Myanmar Emergency Update (as of 1 June 2024)

KEY DISPLACEMENT FIGURES

117,800 Estimated refugee outflows to neighbouring countries since 1 Feb. 2021
1,139,500 Refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in neighbouring countries as of 31 Dec. 2023
2,804,700 Estimated total internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar, displaced since 1 Feb. 2021 Source: UN in Myanmar
3,093,700 Estimated total internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Myanmar as of 27 May 2024 Source: UN in Myanmar

OVERVIEW

Widespread conflict and violence in Myanmar continued to drive displacement and exacerbate needs across multiple states and regions. In May, some 153,400 IDPs were newly displaced, with most living in terrible conditions, lacking adequate shelter, and in need of access to basic services. The humanitarian situation in Rakhine State has been dire, marked by a spike in fighting, underlying inter-communal tensions and heavily restricted access to affected areas. The overall security situation also deteriorated across Chin, Magway, and Sagaing states, Bago Region (East), Tanintharyi Region, Kayah State and Shan State (South), with intense fighting reported. In Kachin State, armed clashes continued, particularly in Waingmaw, Momuak, and Mansi townships. In Kayin State, IDPs returning to their places of origin were exposed to landmine risks. The monsoon season has also compounded the hardships faced by communities, with heavy rain and strong winds causing severe damage, including to IDP shelters, across several townships in Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Shan states. UNHCR, along with protection partners, is actively engaging with all stakeholders to advocate for the protection of civilians and displaced people, ensuring their access to assistance, and securing their freedom of movement.

In Thailand, as of 1 June, no refugees remain in the Temporary Safety Areas (TSAs). The 77 refugees who had been sheltered in Nong Luang TSA in Umphang District returned to Myanmar on 30 May after spending some two months there. In May, over 180 refugees sought temporary refuge in the Poeng Kloeng TSA in Umphang District due to an escalation in fighting. UNHCR was granted access to the TSA although the refugees returned to Myanmar just before the planned assessment mission could take place, leading to the site's closure. Although UNHCR could not monitor the voluntariness of returns, sources cited various reasons for return. This included the cessation of fighting in their villages, encouragement from village leaders to return, and the desire to prepare their land before the start of the rainy season.

Since February 2021, approximately 64,300 people from Myanmar’s North-West region have sought protection in India, with some 6,800 registered with UNHCR in New Delhi. Intensified fighting in Chin and Sagaing regions in May reportedly led to new arrivals crossing into Mizoram. On 12 May, the Chief Minister of Manipur reported the deportation of around 360 of the 5,800 identified "illegal migrants" from Myanmar in Kamjong District and the biometric data of over 5,100 migrants was reportedly collected for future deportation. Special teams were established to monitor and manage arrivals in five border districts. In late May, Cylone Remal caused significant damage in Mizoram and Manipur, exacerbating the humanitarian needs of Myanmar arrivals in Mizoram and Manipur with food, shelter, WASH and health identified as the most critical needs.