Myanmar: The United Nations (UN) has said that approximately 90,000 people have been forced to be displaced in Myanmar due to escalating conflict between military rulers and an alliance of ethnic armed groups.
“As of 9 November, almost 50,000 people in northern Shan were forced into displacement,” the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) remarked.
A further 40,000 people have been displaced by disputes between the military and its opponents in the neighbouring Sagaing region and Kachin state since early November, OCHA added.
Two weeks ago, the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a prominent ethnic armed coalition in Myanmar, carried out a synchronised assault on around twelve military outposts in the northern Shan state, situated on the eastern border with China. They successfully seized control of the border town of Chin Shwe Haw.
As per OCHA, nearly all those displaced since the conflict started on October 26 are taking shelter in religious compounds, with a small number seeking refuge in established internally displaced persons (IDP) sites.
The United Nations body warned that the disruption of transportation, communication, and essential services is impeding humanitarian efforts to respond to the conflict.
“Ongoing hostilities, coupled with the existence of checkpoints, road closures, and structural damage to bridges, are severely restricting the ability of humanitarian agencies to reach affected people, conduct verification of needs, and transport vital supplies,” OCHA remarked.
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