stranded at the Myanmar border. 19 October 2017. almost impossible – UN human deliver food assistance to Credit: UNHCR/Roger Arnold vulnerable people in some rights report, 11Oct 2017 areas, including the five remaining Muslim villages which have become isolated and UN Migration Director General remain vulnerable. In late October, WFP was granted permission to re-start food Warns of Increasing Reports of distributions in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships. In early November, WFP resumed Violent Sexual Assaults Against distributions initially targeting 36,000 people. WFP coordinates with the government and Rohingya, 27 Sept 2017 Red Cross Movement to avoid overlaps with their own distributions. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is providing some support, channeled through the Ministry of Health. Statement of INGOs in Other UN staff based in northern Rakhine are still not being allowed to move outside of Myanmar, 27 Sept 2017 Maungdaw town. As a result of the overall limitations on access, it has not been possible for the UN to conduct an independent comprehensive needs assessment in northern Myanmar: UN experts condemn Rakhine. ongoing persecution of Rohingya in Rakhine State, 27 The Government continues to report on distribution of food and other relief supplies by Sept 2017 Government authorities in northern Rakhine, but the UN does not have comprehensive information on this. With thousands of acres of rice paddies having been abandoned by UNHCR Chief calls for stepped- farmers who fled their homes in the period after 25 August, the looming rice harvest is an up support for Rohingya issue of particular concern. The Government has reportedly started to harvest 45,000 Refugees, thanks Bangladesh acres of abandoned rice paddies in northern Rakhine. To make this possible, the for keeping borders open, 25 Agricultural Mechanization Department has brought in harvesting machines and workers Sept 2017 from other areas. The Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine released a statement on 12 November saying that the harvest South-East Asian Nations proceeds would be returned to their owners either as cash or in kind. Should Intensify Action, Humanitarian Relief for Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Myanmar, Secretary-General Says, Pledging Support to Help Development in Rakhine On 17 October, the Myanmar Government announced the establishment of a new “Union Resolve Crisis in Rakhine State, 23 Sept 2017 Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine”. According to the Government, the aim of the entity is to support cooperation between the Union Government, the people, private sector, local NGOs, CSOs, partner nations, UN agencies and INGOs in the implementation of projects across all sectors for the development of Rakhine state. The Union Enterprise will focus on provision of humanitarian aid, coordination of resettlement and rehabilitation efforts, regional development and efforts to achieve durable peace. According to the State Counsellor’s www.unocha.org/myanmar| www.unocha.org United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) • Coordination Saves Lives


Office, a total of 17 billion MMK (US$13 million) has already been donated by the private sector.

Visit of the State Counsellor to northern Rakhine

The final report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State recommends the following: “The Government of Myanmar should ensure full and unimpeded humanitarian access – for both national and international staff – at all times and to all communities in Rakhine State”.

On 2 November, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited Rakhine. During the daylong visit, which included visits to villages in northern Rakhine, she met with representatives of Muslim and Rakhine Buddhist communities, as well as minority ethnic groups. According to media reports, in her meetings, she stated that the Government will provide humanitarian assistance and support the rule of law for the benefit of all communities. According to the Global New Light of Myanmar, the State Counsellor used the visit to urge people to cooperate in reconstruction and resettlement efforts. She stressed the need to provide aid and cash systematically, pledging that the government will also provide healthcare services and security. The Global New Light of Myanmar reported that her visit included an inspection of a camp site where returnees from Bangladesh would be temporarily accommodated. After visiting northern Rakhine, the State Counsellor, in her capacity as chair of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine Committee, held a meeting with authorities in Sittwe, urging them to solve the Rakhine issue through diplomatic efforts, reconstruction/development and a focus on security.

Agreements on refugee returns from Bangladesh The governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh are involved in an ongoing bilateral dialogue to agree on the voluntary repatriation of the refugees. A joint working group will reportedly be formed by late November. UNHCR has not been asked to participate in the discussion at this stage. UNHCR’s involvement would help ensure the return of the refugees is conditioned to key international principles of voluntariness, safety and dignity being met. On October 31, UNHCR held a workshop on voluntary repatriation jointly with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. The Minister of Social Welfare, Minister of The newly constructed Kutupalong extension site, as seen from the air, Labour, Immigration where new arrivals of refugees from Myanmar have been relocated, 30 October 2017. Credit: Credit: UNHCR/Roger Arnold and Population and various other senior officials attended, including the Chair of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Relief and Development. The event took place to provide participants with a better understanding of the international standards guiding voluntary repatriation, as well as UNHCR’s role in the process.



