Myanmar : UNICEF Sitrep 2023 #2 - March

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Highlights

• The humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar remains Figure 1functional disability assessments on more than 3000 program participants in

volatile in the first quarter of 2023, with continuing displacement in priority townships of Yangon (including Hlaingtharyar, Shwepyithar, and Dala).

the north-west and south-east. The number of people displaced nationally reached 1,766,600 with a slight decrease for those prior to 1 February 2021, now 328,000 displaced compared to previous report indicating 330,400.

• In Kachin, Shan and Rakhine states displaced people were instructed to return to their place of origins by the end of March, but with limited information on safe return or assistance.

• 31,187 people received primary health care services, and 465 children aged 9–18 months were vaccinated against measles in Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan with the assistance of partner organizations.

• Under the Bright Start programme, 71,155 people received telemedicine consultation services, including 59,936 consultations for children under 5 and 11,219 consultations for pregnant women. The programme also provided 1,360 investigations of antenatal care for pregnant women and 32 investigations for children under 5.

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

Armed conflicts continue across Myanmar, particularly in the southeast and northwest where there is regular heavy fighting, air strikes, artillery shelling and the destruction of civilian properties. The humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar remains volatile in the first quarter of 2023, with continued new displacement, especially in the north-west and south-east. The number of people displaced rose to 1.77 million across the country at the end of March1 up from 1.66 at the end of February.

The situation is particularly acute in Sagaing Region, where there are 744,000 displaced people (as of 27 March 2023). Armed clashes are continuing and access to the region by road is blocked. Nationally, tight security measures have also restricted the delivery of supplies in northwest and southeast regions in particular, there are reports of luggage and supplies being inspected at several checkpoints, leading to delays in partner movements necessary for the implementation and monitoring of activities.

Alongside these new displacements, there has been an increased focus by some state-level authorities for people in protracted displacement to return to their villages of origin. In Kachin, Shan and Rakhine states, local authorities instructed people living in displacement sites to return to their place of origins by the end of March. However, limited information on support for safe return has been provided and many displaced people remain concerned regarding safety, security, and lack of basic services in their places of origin. In some locations, populations have been offered some assistance, but this has been inconsistent across locations and generally considered to be insufficient to meet immediate basic needs. To date, due to access limitations, it has not been possible to carry out assessments in the majority of return locations.

In Kayah (Karenni) State, the south-east regions, approximately 20,000 newly displaced people need food, medicines, and tarpaulins to make temporary shelters. Water shortage is another emerging issue with the lack of hygiene causing rashes and diarrhoea among children under 5. Most of the camps are far from any hospital or clinic making it difficult for people to seek medical assistance. Estimates suggest that a high percentage of displaced people, particularly women and children, are suffering from depression and trauma after losing their homes, property and/or family members.