Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ursula Mueller welcomed the unilateral ceasefire issued by the Myanmar Military for Kachin and Shan, which was recently extended by an additional two months until the end of June. She expressed her hope that it would be further extended.

Ms. Mueller made visits to Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, Rakhine State and Kachin State in Myanmar from May 9 to 15. With regard to her visit, the Office of United Nations OCHA Myanmar released a report on May 14.

 “The situation in Kachin State remains challenging, but an impressive humanitarian operation continues, built on a strong partnership between local and international organizations.”

Ms. Mueller welcomed the unilateral ceasefire issued by the Myanmar Military for Kachin and Shan, which was recently extended by an additional two months until the end of June. She expressed her hope that it would be further extended.

“In Kachin, everyone spoke about how much they want peace, so they can go home”, Ms. Mueller said.

In Nay Pyi Taw, the Deputy Emergency Coordinator met with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the Union Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Dr. Win Myat Aye. They exchanged views on humanitarian issues and ways to work together to enhance cooperation towards finding durable solutions for those most in need.

Ms. Mueller also discussed improving disaster preparedness and response. “Myanmar is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. The government has done much to improve preparedness and response since Cyclone Nargis in 2008,” noted Ms. Mueller.

 “We are looking to further enhance our relationship with Government partners and hazard-prone communities to build national capacity to respond to earthquake, floods and cyclones.”

Translated and Edited by Win Htut