Farhan Haq, UN spokesperson, emphasized the need for obstacle aid operations and a peaceful path outside the crisis.
“The UN is still concerned about current violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombing that hits civilians and civil infrastructure,“He said, at the regular press conference in New York.
“Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.“
Their comments come when monsoon rains and floods, worsened by the Wipha cyclone, swept parts of the country, further striving the regions already destabilized by the conflict and a devastating earthquake in March.
Millions forced to flee
The crisis left more than 3.3 million people displaced internally, with another 182,000 who sought refuge abroad from the military coup in February 2021, according to the latest UN figures. In addition, more than 1.2 million, mostly members of the Rohingya Muslim minority community, were forced to flee the country, driven by waves of violence.
The largest exodus took place in August 2017, when almost a million Rohingya fled from brutal violence and attacks by security forces, compared with an “example of ethnic cleaning” by the UN, the High Commissioner of Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein.
Disasters and the fight have forced millions through Myanmar to flee their homes in search of security. Many shelters in internal displaced camps such as this in center of Myanmar.
Floods, landslides overturned lives
In the areas affected by the floods of Bago, Kayin and Mon, more than 85,000 people have been affected, with destroyed houses, cut roads and excessive emergency services.
Help partners report a significant shortage of food, drinking water and medical supplies. Only in the district of Taungoo (Bago), three deaths related to floods have been confirmed, while six more people died in a landslide in the state of Shan.
The path outside the deteriorated situation in Myanmar requires an end of violence
– The UN spokesman, Farhan Haq
“The path outside the deteriorated situation in Myanmar requires an end of violence and access without obstacles to workers and help supplies,Mr. Haq emphasized, noting that health systems are also under acute tension.
Disease outbreaks that increase
A humanitarian bulletin of the Health Group of the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the waters of floods are promoting peaks in aqueous diarrhea, dengue and malaria.
There are deep concerns about the outbreaks of preventable diseases of vaccines such as measles, and polio is increasing due to low immunization rates and poor hygiene conditions in overcrowded camps.
WHO has verified 27 attacks against medical care facilities so far this year, with other monitoring groups that report more than 140 additional incidents.
Meanwhile, the serious shortage of financing, exacerbated by the cuts in the funds of the United States, has forced the suspension of services in 65 health facilities and 38 mobile clinics in Myanmar. Services in another 28 mobile clinics have been reduced.
Hakha, the capital of the state of Chin in Myanmar.
The elections under the army cannot be credible
The political context is still gloomy. From the February Military Coup, 2021, which overthrew the elected government and the main imprisoned leaders, including state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has seen a constant escalation of armed conflicts and repression.
The Board’s plans to celebrate elections have attracted a deep concern, even from the UN.
“The Secretary General reiterates his concern for the military’s plan to hold elections in the midst of continuous conflicts and human rights violations, and without conditions that allow the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights,“Said Mr. Haq.
He recalled Resolution 2669 of the Security Council, adopted in 2022, who requested the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi; defend democratic institutions and processes; and pursue in constructive dialogue and reconciliation according to the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.
Commitment to stay and deliver
Despite the limitations of volatility and access, UN agencies remain committed to reaching affected populations.
As of July, almost 306,000 people had received health services in 59 municipalities of earthquake hits, only 67 percent of the target population, which reflects the limited challenges of financing and safety faced by help workers.
“The United Nations undertake to stay and deliver in Myanmar,“Mr. Haq said,”And to work with all interested parties, including ASEAN and other regional actors, to achieve sustainable peace.“
