Donate 
30 June 2020
As international humanitarian organisations working with communities throughout
Rakhine State, we express deep concern for all those affected by the upsurge in
fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar Military in northern Rakhine
State. This area in and around the Kyauk Tan village tract is home to more than
10,000 people and local sources report many are fleeing from their homes while others
are trapped and unable to leave. We are deeply concerned by reports of burning
villages, indiscriminate fire, and the arbitrary detention of civilians.
We urge all actors to protect civilians, exercise restraint and prevent the further
escalation of conflict. Parties to the conflict must ensure full adherence to international
humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. The Government must uphold the
human rights of all civilians within Rakhine and Chin States.
We see first-hand the impact months of escalating fighting in Rakhine and Chin States
is having on populations living in these areas. These latest operations will likely cause
greater hunger, displacement and human suffering at a time when populations are
dealing with COVID-19 and heavy rains from the monsoon season. Many children are
at risk due to fighting and unable to attend school. Further, given that many farmers
are now displaced during planting season, the recent escalation of fighting is further
likely to negatively impact the long-term food security and livelihoods of impacted
communities. Humanitarian access is already extremely limited and assistance is
simply not able to reach many of the most impacted communities.
We call for unfettered access for humanitarian actors and their partners so that they
can independently asses needs and provide comprehensive assistance and protection
to affected communities. Unfettered access to all areas of Rakhine and Chin States
for independent third parties, including journalists and human rights observers, should
also be granted as soon as possible.
Many INGOs are working in Rakhine and Chin, often in partnership with national and
local organizations, to provide humanitarian relief and development assistance and
deliver aid based only on need. We abide by the regulations administered by the
Government of Myanmar in relation to the provision of assistance, and coordinate with
Union and State Governments as well as civil society and local communities most
affected by the conflict. We adhere to humanitarian principles of independence,
neutrality and impartiality.
We reiterate our earlier message to all parties to conflict to heed the call by the UN
Secretary-General for a global ceasefire, extending to all parts of Myanmar without
exceptions, to enable the protection of civilians and support efforts to prevent and
respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to evolve in Myanmar.
END
Signatories
Action Aid Myanmar
Action Contre La Faim
Arche Nova
CARE International
Christian Aid
Danish Refugee Council
Humanity and Inclusion
International Rescue Committee
Lutheran World Federation
MA-UK
Malteser International
Mercy Corps
Norwegian Refugee Council
Oxfam International
Plan International
Relief International
Save the Children
Solidarités International
World Vision