More than 150 Sittwebased national staff are still not able to resume their humanitarian work in camps and villages

Continued humanitarian needs in IDP camps and villages in central Rakhine Access constraints create public health and protection risks in IDP camps In central Rakhine, humanitarian organizations have been facing numerous access constraints which have severely interrupted or stopped the delivery of life-saving services in both camps and villages. While the difficulties continue, there have recently been some improvements, particularly in the case of food distributions and delivery of health services. In October, for the first time since July, WFP reached 119,000 people with food, using Government logistics support. This included 24,000 pregnant or lactating women, adolescent girls and malnourished children under the age of five. The November cycle of WFP distributions in central Rakhine has also commenced. However, the overall approvals process for national and international humanitarian workers remains slow and unpredictable and is resulting in vulnerable people missing out on some vital support, including nutrition treatment and sanitation services. Restrictions on humanitarian access are creating public health and protection risks, particularly in camps, where Muslim displaced people, who have been facing severe movement restrictions for the last five years, are heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance for their survival. As of 13 November, there were more than 150 Sittwe-based national staff not able to go to the camps or villages due to lack of permissions to work outside Sittwe town. In addition, 27 international staff no longer have the necessary authorizations to go to the camps and villages.

Increased isolation of villages in Minbya, Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw

Muslims in villages in central Rakhine are facing increased movement, labour and trade restrictions

As a result of increased inter-communal tensions since 25 August, Muslim people in townships such as Minbya, Mrauk-U and Kyauktaw in central Rakhine have been facing greater movement, labour and trade restrictions than ever before. These constraints are mostly informal, with local community leaders putting intense pressure on Rakhine people not to do business with Muslim communities. There have been threats of fines or other punishments for breaches of these instructions. The situation has been particularly serious in Minbya, where Muslim people are facing extreme difficulties in finding ways to work, fish, buy or sell items at local markets, or access other services. Muslims in Minbya report that they have been skipping meals A Muslim woman with her children in Minbya Township, Rakhine, and selling livestock and October 2017. Credit: OCHA/Htet Htet Oo household items to overcome increasing indebtedness and food shortfalls. Recently, however, there have been indications that Muslims will be permitted to move around more and work during the upcoming rice harvest in November. Local communities here normally rely on Muslim labour during the rice harvest.



Resumption of the citizenship verification exercise In early October, the authorities re-initiated their engagement with the Muslim community on the citizenship verification exercise. Communities have been informed that they will not be able to apply for or renew fishing licenses or engage in other business activities without receiving an Identity Card for National Verification, a document necessary for applying for citizenship. This decision affects some 5,000 Muslim fishermen and their families living in the rural areas around Sittwe and potentially a much larger number of Muslim people who rely on the fishing industry or trade.

Restrictions on humanitarian access are affecting both the quantity and quality of assistance and protection services

Ongoing humanitarian needs in Kachin and Shan states Humanitarian workers face increased access constraints Over the last year, there has been a dramatic deterioration in the amount of access granted by the Government for humanitarian workers in Kachin and Shan states, despite the fact that there are about 100,000 internally displaced people in these areas as a result of the ongoing armed conflict. Most UN agencies and international NGO staff have not had access to areas beyond Government control – where about 40 per cent of displaced people are located – since May 2016. Even in Government-controlled areas, new restrictions on humanitarian access have been introduced, with humanitarian staff of many organizations still not being permitted to travel to IDP sites outside urban areas and with continued long processing times for international staff Travel Authorizations.

The 2017 Myanmar Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction lays out the Government’s longterm vision for building disaster resilience by 2030

Although local organizations continue to have access to most areas and are providing assistance to displaced people, these organizations are also facing increasing difficulties in carrying out their work. The restrictions on humanitarian access are affecting both the quantity and quality of assistance and protection services to displaced and other vulnerable people. Humanitarian staff have been facing difficulties doing monitoring and providing protection services and support, including to for people with special needs. Other areas of humanitarian response are A displaced woman in a camp for displaced people in Muse also affected, including Town, northern Shan, October 2017. Credit: OCHA/Eva Modvig emergency education support for students, repairs and maintenance of shelters and other camp infrastructure, such as water and sanitation facilities. Newly displaced families have been left without proper shelter or protection from harsh weather for extended periods of time. Delivery of items such as warm clothes and blankets to vulnerable people including children have often been delayed, and distributions of emergency shelter items, blankets, clothes and other non-food items have in some cases not been permitted in areas beyond Government control. Without improved humanitarian access, many vulnerable people, including women, children and elderly people, will not get the assistance and protection they need.



