Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar

The humanitarian community is deeply alarmed by the recent reports of civilian casualties in Rakhine State. On 8 January 2025 an aerial attack in Kyauk Nima Village in Ramree Township reportedly killed over 40 civilians, including children and women, and injured more than 20 people. It is reported that around 500 homes were allegedly destroyed, with children, women, and elderly people among the casualties. Fighting in Rakhine has recently escalated, with civilians paying the highest price of the conflict. Civilians face extreme risks, acute food insecurity and a near total collapse of critical public services. The humanitarian community reiterates our call on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian property, humanitarian workers and supplies, and to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to deliver aid to the most vulnerable.