The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported on 19 April that the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Myanmar has risen to more than 1.8 million due to the ongoing escalation of fighting across the country.
Of these, approximately 1.5 million have been displaced due to the conflict and insecurity caused by the military’s takeover 1 February 2021, the statement said.
The fighting, involving the military council with artillery shelling and repeated airstrikes, is taking place in many states and regions, particularly in northwestern and southeastern Myanmar and Kachin State, the statement said.
“As a result, civilian casualties and the number of displaced persons continue to rise, further worsening the already precarious humanitarian situation in the country,” UNOCHA said.
On 11 April, more than 170 people were killed in an airstrike on Pazigyi village in Kanbalu Township in Sagaing Region. Among the victims were women and children under 16.
“The incident, which killed more than 170 people, is particularly worrying. The Secretary-General of UN strongly condemns this attack,” said the UNOCHA statement.
UNOCHA also said heavy fighting continues in many parts of the country, creating new humanitarian needs and further restricting the movement of goods and people.
From 1 Feb. 2021, the day the military seized power in a coup, to 18 April 2023, a total of 21,403 people were arrested and 3,408 people died, according to a report released on 18 April by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
In addition, the military council has sentenced to death 151 civilians who have campaigned for democracy in the more than two years since the coup, AAPP said.
The military coup in Myanmar has now lasted more than two years, and the armed conflict in the country continues to escalate.
Sent by DMG.
