Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 4th Nov. UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Friday has said that Myanmar witnessed a sharp escalation in fighting between the military and opposition groups which resulted in new displacements.
According to the OCHA clashes intensified on Sunday and continued significantly impacting northeast and southeast Myanmar and forcing over 48,000 people from their homes, amid rising needs.
There are reports that an alliance of three rebel groups seized towns in the country’s north, overrunning and occupying over 90 army outposts. The military has reportedly acknowledged the loss of at least three towns, OCHA stated.
OCHA reported that vital transport links connecting northern Shan to China had been obstructed by the Myanmar Armed Forces and Ethic Armed Organization checkpoints.
It noted that one critical bridge had been destroyed, with numerous places in northern Shan, eastern Bago and Kayin states facing “extensive disruptions” in mobile data and telecommunications.
According to flash update, 13 civilians, including children, lost their lives in the fighting in various locations, and 2 died after they were unable to access emergency medical services. Several have been injured.
According to OCHA, in northern Shan state, faith-based organizations and host communities are delivering immediate assistance, including shelter, food, drinking water, hygiene supplies and non-food items.
It stressed that people newly displaced since 27 October are seeking refuge in religious compounds and few are known to have entered pre-existing Internally Displaced Persons sites.
OCHA underscored the need for secure and unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver timely assistance.
It added that disrupted telecommunications, particularly in northern Shan, is hindering relief work.
“Ongoing hostilities, coupled with the existence of checkpoints, road closures, and structural damage to bridges, are severely restricting the ability of humanitarian agencies to reach affected people, conduct verification of needs, and transport vital supplies,” it said.
Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said that the human rights crisis in the country “is bad and is getting exponentially worse”.
He described the situation inMyanmar ‘ no one is safe.’
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