The Nippon Foundation plans to provide food aid to impoverished internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Arakan (Rakhine) State who have relocated to the Yangon Region.
The Arakan National Network (ANN) is currently compiling a list of Arakanese IDPs in need who are sheltering across six Yangon townships. Ko Tin Htoo Aung, chairman of the ANN, told Narinjara that his organization is collaborating with the Nippon Foundation to provide rice and edible oil to Arakanese IDPs who have fled conflicts in Arakan State, sought refuge in Yangon, and are struggling with livelihood challenges.
"Priority will be given to those who have fled the conflict from rural areas, are currently facing a livelihood crisis, or are unemployed. Our focus will be on people in the townships on the outskirts of Yangon, rather than those in the downtown areas,” he said.
Since the third week of August, the ANN has been compiling a list of impoverished and unemployed IDPs from Arakan who have arrived in Yangon to facilitate this assistance.
The ANN has started gathering lists of impoverished Arakanese IDPs across six Yangon townships: Hmawbi, Shwe Pyi Thar, East Dagon, South Dagon, North Dagon, and North Okkalapa.
Ko Tin Htoo Aung added that nearly 1,500 impoverished Arakanese IDPs have been listed so far.
"More IDPs are now arriving from Arakan State. Initially, they came from northern Arakan, but in the past month or two, we've seen IDPs from southern areas as well, including Taungup, Thandwe, Ngapali, and Gwa. When we discussed helping these IDPs, the Nippon Foundation informed us of their plans to provide assistance. Along with the Nippon Foundation, we are compiling lists and coordinating with local aid groups to offer additional support,” he elaborated.
He added that since the list is still being compiled, the exact timing of the assistance has not been precisely determined yet. However, it can be confirmed that aid will be distributed in batches, depending on the availability of donations and the finalized population list.
"We will compile the list and provide as much aid as possible to each IDP who has arrived from Arakan State. For the first batch, we've already identified around 1,500 IDPs across the six townships. The timing of donations depends on when donor organizations reach out to us. As soon as we receive the donations, we will distribute them immediately. We will also compile a list and extend aid to those in the remaining townships,” he said.
In 2023, the Japan-based Nippon Foundation donated rice bags to IDPs in Arakan State.
Mr. Yōhei Sasakawa, chairman of the Nippon Foundation, was instrumental in mediating between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta to cease the fighting in Arakan State, which occurred between 2018 and 2022.
An Arakanese IDP woman currently in Shwe Pyi Thar Township, Yangon Region, told Narinjara that she would be deeply grateful to receive even a single meal from the Nippon Foundation and its partners, especially during her current livelihood crisis.
"Because of the fighting, we had to leave our homes and flee. We've lost everything and are now living in rented houses, with some staying with relatives. There are no jobs, and commodity prices are skyrocketing. During these harsh times, I would be very grateful for any meal assistance,” she said.
Since fighting reignited in Arakan State in November 2023, locals have fled to safer townships within Arakan State, while some have sought refuge in Yangon Region.
Similarly, the recent fighting in Thandwe and Gwa townships in Arakan State has led many locals to flee to Yangon and the Ayeyarwady Region.
Currently, many Arakanese IDPs in Yangon are struggling to manage their livelihoods due to high rents, rising food costs, poor living conditions, and a lack of employment opportunities.
