The Future of Myanmar Fighting Slows Down Since Truce - UN

The Future of Myanmar Fighting Slows Down Since Truce - UN

GENEVA, Switzerland — The United Nations has reported a significant slowdown in fighting in earthquake-hit Myanmar since a temporary truce took effect last week. This development comes as the international community continues to urge an end to hostilities to facilitate the delivery of aid and recovery efforts.

Since February 2021, Myanmar has been embroiled in a multisided conflict that followed the military's seizure of power from the civilian government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The situation escalated further after a devastating earthquake struck on March 28, resulting in over 3,600 deaths to date.

In an effort to allow relief efforts to proceed, Myanmar's military government and its opponents agreed to a temporary ceasefire on [date]. However, the UN has received reports that the military continues to conduct airstrikes, despite this truce.

According to Titon Mitra, who represents the UN Development Program in Myanmar, while there is no complete cessation of hostilities, the fighting has slowed significantly. We're not seeing a complete halt to military actions, but there has been a very significant slowdown, he noted during a press briefing in Geneva, speaking from Mandalay in central Myanmar.

Mitra emphasized that the UN hopes this slowdown will translate into a comprehensive end to hostile activities, allowing for the delivery of aid to all those in need, regardless of affiliation. Aid must be provided impartially, he underscored.

The UN has reported no significant challenges in delivering aid to urban areas and regions under military control. However, organizations are facing difficulties in accessing areas under mixed or rebel control.

Mitra highlighted the immense needs on the ground, describing the earthquake's devastation as probably the second most deadly and devastating disaster since 1900. He warned that the health system is overwhelmed, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients and a severe shortage of medical supplies. Additionally, sanitation has become a pressing concern due to broken water pipes and inadequate latrines, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

The earthquake has compounded existing vulnerabilities in Myanmar, where nearly 40 million people lived below the subsistence level even before the disaster. The country's food insecurity is particularly concerning, with widespread shortages affecting millions.

Overall, Mitra emphasized that it is crucial to end hostilities and allow aid to reach all those affected by the disaster.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.