Over 3,000 Muslim refugees of the Taung Paw refugee camp in Myebon, Arakan State, are facing a food shortage due to a lack of aid, according to camp officials.
Previously, they received aid from the ICRC, WFP, and other organizations, but it has been a long time since they last received help, leaving them in difficult circumstances.
“In the past, we faced no difficulties due to regular provisions of rations, fuel, and healthcare. Now, it has been five months without any assistance,” said an official of the camp.
Amid the lack of aid, refugees are struggling with low employment opportunities and rising commodity prices, forcing them reduce their food intake, the refugees said.
A refugee said: “Those who provide aid no longer come to the camp. We have to eat one can of rice instead of two because we have no job.”
Muslim refugees reported that the camp has patients with chronic and skin diseases who cannot receive treatment due to a shortage of medicine and financial difficulties.
Sometimes, some social organizations offer healthcare, but they are unable to meet the high demand.
The camp houses around 730 households and a population of 3,100, with residents seeking refuge there since the conflicts in Arakan State in 2012.
Due to restrictions imposed by the military council, international organizations face challenges in providing humanitarian assistance freely to refugees and displaced persons in Arakan State.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)