Web links to new OCHA resources: Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 August 2017 (as of 9 Nov 2017) Myanmar Humanitarian News Digest, Oct 2017 Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 August 2017 (as of 19 Oct 2017) Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 August 2017 (as of 5 Oct 2017) Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 August 2017 (as of 1 Oct 2017) Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 August 2017 (as of 28 Sept 2017) Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 August 2017 (as of 26 Sept 2017) Myanmar: Displacement from Rakhine after 25 August 2017 (as of 24 Sept 2017) Myanmar: IDP Sites in Kachin and Northern Shan states, Sept 2017 Myanmar: IDP Sites in Rakhine State, Sept 2017 Myanmar: Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 2, June22 Sept 2017

Launch of 2017 Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction Strengthening the resilience of communities On 9 October, the Government launched its 2017 Myanmar Action Plan on Disaster Risk Reduction. This lays out the Government’s long-term vision for building disaster resilience by 2030. The five-year Action Plan covers natural hazards and human-made disasters, with an approach focusing on managing risk rather than disasters. The Plan requires strong cooperation and coordination among Government departments, development organizations, the private sector and communities to address risks in Myanmar, while also ensuring that the targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction are met. Recognizing the importance of strengthening disaster resilience, the Government of Myanmar, together with the UN, local and international NGOs, civil society organizations, community based organizations and the private sector, are working to build resilient communities by sharing knowledge of disaster preparedness and management. Disaster Management Committees have been formed from the national to the community level to educate people about disaster risks, better prepare for disasters in Officials from RRD provide community-level disaster risk reduction and order to save lives, and disaster preparedness training in Mandalay Region, which is affected by floods every year. September 2017. Credit: RRD to mitigate the impacts of disasters. Myanmar is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. It is vulnerable to different hazards including cyclones, earthquakes, floods, landslides, drought and forest fires. The 2018 Index for Risk Management (INFORM), which identifies the countries at a high risk of humanitarian crisis, ranks Myanmar at 12 out of 191 countries globally and the country is listed in the top four countries that are exposed to natural disasters. In recent years, Myanmar has been affected by severe cyclones, strong earthquakes and devastating floods. In 2015, almost 1.7 million people were temporarily displaced or evacuated due to floods and landslides, while almost half a million people had to leave their homes due to flooding in 2016, according to the Myanmar Relief and Resettlement Department (RRD). This year, RRD reported that 13 out of 14 states and regions were affected by floods, with more than 330,000 people temporarily displaced between July and the end of October.



Displaced people with disabilities tell their own stories UNHCR photo story project in Kachin aims to empower displaced people with disabilities Persons with a disability are disproportionately affected in situations of risk and in humanitarian emergencies

For further information, please contact: Eva Modvig Public Information and Reports Officer Email: [email protected] Tel. (+95) 979 700 7821

Persons with a disability are disproportionately affected in situations of risk and in humanitarian emergencies. They face multiple barriers in accessing protection and humanitarian assistance. They are also particularly exposed to targeted violence, exploitation and abuse, including sexual and gender-based violence. To increase awareness and understanding of the situation of displaced people with disability, in August this year, UNHCR worked with the Photo Doc Association to provide a 10day professional training on photo story telling for a group of people with a physical and/or mental Tun Lum, who is partially deaf and suffered from polio as a child, earns a disability and their small income by cutting or styling hair for members of the IDP community caregivers in Man Hkring in the camp where he lives in Kachin. La San Nan/UNHCR and Shwe Zet IDP camps in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State. The project aimed to empower displaced people with disabilities by giving them the skills, confidence and opportunity to tell their own stories, using their own images and words, and to advocate for their own needs. The project also involved caregivers and frontline humanitarian workers to raise awareness of disability and the challenges associated with it. Stories include a young man, Tu Lum, who is partially deaf and has less mobility due to having polio as a child, talking about the comfortable life he had before he became displaced, his difficulties making a living in the camp and his hopes for the future. Another story is about of Bawk Seng, a 9-year-old girl suffering from a facial paralysis, who tells us about her life at school, her close relationship with her mother and her hopes of becoming a doctor.

