IDPs in Southern Rakhine Facing Greater Hardships than Those in the North
Arakha Times (November 10, 2024)
In Rakhine State, while intense fighting continues, internally displaced persons (IDPs) in southern regions, such as Gwa, Thandwe, Toungup, and Ann, are reportedly facing greater hardships compared to those in the north, like Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Rathedaung.
In northern Rakhine, the fighting between the military junta and the Arakan Army (AA) has been ongoing for a long time, so there is experience in handling displacement, receiving aid from international organizations, and accessing established refugee camps. However, IDPs in southern Rakhine lack such experience, making displacement more challenging.
Additionally, a displaced person mentioned that they seek shelter in monasteries, dharma halls, meditation centers and schools, but due to ongoing bombings by military aircraft on these places, many are forced to hide in forests under thick tree cover, fearing detection.
“In the northern part of Rakhine, the fighting has been going on for a long time, so their side has become accustomed to it. NGOs and international organizations are providing food aid and supporting other necessities. There are also dedicated refugee camps. In the southern part, the fighting has only just escalated, so there is no experience with such conflict. As a result, people are fleeing to wherever they can. They take refuge in meditation centers, monasteries, and schools. When they take refuge, they are bombed in the meditation centers, the monastic compounds, and even the monasteries. They can’t stay there anymore. The people are now hiding under trees in the forests, in places that can’t be seen by planes. When bombs are dropped on these places like monasteries and meditation centers, they can’t stay there either. There are no camps here. Because of this, life in the southern part of Rakhine is very difficult. The number of displaced people will likely exceed a hundred thousand,” said a displaced person to the Arakha Times.
Many people, including children, have lost their lives due to bombings on places where displaced people have taken refuge. Those who have fled to the forests face health risks, and due to the sounds of aircraft and bombings, elderly people have died from heart attacks, while some have even collapsed from shock. However, there is no medical assistance available for them, it has been reported.
A displaced told Arakha Times, “In Thandwe, a bomb was dropped on the Environment Conservation Office, killing six people, including children, and injuring around 20 others. Then, in the Sasana Bhiman, at least 10 people died, though the exact number is unclear. Similarly, in Khaung Laung Phyu Monastery, people also died, and in Sin Gaung village, there were casualties from bombings at the school. Right now, displaced people are no longer staying in large buildings; they had to leave their homes and came without bringing anything with them. Now that the winter season has set in, it’s colder here, and this area is much colder than other places, especially since there are many mountains. Right now, they are facing significant difficulties because they have no blankets. In areas like Gwa, Toungup, and Ann where fighting is still ongoing, there is no flow of goods. Everything has been cut off. There is also a shortage of medicine. The situation is especially dire for elderly people and children. As a result, there have been many casualties. Some have died from the harsh conditions, while others succumbed due to lack of medicine, health issues, and injuries from bombings, including elderly people with heart problems. There are also those who have collapsed from exhaustion. There is no medical help available.”
For those in northern Rakhine, crowded refugee camps have led to inadequate sanitation, resulting in waterborne and skin diseases. Since the renewal of hostilities between the Arakan Army (AA) and military junta forces in late 2023, the conflict has persisted across northern and southern Rakhine, with almost no break in fighting over the past year.
