Myanmar's Displacement Crisis Reaches Grim Milestone
The number of people displaced by ongoing conflict in Myanmar has surpassed a staggering 3 million, marking a bleak milestone for the nation. This figure represents a 50% increase in displacement within the past six months alone, driven by escalating clashes between the military and armed groups seeking to overthrow the junta that seized power in February 2021.
"Myanmar has this week marked a bleak milestone, with more than 3 million civilians now displaced nationwide amid intensifying conflict," the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar stated.
The deepening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the military takeover and subsequent conflicts, has forced record numbers of people to flee their homes in search of safety. Over 90% of the 3 million internally displaced persons were displaced as a direct result of the coup-related fighting.
Myanmar's descent into turmoil began when Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seized control from Aung San Suu Kyi's democratically elected government, sparking widespread protests that evolved into an armed uprising met with deadly force from the military.
Recent weeks have seen intensified clashes between the military and ethnic Karen groups vying for control of Myawaddy, a crucial trade corridor on the Thai border.
This escalating violence has left 18.6 million people in Myanmar in dire need of humanitarian assistance, representing a 1 million increase from 2023. However, efforts to reach those in need are severely hampered by a critical lack of funding. The UN has received less than 5% of the required funding for humanitarian activities.
With the cyclone season approaching, the UN urges for immediate additional resources to protect the most vulnerable and save lives. Last year, UN human rights chief Volker Turk accused the military of obstructing life-saving humanitarian aid by imposing a complex web of legal, regulatory, and financial barriers.
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