ECHO Daily Flash

Myanmar - North Rakhine Conflict

published on 04/09/2017

Up to 87 000 new arrivals have been recorded in Bangladesh since 25 August. At least 82 000 are hosted in makeshift settlements and refugee camps, while approximately 4 000 are in host communities. 12 000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists are internally displaced in Myanmar, sheltering in public buildings and receiving assistance from the Government.
Up to 20 000 people are reportedly still stranded at the zero zone along the border, and at least 20 people have drowned attempting to cross the Naf river that separates the two countries. Media sources state that as many as 400 civilians may have been killed during the ongoing security clearance operations and partners are gravely concerned for the estimated up to 400 000 people who remain trapped in active conflict zones without any access to humanitarian assistance.
On the Bangladesh side, humanitarian partners are struggling to cope with the additional caseloads. Clinics have seen increases of up to 40-50 % in the number of patients, some of whom are seriously wounded. The rapid depletion of contingency stocks, in addition to lack of available land and shelter in already over-crowded camps, are concerning given that arrivals are expected to continue at the same pace (approx. 6 000 - 15 000 per day) over the coming days.
Almost all humanitarian activities remain suspended in Rakhine. Increased inter-communal tensions have resulted in alleged pressure from nationalists to avoid supplying INGOs/ UN with fuel, cars and rental of other materials. Intimidation of national INGO/UN staff and looting of some INGO warehouses have been reported.