ICRC chief visits Arakan State to witness dire humanitarian needs

Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 10 September 2024

President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric visited Arakan State as part of her five-day visit to Myanmar  and her visit (from 5 to 9 September) was aimed to witness the dire humanitarian needs in the Arakan region, said an ICRC statement issued on 10 September.

During Mirjana Spoljaric’s visit to Myanmar amidst escalating conflict, violence and worsening humanitarian conditions, she also met with military junta chief senior general Min Aung Hlaing. In the meeting, she discussed ICRC's plans to enhance humanitarian assistance and advocated for greater access to conflict-affected areas.

“We are engaging in bilateral and confidential dialogues with all parties involved in the conflict to remind them of their obligation to respect international humanitarian laws and ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers,” stated Mirjana Spoljaric.

The communities in the conflict-affected areas reportedly face severe challenges in accessing health care, sanitation, clean water, food and shelter.

Despite these challenges, the ICRC team  committed to support the most vulnerable communities, particularly in Shan, Kachin, Arakan, central Myanmar and conflict-affected areas in Chin, Kayah and Kayin States.

“Many families in Myanmar are going without basic medicines and health care, face food shortages and have limited access to clean water and sanitation. They live with the fear of conflict and violence. The disruption of livelihoods is leaving countless people without the means to sustain themselves,” asserted the statement.

The frequent use of high-impact explosive weapons in populated areas was leading to an increase in civilian casualties. It also highlighted that restrictions on the movement of people and goods are limiting access to essential services for many communities, contributing to a shrinking humanitarian space.

Moreover, the breakdown of healthcare services is causing a rise in preventable diseases, while shortages of medical supplies are worsening the suffering of the wounded and chronically ill people.

The ongoing violence forced thousands of families to flee their laces, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

At the end of her visit, the ICRC president called for increased humanitarian access to the civilians in need across Myanmar.

She emphasized on the ICRC's neutral role and its goal of reaching the population most in need.

“The ICRC’s determination to assist the people of Myanmar is unwavering,” said the ICRC chief.

She reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to address the most urgent humanitarian needs in the southeast Asian nation. (Photo- ICRC)