Myanmar: Access constraints in Rakhine state
Overview
Conflict and political instability in Rakhine state have significantly hindered humanitarian access for both the affected populations and the organisations striving to provide assistance. Factors severely restricting aid workers’ movement towards communities in need include the region’s complex security environment, with the presence of multiple armed factions (including conflict between the Tatmadaw, the armed forces of Myanmar, and the Arakan Army or AA); administrative barriers; and challenging terrain (ICG 27/08/2024; AWSD accessed 25/10/2024; ACAPS 05/08/2024; UNHRC 20/03/2024; GCR2P 21/08/2024). In Rakhine, these constraints prevent many people from receiving essential services, intensifying their suffering (IRC 19/09/2024; ICG 27/08/2024; OCHA 03/03/2024).
In the mid-2024 Conflict Index of the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project, Myanmar ranked as the third deadliest and fourth most perilous country for civilians globally (ACLED 06/08/2024). Needs across the country have significantly increased, with an estimated 18.6 million people requiring assistance throughout 2024 compared to one million in 2020 (OCHA 18/12/2023). The escalating armed conflict has also resulted in significant displacement. By 17 October, nearly 3.2 million people had been displaced since February 2021, 232,800 in Rakhine state alone (UNHCR 01/10/2024).
According to the UN, since the February 2021 coup, the Tatmadaw has been involved in a systematic denial of humanitarian relief to people in need (UNHRC 20/03/2024). There have been significant regional disparities in assistance, with the military withholding aid from areas under the control of armed resistance groups, such as the AA in Rakhine (THET 01/02/2024).
The increasing insecurity and strict military regulations have led many aid organisations to reduce their operations (TNH 06/12/2023; UNHRC 16/09/2021). One major factor involves the attacks on aid workers throughout Myanmar, with notable surges in several states (including Rakhine) following the 2021 coup. Out of the 186 such attacks documented since 2011, nearly 90% occurred between 2021–2024 (AWSD accessed 25/10/2024).
About the report
Aim: this report highlights the challenges surrounding aid delivery for humanitarian organisations and access to that aid for people in need. It aims to inform humanitarian responders, donors, and decision makers about the access constraints affecting their operations, staff, and the communities they serve.
Methodology: the findings are based on a review of secondary data and, with most responders reporting remotely outside the country, five INGO and NGO key informant interviews with humanitarian responders in Myanmar and neighbouring states.
Limitations: the conflict has resulted in significant information gaps, making it difficult for cluster teams to conduct thorough assessments. As a result, reported figures may underestimate the actual situation. To address these gaps and reduce the reliance on speculative information, this report cross-references multiple primary and secondary sources and clearly indicates where information remains unverified or speculative.
KEY MESSAGES
- Escalating conflict and deteriorating humanitarian conditions: the conflict and political instability in Myanmar have severely limited humanitarian access, particularly in Rakhine state. Movement restrictions, coupled with a complex security landscape, hinder the delivery of essential aid and services, with increasing numbers of people facing displacement, food insecurity, limited healthcare access, and protection risks. At the same time, the conflict has further isolated communities, aggravating their needs and hindering assistance.
- Restricted humanitarian access and funding shortages: the complex security landscape, coupled with administrative hurdles and movement restrictions, has severely hampered humanitarian access. This has limited the ability of aid organisations to reach in need populations and deliver critical assistance. Despite the urgency of needs, the 2024 Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan remains significantly underfunded, hindering efforts to address the crisis. The limited funding has forced humanitarian organisations to prioritise essential needs and reduce the scope of their operations.
- Localisation and adaptation: humanitarian organisations have increasingly relied on community-based groups to deliver aid in Myanmar. These grassroots organisations, with their deep-rooted connections and understanding of the complex context, are better equipped to navigate the challenges and reach populations in need. That said, they face significant constraints, including insecurity and limited resources and capacity.
- Operational challenges and innovation: the challenging operating environment in Myanmar has forced humanitarian organisations to adapt their strategies and innovate their approaches.
- Navigating legal and regulatory hurdles: organisations have had to find creative ways to operate within the restrictive legal framework.
- Leveraging technology: the use of satellite internet and other technological solutions has helped in overcoming communication challenges.
- Adapting financial mechanisms: the reliance on informal financial systems, such as Hundi, has become necessary to overcome banking restrictions and ensure the timely delivery of aid.
