UN investigative body accuses regime of blocking aid to Arakan State

By Admin 14 Aug 2025

DMG Newsroom

14 August 2025, Sittwe

A UN investigative body says Myanmar's military regime is blocking humanitarian aid to people in need in Arakan State.

In its annual report released August 13, the United Nations' Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) noted that the regime has imposed strict restrictions on entry and exit to Sittwe and has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid and basic necessities.

The IIMM report states that the military regime deliberately targeted local residents and their properties in townships under the control of the Arakan Army with artillery fire and airstrikes, resulting in the mass killing of local residents.

The military regime has also blocked humanitarian aid and transportation to local residents in AA-controlled areas.

Social organisations in Arakan State say the blockade of international humanitarian aid is increasing hunger in Arakan State.

"The military regime's blockade of international humanitarian aid is indeed causing famine for the displaced and the grassroots in Arakan State. The people are suffering from unemployment amid the military conflict, so it is necessary for the military regime or the AA to open the way for international aid," said a social worker in Thandwe Township.

According to the AA's Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), there are currently over 600,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) uprooted by the fighting in Arakan State.

The military regime has blocked roads connecting to Arakan State since November 2023, and has also halted food deliveries by the World Food Programme (WFP) since March.

Daw Aye Aye Thein from Ganantaung displacement camp in Ponnagyun Township said the displaced people have been relying on the forests and mountains for food and shelter since they have not received any assistance from international organisations for months.

"The displaced people have not received food assistance from international organisations for years. Since the displaced people do not receive food from international organisations, they rely on the forests to find food, and their food shortage is the most difficult situation," she said.

After the AA began battles for control of towns in Arakan State, locals have been fleeing the war and are facing the worst effects of food shortages.

The WFP reported on August 12 that 57 percent of households in central Arakan State are unable to afford to meet basic food needs as a result of the ongoing military conflict.

The livelihoods of displaced people and the grassroots in Arakan State are becoming increasingly difficult, with some facing food shortages and others relying on donations to survive.