Muslim displacement camps in Sittwe Township, Arakan State, are facing significant livelihood challenges as they have not received food assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP) for about two months, according to sources.
Displaced Muslim people in camps such as Thea Chaung, Thet Kay Pyin, Baw Du Hpa, Ohn Taw Gyi, and Ohn Taw Chay in Sittwe Township are facing difficulties due to the lack of food support for January and February of this year, according to a displaced Muslim from Thea Chaung camp.
“We’ve been depending on WFP food aid. Now that it has stopped, and we’re struggling,” he said.
Displaced Muslims in these camps have been sustaining their livelihoods through support from international organizations such as the WFP, ICRC, Save the Children, and MSF.
A Muslim woman from Baw Du Hpa camp explained that in addition to the lack of food assistance, job scarcity has led to food shortages.
“Almost everyone is out of rice now. Previously, we could borrow from others, but now nearly the entire camp is running short. If a family normally consumes three cans of rice, now they’re cooking just one can,” she said.
Displaced Muslims report that aid has not reached them since early this year when fighting broke out between the military council and the Arakha Army (AA) in Sittwe Township.
Regarding this issue, Development Media Group (DMG) has been attempting to contact WFP officials via email.
Meanwhile, the displaced people are facing additional hardships as the junta forcing Muslim IDP camps and villages to pay monthly fees to support Muslim militia members trained by the junta, according to the IDPs.
The displaced Muslims in Sittwe Township have been living in these camps since the conflicts that occurred in Arakan State in 2012.
Sent by Aung Htain (DMG).