Kyaukphyu IDPs sheltering in Ramree face severe livelihood hardships

By Admin 18 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 April 2026, Ramree

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Kyaukphyu Township taking refuge in Ramree Township, Arakan State, say they are facing severe hardships related to food and shelter.

The IDPs have struggled to survive on their own for nearly two years amid a lack of aid, limited job opportunities, and rising commodity prices, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods.

"It has been almost two years since we fled due to the danger posed by junta soldiers. We have been surviving by pawning and selling the belongings we brought with us. Now we are starving. With jobs scarce, we do not know how to move forward," said an IDP man from Pyaingsaekay Village in Kyaukphyu Township.

Thousands of Kyaukphyu residents fled to Ramree Township after the Arakan Army issued a warning in April 2024 for residents to relocate in advance to avoid being trapped by intensified fighting in the township.

Meanwhile, residents from villages such as Pyaingsaekay, Hnanphetaung, Ohntaw, Mindattaung, and Shaukchaung have also been displaced to Ramree Township since mid-2024 due to threats from junta troops.

"Being an IDP is not just about fleeing danger, it is about running out of money. Now everything we brought is gone. When we asked for displacement allowances, we were told we would not receive them because we are living in Ramree. We do not know who to rely on anymore," said an IDP woman from Mindattaung Village in Kyaukphyu Township.

Some organizations provide approximately K50,000 per month in aid to IDPs from Kyaukphyu Township, but those who moved to Ramree Township are not eligible for such assistance.

IDPs in Ramree are facing a severe livelihood crisis and are hoping to receive humanitarian aid.

"My acquaintances who stayed in Kyaukphyu Township are still receiving cash aid. We, however, have not received anything until now. In reality, everyone has their own difficulties, so I think assistance should be provided equally for all," another displaced woman from Mindattaung Village said.

Even before the Kyaukphyu battle began, more than 10,000 residents from about 20 villages in Kyaukphyu Township had already fled due to military tensions, with the majority taking shelter in Ramree Township.

After fighting began in Kyaukphyu, residents from another 40 villages were forced to flee due to the threat of heavy artillery and airstrikes by the regime.

There are more than 60,000 IDPs from Kyaukphyu Township, with about half struggling with various crises in areas controlled by the Arakan Army and in Ramree Township.