Arakanese IDPs in Yangon face numerous hardships

Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News, 31 August 2024

Many Arakanese nationals, who fled the conflict in Arakan State due to violence and arrived in Yangon, are now facing various difficulties including racial discrimination from others.

An Arakanese, who came to Yangon, said that they are experiencing several forms of discrimination including higher house rents. Often they are asked to pay more fees for guest list registration in ward administration offices. They also face other difficulties in various aspects.

"Some people however help them and usually the ordinary civilians don’t discriminate. The real problem lies with the ward administration officers, police station and some landlords. They demand higher rents and charges," added the Arakanese.

In Yangon, the rental costs for residences almost doubled in July and August. It put the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in difficult positions.

A displaced woman informed Narinjara News that the rent for the apartments on 7th and 8th floors used to cost around Kyats 1 to 2 million per month. Now, the rent has risen up to Kyats 3.5 million. For the apartments on the 3rd floor, the rent has increased from Kyats 2 to 5 million.

"The elderly and children can’t manage to reach the upper floors easily and hence the ground floor units become more expensive. We have no choice but to live on the top floor. Some people are even staying in barracks," added the lady.

The  Arakanese people are being charged more for any rental accommodation. Often the  tenants are forced to leave the floors they used live as and when needed. The Yangon house owners also prevent the Arakanese families from getting an apartment.

Other townships like  Kyauk Myaung, Tamwe, Thingangyun and Dawbon are also experiencing increasing house rents.

The Arakanese IDPs in Yangon also face arrest by the junta soldiers. They have little space for jobs in the town. So many of them stay inside to avoid the detention or arrest, but it does not solve their livelihood problems.

Now the  Arakanese IDPs want to leave Yangon and return back home. But they are even facing travel restrictions in the former capital of Myanmar.