Pierre Peron Public Information Officer Email: [email protected] Tel. (+95) 979 700 7815

OCHA Humanitarian Bulletins are available at: www.unocha.org/Myanmar www.unocha.org www.reliefweb.int

For most of the participants, this was the first time they ever had an opportunity to receive training and, more importantly, they said this was the first time they felt their voice was “heard”. UNHCR plans to replicate this project in other IDP camps in Kachin. The aim is to continue raising awareness of the specific needs of people with a disability who are living in IDP camps, and of the potential of these people, particularly when they are given some support.

United Nations OCHA Myanmar Facebook www.facebook.com/OCHA Myanmar OCHA Myanmar Twitter www.twitter.com/ochamya nmar


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Myanmar: Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 3 2017 | 23 September - 13 November 2017 - Myanmar | ReliefWeb

Myanmar: Humanitarian Bulletin, Issue 3 2017 | 23 September - 13 November 2017 Report from UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Published on 13 Nov 2017

Download PDF (1.21 MB) HIGHLIGHTS Over 600,000 people flee Rakhine State since 25 August, while access for international organisations inside northern Rakhine remains restricted Restrictions on humanitarian access in central Rakhine Challenges in getting aid to displaced people in Kachin and Shan states Launch of 2017 Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction Displaced people with disabilities tell their own stories FIGURES IDPs in Kachin 89,000 IDPs in Shan 9,000 IDPs in Rakhine since 2012 129,000 Refugee arrivals in Bangladesh (Oct 2016-Jul 2017) 87,000 Refugee arrivals in Bangladesh (Oct- 12 Nov 2017) 616,000 New IDPs in Rakhine (Confirmed by Govt as at 10 Nov) 2,400 Over 600,000 people flee Rakhine State: world’s fastest growing refugee crisis Refugees continue to arrive in Bangladesh while thousands more remain displaced inside Rakhine State A humanitarian crisis continues to unfold on both sides of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. This follows a series of attacks on police posts in northern Rakhine on 25 August by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and subsequent security operations by the Myanmar Military that have resulted in the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis in Bangladesh and new humanitarian needs amongst people remaining in Rakhine. A total of 616,000 people have fled across the border from northern Rakhine into Bangladesh between 25 August and 12 November, according to the United Nations team in Bangladesh. There have been widespread allegations of attacks on civilians, threats and violence used to drive people out of their homes and other serious human rights violations, including the killing of civilians and largescale burnings of villages in Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships. The vast majority of the vulnerable people who are on the move are stateless Muslims who self-identify as Rohingya. The exodus of people from northern Rakhine has slowed in recent weeks but departures continue amid ongoing reports of arson, looting, harassment, loss of livelihoods and limited access to food.

https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/myanmar-humanitarian-bulletin-issue-3-2017-23-september-13-november-2017

