Internal displacement/forced migration of Kachin
Websites/Multiple Documents
| Title: | | IDPs (Category archive from BurmaNet News) |
| Description/subject: | | Articles from this category from BurmaNet News) |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Burma Rivers Network |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 01 March 2016 |
|
| Title: | | KACHIN emergency page |
| Description/subject: | | Maps, Baseline data, Population, 3W |
| Language: | | English, Burmese |
| Source/publisher: | | Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) |
| Format/size: | | html, pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 04 July 2012 |
|
Individual Documents
| Title: | | ABUSES AND DENIAL OF AID ENDANGERING ETHNIC MINORITIES IN NORTHERN MYANMAR |
| Date of publication: | | 10 December 2017 |
| Description/subject: | | "The suffering of civilians and forced displacement of ethnic minorities by Myanmar’s military goes beyond the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in the west of the country. In northern Myanmar, nearly 100,000 people continue to live in displacement camps in Kachin and northern Shan States. Most were first displaced by fighting between the Myanmar military and the Kachin Independence Army in 2011, and many have been displaced multiple times, including in recent months.
Kachin Report Photo 3.jpg
Approaching seven years of displacement and despite ongoing and often increasing needs, displaced persons in northern Myanmar face decreasing aid and protection services. Over the past two years, the Government of Myanmar has dramatically increased restrictions on delivery of aid to this displaced population at the same time that the overall amount of aid provided by international donors has decreased. Nearly half of this displaced population lives in areas controlled by ethnic armed groups, areas where the government now forbids any international aid delivery and denies virtually all access for the United Nations and international humanitarian groups. Even for the displaced persons living in camps in government-controlled areas, access to aid and services has dramatically decreased as the government levies increasingly onerous bureaucratic requirements, limiting access to international and local humanitarians alike. These restrictions heighten the risks of abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking, creating a serious protection crisis..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Refugees International |
| Format/size: | | html, pdf |
| Alternate URLs: | | https://www.refugeesinternational.org/reports/abusesinkachinshanstates |
| Date of entry/update: | | 26 March 2018 |
|
| Title: | | Land key to IDPs’ livelihoods |
| Date of publication: | | 01 August 2017 |
| Description/subject: | | "This article explores some of the realities of supporting income generation for displaced people in conflict settings, drawing on experiences in Kachin, northern Myanmar, suggesting development and humanitarian actors need to better acknowledge limitations and rethink our approaches.
Since the 2011 resumption of war between the Kachin Independence Army and the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatamadaw), over 100,000 people continue to be displaced, predominantly from rural, agricultural settings, into urban-based camps with little to no access to land. Ongoing fighting and insecurity means returns home are largely impossible. Escalating armed conflict since mid 2016 and continuing today has displaced or re-displaced over 6,000 people in Kachin, stretching declining humanitarian resources further as needs increase.
Speak with any displaced person and lack of income is one of their primary concerns. But options are limited, and vulnerable to outside shocks. In the shift from farming to urban settings, making an income is difficult, exacerbated by internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) arrival creating labour market saturation. This can also create tension between host communities and IDPs, especially through labour market competition and contestation over resources, often as basic as firewood. The importance of income is about both the material benefit and improving social cohesion..." |
| Author/creator: | | Dustin Barter |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | "New Mandala" |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 22 December 2017 |
|
| Title: | | Model villages are not a model (Burmese/ ျမန္မာဘာသာ) |
| Date of publication: | | 21 July 2013 |
| Description/subject: | | Summary:
“As crony companies and foreign investment companies join with the
government in large-scale projects, a new model of “development†is
unfolding across Burma. To make way for hydropower dams and mono-crop
plantations, villagers have been forced into relocation camps, or so-called
“model villages.†The government and the companies state proudly in the
media that the living standard of these relocated people has improved, but the
reality is completely opposite.
The housing in the relocation camps is sub-standard. There is no clean water
for household use, insufficient drinking water, and inadequate education and
health care. Having lost their lands and livelihoods, the relocated people are
forced to find insecure and low-paid daily wage jobs to try and feed themselves.
They are constantly worrying about their future, and how to provide for their
children’s education. Women face increased risk of sexual harassment and assault by migrant laborers. In this situation, people do not feel like they are
living in “model villages.†They feel like they are living in refugee camps, full of
wretchedness and difficulty...
This short booklet presents the cases of three relocation camps in Kachin State:
Sanpyar camp in Hugawng Valley, and Aung Myin Thar and Maliyang camps
near the Irrawaddy Myitsone. It gives an insight into people’s lives before and
after relocation...
