Critical Emergency Aid Required for People with Disabilities in Arakan
Border News Agency
Ponnakyun, November 16.
In the Arakan region, civil society organizations and local residents report that people with disabilities are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Since the day the decisive Arakan war resumed, the Myanmar junta has blocked all land and water routes in the Arakan region and has also restricted international humanitarian aid organizations from traveling and providing assistance.
As a result, people with disabilities are unable to receive protection or assistance, and they also lack essential supplies and medical aid. This has left them facing numerous challenges related to food, shelter, and healthcare, according to civil society organizations.
"People with disabilities are experiencing the most severe hardships in terms of basic survival. Among them, displaced individuals with disabilities are facing even greater difficulties. It is crucial for international aid to be provided," said a civil society activist to Border News Agency.
After the start of the decisive war in Arakan, the Myanmar junta has been deliberately targeting and killing civilians, leading to an increase in the number of people with disabilities, according to the local Arakanese population.
The Arakanese people have stated that international assistance is urgently needed for rehabilitation, livelihood support, food security, and healthcare for these individuals with disabilities. They urge organizations like the International Red Cross to provide the necessary aid.
In the Arakan region, deliberate targeting by the Myanmar junta using drones, heavy artillery, fighter jets, and naval warships has resulted in explosions from heavy weaponry, potentially causing nearly a thousand people to become disabled, according to local Arakanese residents.
"Airstrikes by the junta often result in civilians becoming disabled. We need organizations like the ICRC and other international groups to provide assistance. Prosthetic limbs, such as artificial arms and legs, are urgently needed. Additionally, many are struggling with basic survival," said a displaced person with disabilities to Border News Agency.
In the Arakan region, locals report that there are more people becoming disabled due to injuries from landmines, drone strikes, heavy artillery, naval attacks, and airstrikes by the Myanmar junta than those born with disabilities.
As a result, the Arakanese people emphasize the urgent need for assistance such as prosthetic limbs, mobility aids, psychological support, and vocational training. Additionally, emergency aid for food, shelter, and healthcare is also critically required.
Although there are activists and organizations working on behalf of people with disabilities in the Arakan region, they face challenges such as disrupted phone and internet connections. Additionally, the international community has been unable to offer consistent support or communication. As a result, those providing assistance are also in need of help, according to civil society groups and local Arakanese people.
(Photo - A disabled Muslim individual from Sittwe Township, captured after the Mocha cyclone/BNA)