The UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Ashok Nigam, has confirmed that a UN-led convoy has been allowed to deliver humanitarian assistance to people displaced in areas beyond Myanmar armed forces’ control in Kachin State for the first time in almost a year.
Nigam acknowledged the cooperation of the Myanmar government and the Kachin Independence Organization in permitting the 10-truck aid convoy which departed Bhamo on June 12 June for Maija Yang, carrying food, household kits, and hygiene and sanitation supplies.
In a statement on Friday, the UN said the relief supplies should reach about 5,100 people displaced in multiple camps along the route before it returns to Bhamo by June 16.
“The cross-line convoy represents a positive step forward by the Government to help all people in need across Kachin State. It is crucial for this convoy to be the first of many, and that regular and unimpeded access to all people displaced in Kachin State is sustained,” said Nigam, who also expressed hope that this will be “an encouraging sign of positive progress in Kachin State, following closely in the footsteps of recent peace talks held in Myitkyina in late May.”
Since June 2011, fighting between the Kachin Independence Organization and the Myanmar army has forced an estimated 100,000 people from their homes.