Mungchying Rawt Jat (MRJ) was set up in September 2012 by farmers directly
affected by government development projects in Kachin State.
The objectives of Mungchying Rawt Jat (MRJ):
• Development of grassroots communities
• Sustainable development.
• Protection of natural resources
• Ensuring local people’s participation in decision-making around
development projects
• Letting local people lead peaceful and secure lives...†|
| Language: | | Burmese/ ျမန္မာဘာသာ |
| Source/publisher: | | Mungchying Rawt Jat (MRJ) via Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (1.6MB-reduced version; 2.25MB-original) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.kdng.org/images/stories/publication/modelvilageisnotmodel.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 21 December 2014 |
|
| Title: | | From persecution to deprivation - International donors neglect 60,000 displaced Kachin on China-Burma border |
| Date of publication: | | 02 October 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "About 60,000 Kachin villagers fleeing Burma Army attacks and persecution, who are sheltering in
Kachin-controlled territory along the China-Burma border, have received almost no international aid since
conflict broke out in June 2011.
Data compiled from local relief groups shows that international aid agencies, including the UN, have
provided only 4% of basic food needs of this displaced population, who have been kept alive almost entirely
by private donations from local and overseas compatriots. Over 2 million US dollars are needed a month for
food.
Lack of official access and fears of aid diversion have been cited by international donors as reasons
for not responding to the crisis. However, well-established mechanisms exist to deliver aid accountably
through local community-based organizations.
Escalating conflict has caused numbers of displaced to triple over the past year, creating an untenable
burden for local communities. International donors must immediately step in to coordinate a large-scale
relief effort to address the needs of these displaced Kachin..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Kachin Women's Association Thailand (KWAT) |
| Format/size: | | pdf (412K-OBL version; 1.5MB-original) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.kachinwomen.com/images/stories/publication/from_persecution_deprivation.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 04 October 2012 |
|
| Title: | | IDPs in Kachin State - List of IDPs as of 31 August 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | 31 August 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | By District, Camp; population figures by by age and gender |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Social Affairs Ministry office, KSG |
| Format/size: | | pdf (55K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 10 September 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Fighting and Ongoing Displacement in Kachin State, Burma: Update |
| Date of publication: | | 01 June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
"While ceasefire negotiations are taking place in some ethnic areas, attacks continue in Kachin State, Northern Burma. The Burma Army is pressing its attacks in Kachin State with over 100 battalions deployed. There are over 50,000 Kachin people displaced, over 60 Kachin civilians killed and 100 Kachin soldiers killed. Burma Army casualties are unknown, but estimated at 1,000 wounded and killed. Along with the KIO, WPN, Partners and other organizations, the Kachin FBR teams are helping those in need" |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Free Burma Rangers (FBR) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Kachin Response Plan March 2012-February 2013 (June 2012 revision) |
| Date of publication: | | June 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive Summary: "Instability that started in June 2011 across Kachin
and northern Shan states has resulted in displaceâ€
ment, damage of infrastructure and loss of lives and
livelihoods. Despite ongoing peace negotiations beâ€
tween parties to the conflict, incidents continue to
be reported.
The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
has been steadily increasing since the beginning of
the conflict to an estimated 65,000 IDPs in July
2012. These people sought refuge in camps, in pubâ€
lic buildings, with host families or in the forest. In
addition, an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 persons have
reportedly sought refuge in China. The numbers of
IDPs continue to fluctuate and in some locations, a
small number of IDPs temporarily returned to their
villages to attempt savaging some of their liveliâ€
hood, leaving some of their family members in
camps or with relatives. Available information indiâ€
cates that these returns are not permanent or subâ€
stantial in numbers, as IDPs continue to be conâ€
cerned over ongoing tensions and instability as well
as presence of landmines...In an effort to improve the level of assistance and coâ€
ordination, local and international partners undertook
an analysis of the situation in November 2011 and
identified scenarios for the coming six months, against
which sectoral plans and priorities were identified. The
plan was revised in February 2012, and again in June
2012 taking into account the rapidly changing situaâ€
tion, protracted displacement and ongoing discussions
around return planning.
The revised planning document includes an analysis of
the assistance provided to date, of the scenario in the
coming year (March 2012â€February 2013), and a reâ€
view of sectoral requirements, including those to cater
for existing gaps and expected need for additional reâ€
sources for the provision of lifeâ€saving relief assistance
as well as to support pockets of return for a total of up
to 85,000 people affected by the ongoing instability.
