Rakhine Parliament speaker requests ICRC for helps to IDP returnees

Tun Khaing
Narinjara News, 5 December 2020

Ms Wendy Fleury, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sittwe office, met
with the Rakhine State Parliament speaker U San Kyaw Hla to discuss the situation of the displaced
population in Rakhine.

Rakhine State Hluttaw vice-speaker U Mya Than informed that the ICRC chief had requested a meeting
with U San Kyaw Hla. Besides U San Kyaw Hla and U Mya Than, Pyithu Hluttaw member Daw Khin Saw
Wai from Rathedaung township was also present on the occasion.

IDPs now start returning to their homes, as the situation turns peaceful. Many houses were destroyed
and they will need new accommodations once they return to their villages. Presently, they are in need
of food items and adequate drinking water,” he added.

Ms Wendy Fleury stated that the ICRC office in Sittwe has been supporting the displaced communities
since the beginning of the conflict and is committed to continue assisting the communities affected by
the conflict, including during their return process. One of the main concerns is the risk of weapon
contamination; ICRC will continue to raise awareness amongst displaced communities.

“During the meeting, the ICRC head explained about the support to the IDPs. She also expressed her
sorrow with the shooting down of a motorboat heading Rathedaung Township last month,” he
narrated.

Meanwhile, the Rakhine speaker thanked the ICRC for all assistances to the IDPs and urged to continue
the mission.

Currently, there is no incident of fighting in Rakhine State and according to the Rakhine Nationalities
Congress (REC), over 60,000 refugees had already returned homes.

(Photo by U San Myat Shwe)