KOICA partners with UN agencies in Myanmar to support voluntary return and settlement by displaced people

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has pledged US$4 million to support the voluntary return and settlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kachin State, the northernmost State of Myanmar. 

 This two-year project, from 2024 to 2025, will be implemented by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and their partners. The project will support IDPs who wish to return home or settle elsewhere and bolster their resilience in facing future challenges. 

The project will support over 16,000 IDPs pursuing solutions, and members of neighbouring communities. Its joint activities will enable individuals and communities to benefit from improved access to safe and dignified shelter, community infrastructure, livelihoods, legal services, prevention and response to gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health services and rights, as well as mental health and psychosocial services.

YUN Jiun, KOICA Chief Representative, said: “The current context has further exacerbated the situation of vulnerable internally displaced families. However, we see many of them willing to pursue solutions and needing support to do so. KOICA funded activities, like the ones to be implemented in partnership with UNHCR and UNFPA, will be critical to help these families achieving transitional solutions and strengthen their resilience.”

There are approximately 130,400  IDPs in Kachin State, many of whom have been displaced for more than a decade. While humanitarian needs remain, the vital support in this project from KOICA, UNHCR, UNFPA, and local partners will enable willing and ready IDPs to pursue transitional solutions, strengthen self-reliance, improve their living conditions, and build resilience to future shocks.