This follows the steady increase in the numbers of IDPs
across Kachin and Northern Shan States, partly in reâ€
sponse to ongoing incidents and insecurity in these
areas. It also takes into consideration the additional
needs caused by the monsoon rains.
Partners estimated that relief assistance would be reâ€
quired even if the situation was to normalize in the
coming months, as most of the IDPs lost their possesâ€
sions, their sources of livelihood, the planting season
and social services would take some time to become
fully functional again. In addition, the monsoon season
has an adverse impact on the already challenging shelâ€
ter and WASH conditions in the IDP locations, as well
as on the logistical situation. Road conditions are conâ€
tinuously deteriorating due to the heavy rains, making
the provision of assistance all the more important.
In line with the previous version of the document deâ€
veloped in March 2012, the plan concentrates on the
immediate relief requirements for one year (March
2012â€February 2013). The requirements articulated in
the plan include remaining needs of up to 85,000
people either currently displaced or likely be disâ€
placed in the months to come. Humanitarian partâ€
ners predict that a total of US$35.8 million are reâ€
quired to cover the humanitarian needs for the peâ€
riod of March 2012 to February 2013. Priorities for
sectoral interventions include:..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (987K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 28 September 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Burma Army Mortars Villages and Burns Homes in Kachin State; 50,000 people displaced |
| Date of publication: | | 22 April 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
"Burma Army fighting continues in Kachin State since the original outbreak of violence on 9 June 2011, when Burma Army soldiers broke the ceasefire previously held with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). As Burma Army attacks continue, the KIA attempts to defend the population and numerous clashes have occurred between Burma Army and KIA soldiers. Burma Army soldiers have also repeatedly attacked civilian villages, often occupying and looting the village afterwards and forcing villagers to flee. Free Burma Ranger teams have collected multiple reports of extrajudicial killing, imprisonment and torture. There are over 50,000 Internally Displaced People in camps on the border, with thousands more hiding in the jungle." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Free Burma Rangers (FBR) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.freeburmarangers.org/Reports/2012/20120424.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Kachin plight reveals Burma's patchy progress |
| Date of publication: | | 02 April 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | '"Welcome to our new Kachin townships," the camp administrator said sarcastically as he guided us down the muddy path leading to one of the dozens of refugee camps scattered through Kachin, the thin sliver of land which forms Burma's northernmost region. Makeshift shelters constructed from canvas and bamboo are now home for thousands of internally displaced people.
The United Nations refugee agency say there are more than 50,000 displaced people here, the Kachin put the figure much higher..." |
| Author/creator: | | Sue Lloyd Roberts |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | BBC Newsnight |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 April 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Untold Miseries - Wartime Abuses and Forced Displacement in Burma’s Kachin State |
| Date of publication: | | 19 March 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | 'When Burmese President Thein Sein took office in March 2011, he said that over 60 years of armed conflict have put Burma’s
ethnic populations through “the hell of untold miseries.” Just three months later, the Burmese armed forces resumed military
operations against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), leading to serious abuses and a humanitarian crisis affecting tens of
thousands of ethnic Kachin civilians.
“Untold Miseries”: Wartime Abuses and Forced Displacement in Kachin State is based on over 100 interviews in Burma’s Kachin
State and China’s Yunnan province. It details how the Burmese army has killed and tortured civilians, raped women, planted
antipersonnel landmines, and used forced labor on the front lines, including children as young as 14-years-old. Soldiers have
attacked villages, razed homes, and pillaged properties. Burmese authorities have failed to authorize a serious relief effort in
KIA-controlled areas, where most of the 75,000 displaced men, women, and children have sought refuge. The KIA has also been
responsible for serious abuses, including using child soldiers and antipersonnel landmines.
Human Rights Watch calls on the Burmese government to support an independent international mechanism to investigate
violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties to Burma’s ethnic armed conflicts. The government
should also provide United Nations and humanitarian agencies unhindered access to all internally displaced populations, and
make a long-term commitment with humanitarian agencies to authorize relief to populations in need.' |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Human Rights Watch |
| Format/size: | | pdf (1.7MB - OBL version; 2.25MB - original)) |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/burma0312ForUpload_1.pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 20 March 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Humanitarian Situation and Response Plan in Kachin - March 2012 update |
| Date of publication: | | 12 March 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | "...Between June 2011 and February 2012, instability
across Kachin and northern Shan states resulted in
displacement, damage of infrastructure and loss of
lives and livelihoods. Despite ongoing peace negotiation
between parties to the conflict, incidents
continue to be reported. Additionally, there are
indications that a number of people fled just across
the Myanmar-China border and live with relatives
or in temporary makeshift camps, but information is
still unclear and cannot be independently verified.
