United Nations (UN) staff and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) are reportedly gearing up for an evacuation from Rakhine, according to credible sources within the International NGO community.

One INGO field worker revealed that both UN and INGOs engaged in humanitarian aid and relief works are contemplating departure from Rakhine, prompted by the worsening war  and the widening scope of the conflict.

"UNOCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) is at the forefront in orchestrating departure arrangements, and coordinating the exit of other INGOs, including WFP (World Food Programme) and UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Plans are underway for a withdrawal from Buthidaung and Maungdaw, with ongoing preparations to relocate equipment”, a source told Narinjara.

The source disclosed that INGOs situated in Buthidaung and Maungdaw are planning to relocate initially to Sittwe, from where they will coordinate their subsequent departure.

Meanwhile, efforts are in progress to facilitate the evacuation from Buthidaung and Maungdaw.

Since November 13th, 2023, the escalation of clashes in Rakhine has forced over 300,000 residents to flee their homes in Ramree, Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Minbya, Buthidaung, and Maungdaw townships, as reported by social relief workers in Rakhine State.

Expressing concern over this planned exodus, a social relief worker from Ramree Township worried about the impacts of the UN and INGOs' withdrawal from Rakhine which would

mean many Rakhine people would lose much-needed humanitarian aid, both those affected by the conflict and those forced to flee.

The relief worker observed that , "At this critical juncture, the departure of vital organizations such as WFP and UNHCR, which play a crucial role in providing support, would significantly exacerbate the hardships faced by Rakhine IDPs. We earnestly appeal to them, not to leave during this crucial time. Currently the war-affected people of Myanmar, including those in Rakhine, are grappling with dire circumstances, lacking access to essential resources like food and water. Our own efforts alone are inadequate to address these pressing problems.”

A woman from the Thetkaepyin Muslim IDP camp in Sittwe Township told Narinjara, "We acknowledge these organizations’ concerns given the military situation. However for us IDPs, the harsh reality is that we are unable to work or secure enough to eat currently. Even now, we are surviving with the limited food that is provided”, a woman from the Thetkaepyin Muslim IDP camp in Sittwe Township told Narinjara.

Narinjara is currently seeking confirmation from UNOCHA regarding the departure of INGOs from Rakhine State, including  UN agencies.