Myanmar Emergency Update (as of 31 July 2023)

HIGHLIGHTS

According to the UN, an estimated 1,927,200 internally displaced people (IDPs) were reported across the country, including 1,599,200 displaced after 1 February 2021.

In the North-West, displacements continued following frequent airstrikes and arson attacks. Some 48,000 cyclone-affected people still require humanitarian assistance with urgent repairs needed on over 9,000 damaged or destroyed shelters. In Chin, Magway and Sagaing, humanitarian access became increasingly difficult due to the escalating conflict.

In Rakhine and Chin (South) States, 150,000 shelters remained in poor condition in Rakhine State after Cyclone Mocha. Explosive remnants of war and debris as well as saltwater contamination and poor drainage and sanitation are immediate challenges that have elevated the risk of malaria and waterborne illnesses such as dengue and acute watery diarrhea in several Townships.

In Kachin and Shan (North), persistent clashes saw many people flee their homes in search of safety within Kayah State or across the Thai border, leaving many at heightened risk of indiscriminate attacks and shelling, arbitrary arrest and abduction. Access to basic services, including healthcare and education, was extremely limited for new IDPs. Food security was another significant concern with access to livelihood areas reduced due to movement restrictions imposed by armed actors, concerns that farmland had been contaminated with unexploded ordnance as well as fears of forced recruitment.

In the South-East, clashes, airstrikes and indiscriminate and targeted shelling were reported in Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Shan (South) States and Bago (East) and Tanintharyi Regions. The destruction of civilian infrastructure in villages and IDP sites, including homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship, continued to be pervasive. The alleged use of civilians as human shields in Kayin and Mon States and Tanintharyi Region have also been reported.