The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
steadily increased from September 2011 (approx
20,000 people) to an estimated 50-55,000 people at
present. These people sought refuge in camps, in
public buildings, in host families or in the jungle.
The numbers of IDPs continue to fluctuate and in
some locations, some IDPs temporarily return to
their villages to attempt salvaging some of their livelihood,
leaving some of their family members in
camps or with relatives. Available information indicates
that these returns are not permanent or substantial
in numbers, as IDPs continue to be concerned
over ongoing tensions and instability as well
as presence of landmines.
Whilst the Kachin State Government started a planning
exercise encompassing return and recovery
operations, the Union Government and the Kachin
State Government have clearly stated that only
those who wish to return should do so, and that
assistance in camps must continue. The State Government
indicated relief aid and recovery operations
will require support from the aid community
well into 2013.
Whilst partners are able to provide a wide range of
assistance to some 19,000 Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) located in fully accessible towns of Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk, Putao and Shwegu, some (mostly local) partners do
have some degree of access to population in other
locations. Limited ability for a wide range of partners
to reach all those in need resulted in further
suffering, as gaps and inequality in assistance is a
fact of life for a significant portion of the affected
people..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (595K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 13 March 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar - Monthly Humanitarian Update. Issue: December 2011 / January 2012 |
| Date of publication: | | January 2012 |
| Description/subject: | | Key Developments:
• Displacement and humanitarian needs continue to increase in Kachin State due to continued instability.
A UN team visited Laiza in Kachin State and provided household family kits to IDPs...
• Serious concern over southern Chin State Food insecurity. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (3.4MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar: Displacement in Kachin State - 28 December 2011 |
| Date of publication: | | 28 December 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES:
• Displacement and humanitarian needs continue to increase. The urgent needs include shelter, NFIs,
WASH, vaccines and psychosocial support, among others...
• The UN team visited Laiza and provided NFI assistance to IDPs. Advocacy for follow up missions across all
affected areas continues |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (329K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Burma Army Kills Woman and Continues Attacks in Ba Maw District, Kachin State |
| Date of publication: | | 27 December 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | The Burma Army continues to attack people in three townships of Ba Maw District, Kachin State: Mun Si Township, Shwegu Township and Ba Maw Township. On 16 December 2011, Burma Army soldiers killed a woman from Prang Kawng Village. The woman, 30-year-old Lamung Kaw Seng, suffered from a mental disability. As Burma Army troops approached the village, all the villagers fled except for Lamung Kaw Seng. When the soldiers found her, they killed her and threw her into a toilet pit. |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Free Burma Rangers (FBR) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.freeburmarangers.org/Reports/2011/20111227.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Humanitarian Situation and Response Plan in Kachin - 13 December 2011 |
| Date of publication: | | 13 December 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | CURRENT SITUATION: "Instability in Kachin and Shan States restarted in early June 2011 and resulted in the displacement of populations, loss of lives and livelihoods and dam-ages to infrastructure. Following a Government invi-tation, an inter-agency rapid needs assessment was conducted from 20-26 September in 39 locations in some IDPs sites (camps, host families, public build-ings) of five townships (Bhamo, Momauk, Myitky-ina, Khaunglanhpu and Waingmaw) targeting 5,925 IDPs. Two townships Mansi and Shwegu could not be assessed due to security concerns. Of the as-sessed beneficiaries, some 4% were vulnerable, be-sides there were 56% children under 18 years of age, 17% of children under 5 and 12.5% female or child headed IDP families.
