By Jar Seng / MPA
The ongoing conflict in Rakhine State has left over 600,000 civilians displaced, with many facing severe psychological impacts alongside physical losses.
Since clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military junta resumed on Nov.13, 2023, the toll on mental health has become increasingly evident, according to a Dec.29 report from the United League of Arakan’s Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (ULA/HDCO).
Displaced civilians in Rakhine State are grappling with severe psychological trauma in addition to the physical destruction caused by ongoing conflict, underscoring the urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support.
The United League of Arakan’s Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (ULA/HDCO) stated, “The displaced people, suffering both mentally and physically, are being provided with Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programs in collaboration with civil society organizations. These initiatives are delivered as public services, irrespective of ethnicity or religion.”
To date, over 3,375 displaced persons—966 men and 2,379 women from 46 villages in Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Rathedaung, and Maungdaw townships have received counseling and psychosocial support through these programs.
An executive director of a local civil society organization highlighted the challenges, saying, “The people of Rakhine need more focused efforts to address chronic and acute stress issues. The combined impacts of war, Cyclone Mocha, and other crises have left communities facing immense hardships. We are working in various ways to provide the necessary support for these challenges.”
The situation is further exacerbated by blockades imposed by the military junta on transportation routes to Yangon and Mandalay, leading to widespread unemployment, shortages of essential goods, and soaring prices. These dire conditions have driven some individuals to suicide.
A resident from Ponnagyun Township shared, “Some relief has come from goods brought in from India, but it’s not enough. People are begging for food because they have nothing to eat. With no jobs or income, some are overwhelmed by domestic difficulties and have taken their own lives.”
Local residents are urging relevant organizations and mental health professionals to lead efforts in raising awareness about mental health and promoting practical support programs for affected communities in Rakhine State.
Over the past year, the conflict in the region has taken a devastating toll. More than 700 civilians have lost their lives due to military shelling, airstrikes, and landmines, while over 1,500 have sustained physical disabilities. The demand for both physical and psychological aid remains critical.
A social worker commented, “In the past, NGOs and INGOs actively provided physical and mental health support to those with disabilities. However, as the fighting intensified, most of these organizations withdrew.”
Meanwhile, the Arakan Army has taken control of 15 townships, including Paletwa in Chin State, and has expressed a willingness to facilitate foreign investment for regional development and economic growth.
In a statement on Sunday, the United League of Arakan (ULA) emphasized its readiness to ensure the safety of investors and their projects, affirming its openness to cooperate for mutual benefit.