A recent report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reveals a dire situation in Myanmar, where approximately two million people are at risk of starvation in Rakhine State amid the country’s ongoing economic collapse. This alarming finding highlights the severity of the humanitarian crisis affecting many regions across Myanmar.
The UNDP report, issued on October 30, emphasizes a staggering increase in the prices of essential food items, which have nearly multiplied tenfold in the hardest-hit areas of Rakhine. With this region housing around three million residents, many now struggle to afford basic necessities. Contributing factors to this severe food insecurity include hyperinflation, strict trade restrictions, and a significant decline in domestic food production.
According to data from the World Bank, Myanmar’s total population is close to 55 million. The report underscores that Rakhine’s economy is nearly non-functional at this point. Both the trade and agricultural sectors have ground to a halt due to the military regime’s imposition of heavy trade restrictions, which has crippled local businesses and limited access to vital resources.
Escalating crisis
Kanni Wignaraja, the assistant secretary-general and regional director for Asia and the Pacific at the UN, describes the crisis as unprecedented. “We have not witnessed anything like this before; it is a complete economic collapse,” she stated during a press conference. Many households surveyed reported that they now consume only one meal per day, with some even eating less. This situation has created a palpable sense of urgency within the community.
Historical context
Rakhine State has a complex and troubled history, especially following the military’s crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority in 2017. The campaign forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, while thousands of others are believed to have died as a consequence of the violence. The exact death toll remains uncertain, complicating efforts to provide aid to affected communities.
Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has plunged into civil war, leading to systematic repression against opponents of the regime. The conflict has intensively escalated, resulting in a bloody military struggle between the junta and various ethnic rebel groups. This turmoil has exacerbated existing humanitarian issues across the nation.
A call for immediate action
As the situation grows increasingly desperate, international organizations are calling for immediate assistance to address the worsening food crisis. The UN and other humanitarian groups emphasize the urgency of intervention to support the communities in Rakhine State and avert widespread starvation and suffering.
In light of this information, it becomes critical for the global community to respond promptly to aid Myanmar’s vulnerable populations. The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many and the need for a collaborative approach to tackle this humanitarian crisis.
starvation in Myanmar
Source: Jyllands-Posten
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