Although figures of displaced population continue to fluctuate and are reportedly increasing on a daily basis, it is currently estimated that between 35,000 and 40,000 IDPs may have left their homes and sought refuge in camps, with friends and relatives or into the forest across the affected region. As an
indication of the rapidly increasing caseload, accord-ing to the Kachin State authorities, between Sep-tember and the end of November 2011, the number of IDPs living in Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk and Shwegu has increased from 5,900 to 10,000 IDPs. Across all affected areas, available –albeit not independently verified - infor-mation indicate that, in the same period, the num-ber of displaced passed from 20,000 to 35-40,000 persons..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (765K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Burma Army Kills Villager and Burns Homes While 3000 Flee Ongoing Attacks in Kachin State |
| Date of publication: | | 30 November 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | "The Burma Army has killed a villager and over 20 villages have fled attacks and mortar fire in Momauk Township, Kachin State. Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 73 under Division 88 has been attacking villages, with troops from Divisions 33, 44, 66 also entering the area. At least 400 Burma Army soldiers have been involved in the attacks, using 120mm and 60mm mortars and machine guns. Fighting in the area has increased and the Burma Army is building at least four new camps, using forced labor. Over 3,000 people have been displaced." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Free Burma Rangers (FBR) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Alternate URLs: | | http://www.freeburmarangers.org/Reports/2011/20111129.html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Troops raze Kachin villages, locals flee |
| Date of publication: | | 11 November 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | "Burmese troops burned down around 50 homes in a village in eastern Kachin state two days ago as they prepare for an offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), despite assertions from fleeing residents that no rebels inhabit the village.
In response, the KIA has told locals living in areas close to the town of Waingmaw to leave, prompting some 3,000 people to join those who fled the razed Aungja village as they make for the border with China.
A DVB reporter in Kachin state said that Burmese army battalions were closing in on the KIA’s Brigade 3 in Sanpai, which was being fiercely defended by the rebels..." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) |
| Format/size: | | html |
| Date of entry/update: | | 03 June 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Myanmar: Displacement in Kachin State - Humanitarian Update No. 1 |
| Date of publication: | | 26 October 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | • The instability in Kachin State that started in early June 2011 has resulted in the displacement of
populations, loss of livelihoods and damages to infrastructure...
• The recently-completed joint assessment in 39 locations in Kachin State reveals urgent needs in several
sectors, including food, education, shelter, health, NFIs and water and sanitation...
• Access and delivery of assistance remain challenging |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UN OCHA |
| Format/size: | | pdf (218K) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 17 February 2012 |
|
| Title: | | Kachin Rapid Assessment |1 |
| Date of publication: | | September 2011 |
| Description/subject: | | Executive Summary: "The instability in Kachin and Shan States that started in
early June 2011 has resulted in the displacement of
populations, loss of lives and livelihoods and damages
to infrastructure. The Kachin State government, local
and communityÂ]based organizations have been providing
some assistance to the displaced since the outset of
the conflict. International organizations have been
providing limited assistance through support to local
and communityÂ]based organizations, while continuing
to advocate for humanitarian assistance to be provided
to all civilians in need.
Following a Government invitation, a rapid needs assessment
was conducted in 39 locations in some areas
of five townships: Bhamo, Momauk, Myitkyina,
Khaunglanhpu and Waingmaw, and targeted 5,925
internally displaced persons (IDPs). Two townships Â]
Mansi and Shwegu Â] could not be assessed due to security
reasons. Of the total assessed population, the assessment
findings indicate that 57% are female and
56% underÂ]18. The IDPs are temporarily residing in
community buildings, temporary camps/shelters or
with host families. Most of the IDPs are located in urban
areas, while those in rural areas are primarily being
sheltered by host families. While the number of
IDPs is fluctuating on a daily basis, the assessment
found that a large majority of those assessed Â] 4,026 Â]
has been displaced for over two months. Among people
with special needs the survey identified 70 unaccompanied
minors, 196 femaleÂ] or childÂ]headed households,
40 chronically ill and 36 persons with disabilities.
In general, due to the easier accessibility and the presence
of a larger number of aid agencies, the IDPs in
Myitkyina and Waingmaw have been receiving more
assistance than those in Bhamo and Momauk. Access
and delivery of assistance for many of the locations
continue to be a major challenge, particularly in the
southern townships of Bhamo, Momauk, Mansi and
Shwegu given the security situation and damage to
infrastructure, including access routes.
Living conditions, particularly in larger temporary
camps/shelters and community buildings where the
population density is high, are challenging. The assessment
found that 20 of the 39 surveyed locations are in
urgent need of additional shelter assistance. Temporary
camps/shelters would need to be upgraded with
improved roofing, more durable and safer shelters,
additional numbers of tents to lessen the population
density, allocation of cooking spaces and relocation of
latrines further away from the living quarters. These
measures would make the temporary camps/shelters
healthier and safer for children and women. IDPs in
community buildings such as churches and community
halls also suffer from overÂ]population and the resulting
lack of adequate sleeping space as well as lack of privacy
for families.