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Thousands of Muslim people also remain internally displaced or on the move inside northern Rakhine after their villages were burnt to the ground during the recent violence. The authorities have not provided figures on the number of Muslims who remain internally displaced in northern Rakhine and the UN has not been granted access to verify numbers and carry out a comprehensive needs assessment. Reports indicate that there are still thousands of vulnerable, internally displaced people who are waiting along the coast to cross by sea to Bangladesh. Many of them, including women, young children and the elderly, have reportedly been waiting weeks to make the crossing. These people are living in dire conditions and are in poor health and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Reports also indicate that many people are resorting to constructing their own makeshift rafts to try and make the crossing, rather than to continue to stay on the beach waiting for boats which reportedly are in limited supply and are becoming increasingly expensive. Some news outlets have also reported that some people are so desperate to leave that they are deciding to swim across the Naf River, clinging to plastic cooking oil containers as floatation devices, putting their lives at risk on these dangerous crossings. The Red Cross Movement is being granted access and is providing some humanitarian assistance, but reports continue to indicate that additional capacity is needed to address the full scope of humanitarian needs in northern Rakhine. The United Nations Secretary-General has called on the authorities in Myanmar to end the violence, allow unhindered humanitarian access and recognize the right of refugees to voluntary return in safety and dignity. He has also called on them to “address the grievances of the Rohingya, whose status has been left unresolved for far too long”. In addition to the affected Muslim population, the Government reported that as of 10 November, 2,420 Rakhine Buddhists and ethnic minority groups such as Mro, Daingnet and Hindu people remained internally displaced. This is down from 26,700 who were initially displaced according to Government figures, the rest having already returned. The Government has reported that it plans to close all the remaining evacuation sites for these people in November. Humanitarian aid reaches people in northern Rakhine but more is needed The Government continues to authorize humanitarian access for the Red Cross Movement in northern Rakhine. The Red Cross Movement reported that as of 6 November it had distributed emergency items to more than 39,000 people and food to more than 72,000 people since the crisis began and that cash, health and sanitation support is also being provided. In its statement, a Red Cross official said that the Red Cross Movement is doing all that it can to assist people in need but said that it cannot do this alone, referring to the need for other humanitarian organizations to re-engage. The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) has also separately dispatched about 80 tonnes of relief items for displaced communities in Rakhine State through the Government’s Relief and Resettlement Department. Meanwhile, despite strong calls from the UN Secretary-General and other senior UN officials for unhindered humanitarian access, the Government continues to impose restrictions on the movements of staff from the UN and INGOs in northern Rakhine. Although most UN and INGO staff have not yet been authorized to resume humanitarian activities in northern Rakhine, some agencies are being permitted to carry out specific activities. In Rathedaung township, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has managed to deliver food assistance to vulnerable people in some areas, including the five remaining Muslim villages which have become isolated and remain vulnerable. In late October, WFP was granted permission to re-start food distributions in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships. In early November, WFP resumed distributions initially targeting 36,000 people. WFP coordinates with the government and Red Cross Movement to avoid overlaps with their own distributions. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is providing some support, channeled through the Ministry of Health. Other UN staff based in northern Rakhine are still not being allowed to move outside of Maungdaw town. As a result of the overall limitations on access, it has not been possible for the UN to conduct an independent comprehensive needs assessment in northern Rakhine. The Government continues to report on distribution of food and other relief supplies by Government authorities in northern Rakhine, but the UN does not have comprehensive information on this. With thousands of acres of rice paddies having been abandoned by farmers who fled their homes in the period after 25 August, the looming rice harvest is an issue of particular concern. The Government has reportedly started to harvest 45,000 acres of abandoned rice paddies in northern Rakhine. To make this possible, the Agricultural Mechanization Department has brought in harvesting machines and workers from other areas. The Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine released a statement on 12 November saying that the harvest proceeds would be returned to their owners either as cash or in kind. Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/myanmar-humanitarian-bulletin-issue-3-2017-23-september-13-november-2017

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On 17 October, the Myanmar Government announced the establishment of a new “Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine”. According to the Government, the aim of the entity is to support cooperation between the Union Government, the people, private sector, local NGOs, CSOs, partner nations, UN agencies and INGOs in the implementation of projects across all sectors for the development of Rakhine state. The Union Enterprise will focus on provision of humanitarian aid, coordination of resettlement and rehabilitation efforts, regional development and efforts to achieve durable peace. According to the State Counsellor’s Office, a total of 17 billion MMK (US$13 million) has already been donated by the private sector. Visit of the State Counsellor to northern Rakhine On 2 November, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited Rakhine. During the daylong visit, which included visits to villages in northern Rakhine, she met with representatives of Muslim and Rakhine Buddhist communities, as well as minority ethnic groups. According to media reports, in her meetings, she stated that the Government will provide humanitarian assistance and support the rule of law for the benefit of all communities. According to the Global New Light of Myanmar, the State Counsellor used the visit to urge people to cooperate in reconstruction and resettlement efforts. She stressed the need to provide aid and cash systematically, pledging that the government will also provide healthcare services and security. The Global New Light of Myanmar reported that her visit included an inspection of a camp site where returnees from Bangladesh would be temporarily accommodated. After visiting northern Rakhine, the State Counsellor, in her capacity as chair of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine Committee, held a meeting with authorities in Sittwe, urging them to solve the Rakhine issue through diplomatic efforts, reconstruction/development and a focus on security. Agreements on refugee returns from Bangladesh The governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh are involved in an ongoing bilateral dialogue to agree on the voluntary repatriation of the refugees. A joint working group will reportedly be formed by late November. UNHCR has not been asked to participate in the discussion at this stage. UNHCR’s involvement would help ensure the return of the refugees is conditioned to key international principles of voluntariness, safety and dignity being met. On October 31, UNHCR held a workshop on voluntary repatriation jointly with the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. The Minister of Social Welfare, Minister of Labour, Immigration and Population and various other senior officials attended, including the Chair of the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Relief and Development. The event took place to provide participants with a better understanding of the international standards guiding voluntary repatriation, as well as UNHCR’s role in the process. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit http://unocha.org/. Primary country Myanmar Other countries Bangladesh Content format: Situation Report Language: English Theme: Disaster Management Education Food and Nutrition Health Protection and Human Rights Shelter and Non-Food Items Water Sanitation Hygiene Vulnerable groups: Aged Persons https://reliefweb.int/report/myanmar/myanmar-humanitarian-bulletin-issue-3-2017-23-september-13-november-2017

