Farhan Haq, the UN spokesman, emphasized the need for unobstructed relief operations and a peaceful way out of the crisis.
“The UN remains concerned about ongoing violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombardment affecting civil and civil infrastructure,“He said at the regular press briefing in New York.
“Civil and humanitarian workers must be protected.“
His remarks come as monsoon rain and flooding – worsened by Cyclone Wipha – swept through parts of the country, further strenuous regions already destabilized by conflict and a devastating earthquake in March.
Millions forced to flee
The crisis left more than 3.3 million people internally displaced, with another 182,000 sought refuge abroad since the military coup in February 2021, according to the latest UN figures. In addition, over 1.2 million – mostly members of the minority Muslim Rohingya community – were forced to flee the country, driven by waves of violence.
The largest emigration took place in August 2017, when nearly a million Rohingya fled brutal violence and attacks from security forces, compared to a “textual book example of ethnic cleaning” by then the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein.
Disasters and matches have forced millions over Myanmar to flee their homes in search of safety. Many shelter in IDP camps like this one in central Myanmar.
Floods, Landslides Upend Life
In the flooded affected areas of Bago, Kayin and Mon States, more than 85,000 people have been affected, with houses destroyed, roads cut off and emergency relief.
Auxiliary partners report significant lack of food, safe drinking water and medical supply. In the Taungo District (Bago) alone, three flood-related deaths are confirmed, while six more people allegedly died in a landslide in Shan State.
The path out of the deteriorated situation in Myanmar requires a cessation of violence
– FN -Talmand Farhan Haq
“The way out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires a cessation of violence and unobstructed access for relief workers and supplies,“Mr Haq emphasized and noted that health systems are also under acute load.
Disease outbreaks are rising
A humanitarian bulletin from the World Health Organization (WHO) -led health cluster warns that flooding water drives spikes in acutely aqueous diarrhea, dengue and malaria.
There are deep concerns about the outbreaks of vaccine prevention diseases such as measles, and polio increases due to low immunization rates and poor hygiene conditions in crowded camps.
There have been verified 27 attacks on health facilities so far this year, with other surveillance groups reporting over 140 additional events.
Meanwhile, serious funding shortages – exacerbated by cuts in US financing – have forced the suspension of services of 65 health facilities and 38 mobile clinics across Myanmar. Services of an additional 28 mobile clinics have been scaled down.
Hakha, the capital of Chin State in Myanmar.
Selection under military cannot be credible
The political context remains gloomy. Since the military coup in February 2021, which crashed the chosen government and imprisoned top leaders, including state adviser Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has seen a steady escalation of armed conflict and oppression.
Junta’s plans to hold elections have drawn deep concern, including from the UN.
“The Secretary -General reiterates his concern over the military’s plan to hold elections in the midst of ongoing conflict and violations of human rights, and without matters that would allow Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights,“Said Mr. Haq.
He remembered the Security Council Resolution 2669, adopted in 2022, which called for immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi; Maintaining democratic institutions and processes; and pursuing in constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.
Obligation to become and deliver
Despite the volatility and access restrictions, the UN Agency remains obliged to reach the affected populations.
From July, nearly 306,000 people had received healthcare in 59 earthquake-affected Townships-Kun 67 percent of target population, reflecting the limited financing and security challenges facing AID workers.
“The United Nations are required to live and deliver in Myanmar,“Mr Haq confirmed,”And to work with all stakeholders, including ASEAN and other regional actors, to achieve sustainable peace.“