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY While some nonÂ]food items (NFIs) have been provided
by the Government and local and communityÂ]based
organizations, to date, most of the IDPs require additional
NFI support, including plastic sheeting, cooking
utensils, blankets and clothes. These needs are most
urgent in Bhamo and Momauk.
Over half of IDPs in temporary camps/shelters and
community buildings are facing food access issues.
While food assistance has temporarily alleviated concern
over immediate food shortages in over half of the
locations that reported food access difficulties, a number
of camps have yet to receive food assistance. The
food security situation in KhaunglanhpuÂ]La Jar camp in
Khaunglanhpu and AungThar Baptist Church in Bhamo
is of concern, and food assistance should be considered.
People staying in host families in Momauk, in
Momauk Baptist Church and 3Â]mile Kachin Baptist
Church in Bhamo are experiencing lack of food stocks,
and the food security situation in these locations would
need to be explored further. Overall, the IDPs indicated
a need for more diversified food assistance, which
should be explored given the reported observable malnutrition
in the locations assessed. The assessment
suggests that the nutritional status of children needs to
be further investigated.
While access to water for domestic and hygiene uses is
sufficient, availability of drinking water is an issue, with
only 40% of IDPs having access to sufficient quantities
of safe drinking water. The issue is particularly critical
in Bhamo where all locations reported insufficient access
to drinking water. Latrine use is wideÂ]spread and
aid agencies have provided basic sanitary facilities in
all temporary camps/shelters and community buildings.
However, some of the locations with larger number of
IDPs need more latrines. Some latrines would need to
be upgraded for sanitary and safety reasons. Hygiene
promotion would be needed in a majority of the assessed
locations, along with provision of hygiene items.
There has been no report of disease outbreak or mortality
cases since June 2011 in surveyed locations. Over
half of the sites currently have access to health care
services provided by basic health staff, while the others
Kachin Rapid Assessment |1 5
in 14 locations only receive minimal health support
through community health workers. Measles immunization
campaign is needed in 31 locations, where a
limited number of underÂ]2 children has records of having
had measles vaccination. Bed nets are needed in a
majority of the locations. Essential medical supplies
are needed in 35 out of the 39 locations.
Some 1,055 primary school children and 1,249 secondary
to high school children were identified amongst
the assessed IDPs. Primary school children in all locations
have access to varying degree of schooling support
Â] either access to nearby school facilities or to
temporary learning spaces Â] which they regularly attend.
However, only a few secondary and high school
children seem to attend school, due to lack of access
and their contribution to household chores, particularly
in the absence of household heads.
Education materials are in short supply at all locations.
Temporary learning spaces are not sufficiently
equipped. A majority of the schools do not have adequate
water and sanitation facilities. Early Childhood
Development (ECD) centers have been established in
six locations, benefiting 201 or 20% of all underÂ]five
IDP children. Efforts to construct additional ECD centers
are currently ongoing.
The number of underÂ]18 separated or unaccompanied
children was 221 at the time of the assessment, while
12.5% of households are either femaleÂ] or childheaded.
This points to the need for preventative measures
to mitigate potential risk factors. Extra measures
for ensuring the safety of women and children would
need to be taken, particularly in the temporary camps/
shelters, including improved lighting at night, separate
bathing spaces and latrines for men and women and
appointment of security focal points.
Needs of those with special needs such as the elderly
and persons with disabilities would need to be taken
into account. Fear and anxiety over the current, uncertain
situation were voiced." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | UNOCHA, Humanitarian Partners in Kachin |
| Format/size: | | pdf (2.8MB) |
| Date of entry/update: | | 02 December 2011 |
|
| Title: | | My children and I have nowhere to go: Kachin IDP |
| Description/subject: | | "Despite a number of peace talks having been conducted between the central government and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), there is no sign of the war ceasing in Kachin state. The ongoing armed conflict has been driving thousands of civilians out of their villages. Many IDPs are now living in church supported camps along with relief from international humanitarian agencies. IDPs living in crowded camps with limited support face various obstacles as they cannot practice their livelihood anymore. Women have always been the ones who share most part of family burden and face many issues including domestic violence. In this interview, Burma Link AOC (agent of change) talks to Pausa Kaw Nan (PSK), a 44-year-old Kachin woman, in one of the IDP camps in Bhamo, Kachin State." |
| Language: | | English |
| Source/publisher: | | Burma Link |
| Format/size: | | pdf |
| Date of entry/update: | | 20 March 2016 |
|
|
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