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Myanmar: Law and order, community trust needed to overcome humanitarian crisis | International Committee of the Red Cross

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INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS

Myanmar: Law and order, community trust needed to overcome humanitarian crisis Statement

02 NOVEMBER 2017

A mother carries her child from Rakhine to Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh / ICRC

Statement by Dominik Stillhart, director of global operations for the ICRC, on the humanitarian situation in Myanmar: Fear and uncertainty hover over victims of the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where insecurity has shattered lives and destroyed homes. Following the violence and fear of violence that have driven residents to flee their homes, all communities are now su ering from severe shock. It feels dangerous to move, so people stay in place, meaning limited access to schools, farm fields, markets and health care.

https://www.icrc.org/en/document/myanmar-law-and-order-community-trust-needed-overcome-humanitarian-crisis

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How can families move forward? To overcome the overwhelming fear they feel, to halt the flow over the border and to reach the point where families consider returning home, trust must be rebuilt at all levels between communities, so that they may peacefully co-exist. People in Rakhine State have su ered from decades of underdevelopment, poverty, and intercommunal violence. If cyclical violence is to be halted, communities' grievances must be addressed. Though hundreds of thousands are now in need, the long-term solution is not a reflexive overreliance on humanitarian assistance, but the long-term restoration of law and order. Public services such as health care must be restored. Equally important, people must be assured that if conflict does return, those not taking part in hostilities will be protected. Even with the beginning of a return of legal order, a dark cloud still hangs overhead, a collective feeling that tomorrow might not be better than today. People don't know where to go or what to do, unknowns that delay a resumption of normal life. Order in northern Rakhine, order that lasts long into the future, must be brought back. Communities have to be encouraged to exercise restraint, and the safety of civilians and property must be insured. Leaders at all levels, including inside the government and security forces, have a key role to play. Too many people who have left their homes are living in wretched conditions: a piece of plastic above their heads, the muddy ground beneath their feet, be it in neighbouring Bangladesh, for the majority, or within Rakhine State. Some are now returning home, but many remain fearful. Humanitarian access to northern Rakhine has been limited since the crisis began, but it is commendable that the Red Cross Movement has been given access. We encourage authorities to facilitate the work of humanitarians, as the Red Cross family alone cannot meet the massive needs. The Red Cross Movement is distributing food to 180,000 people in northern Rakhine – chickpeas, rice and cans of fish. We have already delivered aid to communities in isolated mountain areas, and we distributed food and water to more than 5,000 destitute people trapped in desperate conditions on beaches near Maungdaw. Latrines we have dug make life healthier and more dignified. Mosquito nets we have handed out allow mothers and fathers to protect their children. The Red Cross Movement will not be there only for the emergency phase we are currently in, but also for the rehabilitation phase, so that we can contribute to the e orts at resuming normal life. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/myanmar-law-and-order-community-trust-needed-overcome-humanitarian-crisis

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The assistance will help in the short-run. But we also have a long-term hope: reliable law and order and a peaceful co-existence among communities, so residents no longer live in fear. For further information please contact: Sanela Bajrambasic, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 217 32 17 Ewan Watson, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 244 64 70

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https://www.icrc.org/en/document/myanmar-law-and-order-community-trust-needed-overcome-humanitarian-crisis

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