IDPs in Arakan State worry for future as shelter crisis persists

By Admin 24 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

24 April 2026, Thandwe

Many internally displaced persons in conflict-affected Arakan State are expressing deep concern for their future as they continue to live without secure shelter.

The displaced are currently staying in makeshift tents along roadsides, in open paddy fields, and near forested areas. In addition to struggling to meet basic needs such as food and clothing, they are also exposed to harsh weather conditions.

With no clear timeline for returning home and the monsoon season approaching, IDPs fear worsening hardship if they are unable to secure weather resistant shelter in time.

“For now, we can manage these temporary setups along roads and in fields. But once the rain starts, we will need secure places. In Thandwe alone, there are at least 300 households with nearly 800 people. Since donations are scarce here, everyone is just trying to get by on their own as best they can,” said a local man in Thandwe.

More than 3,000 IDPs from Rathedaung and Ponnagyun townships are also reportedly without secure housing and lack the resources to build shelters on their own.

The shortage of humanitarian assistance, combined with limited job opportunities and rising commodity prices, has made it extremely difficult for displaced people to arrange shelter independently.

“The difficulties are immense. Our current living situation is not sustainable. There is nowhere to work and no place to find fish or vegetables. We built this temporary hut hoping the International Committee of the Red Cross might eventually provide proper housing. Now that the rainy season is coming, the lack of security in these huts makes life very difficult,” said Ma Nandar Win, an IDP woman from Kyaukphyu Township.

According to aid workers, about 30,000 residents from more than 100 villages in Kyaukphyu Township have fled to Kyaukphyu, Ramree, and other townships due to ongoing fighting and are in urgent need of shelter.

Although local social aid groups are providing assistance, the scale of displacement has made it difficult to meet the growing demand for shelter and food.

“We are not in a position where donations are sufficient. The price of nipa palm leaves has increased, making it difficult to buy materials. We mainly need support for shelter. It would be very helpful if individuals, NGOs, or relevant organizations could contribute. We are doing our best, and the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office are also providing as much support as possible,” said Ko Naing Lin Tun, Chairman of the Zinchaung Youths Philanthropic Association.

Nearly 600,000 people have been displaced in Arakan State since fighting resumed in November 2023, and many remain unable to return home.

Since the beginning of the conflict, blockades imposed by the regime, limited international assistance, and the constrained capacity of local aid groups have further worsened the hardships faced by displaced communities.