UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

October 2013 - Burma experiences frequent natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, drought and earthquakes and there has also been decades of low-intensity conflict between the Burmese army and the minority ethnic independence movements. The ongoing conflict and the regularly occurring natural disasters have created a challenging humanitarian situation in Burma. More than 650,000 people are internally displaced, having been forced to move away from their homes, due to conflict, and more than 350,000 Burmese refugees are living in neighbouring countries. With DFATD’s support, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) 2013 emergency operations in Burma provide protection and emergency assistance to an estimated 500,000 conflict-affected people in Rakhine and Kachin states, with a focus on people who have been displaced from their homes or who are stateless. Some project activities include providing basic services such as access to shelter and clothing, essential services such as adequate water and sanitation services, and protection for vulnerable people.