About the Emergency
By the Numbers
Some 115,000 people in Myanmar (also known as Burma) were displaced by clashes in Rakhine State in Western Burma.
About 46% of the displaced people were children.
More than 5,000 buildings were destroyed.
(Sources: UNHCR, OCHA, government resources)
More than six months after violence erupted in Rakhine, Myanmar (also known as Burma), 115,000 people, displaced by clashes that began in June 2012, were unable to return to their homes, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Reports of widespread destruction and tension abounded. A state of emergency was declared. According to government reports, the majority of those who were affected were Muslims. The UN reported that some 800,000 Muslims of Rohingya ethnicity live in Myanmar in the northern Rakhine State. They are regarded as some of the most persecuted people in the world, and face regular food shortages. As clashes continue in their home area, their desperate situation has turned even more horrid. Some who fled the violence crossed over into neighboring Bangladesh. But many were turned away and existing refugee camps have been capped. The UNHCR estimated that, to date and with assessments after a separate set of clashes in October, that some 140,000 people were affected by destruction and death.
How Islamic Relief Is Helped
Islamic Relief USA, in collaboration with the UNHCR, worked to provide relief and humanitarian assistance to internal refugees in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. There was an urgent need for shelter for internally displaced families and their host communities. Many now homeless people lived in community centers, churches and temporary camp sites.
EMERGENCY SHELTER AND CORE RELIEF ITEMS
Through December 2013
Islamic Relief helped provide about 1,000 emergency tents for internally displaced persons (IDPs) of both Rohingya and non-Rohingya populations. Some 2,000 Core Relief Item (CRI) kits were also being delivered. They included:
- Mosquito nets
- Plastic tarpaulins
- Kitchen sets
- Blankets and sleeping mats
- Jerry cans and plastic buckets
- Clothes, such as socks, t-shirts for adults and warm apparel for children
- Products for women
- Solar lamps
- Detergent and soap
TEMPORARY SHELTER SPACES
Through December 2013
Islamic Relief worked with UNHCR to provide some 335 emergency shelters for more than 1,600 individuals in Sittwe, Rakhine State. These temporary family unit shelter spaces housed internally displaced persons (IDPs) until permanent housing solutions are found. Efforts were made to prevent overcrowding and potential problems associated with that; to provide water, sanitation and health care services; and to involve community members in camp management.
Islamic Relief USA also disseminated information to help educate the public about who the Rohingya people are and the situation in Myanmar. Check out this infographic to learn more.
