Myanmar Emergency Update (as of 2 October 2023)

KEY DISPLACEMENT FIGURES

95,600 Estimated refugee outflows to neighbouring countries since 1 February 2021

1,124,800 Refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in neighbouring countries as of 30 June 2023

1,670,200 Estimated total internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar, displaced since 1 February 2021

Source: UN in Myanmar

1,976,400 Estimated total internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar as of 2 October 2023

Source: UN in Myanmar

OVERVIEW

In Myanmar, increased armed conflict and monsoon floods continue to trigger new displacement and exacerbate humanitarian needs. According to the UN, over 1.9 million people remain displaced within the country, with 47 townships in the North-West and the South-East still under martial law. Airstrikes, indiscriminate shelling, landmines, widespread arson, forced recruitment and raids on civilian targets, including homes, schools, health facilities, places of worship, as well as villages and internally displaced people (IDP) sites continued. Heavy rains and flooding temporarily displaced thousands, mostly in the North-West and the South-East. Prolonged humanitarian access constraints are impacting the provision of protection and life-saving services and straining the resilience of affected communities.

In Thailand, according to the Royal Thai Government (RTG), as of 2 October, 7,259 refugees were sheltered in five Temporary Safety Areas (TSAs) across three districts (3,790 in Mae Sariang, 821 in Khun Yuam and 2,647 in Mueang) in Mae Hong Son Province. The conflict across the border in Kayah State reportedly subsided in early September and moved further away from the Thai-Myanmar border. In Mae Hong Son, the RTG recorded that a total of 2,673 individuals have returned to Myanmar since July 2023, including 2,130 in September. Further south, following fighting in the Tanintharyi region, the RTG reported 374 new arrivals between 20 and 22 September in Ranong Province who returned to Myanmar on 24 September. Humanitarian access to the TSAs remains limited and is granted on a case-by-case basis.

In India, around 50,600 individuals* from Myanmar’s North-West region have sought protection in the country since February 2021. Of this number, 5,438 individuals are in Delhi and have registered with UNHCR. The number of reported new arrivals to Manipur remains minimal. Due to the changing weather and frequent rains, health problems relating to common colds and fever have been reported among arrivals in the districts of South Mizoram. Community-based organisations (CBOs) and NGOs are facilitating patient referrals to public primary health centres. According to CBOs and humanitarian organizations on the ground, medicine and food are urgent needs.