The number of internally displaced persons across Myanmar continues to rise to a record high, reaching nearly 2.9 million people, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Asia and the Pacific - Weekly Humanitarian Situation Summary (16-22 April 2024).

The number of displaced people throughout Myanmar continues to rise to a record high, reaching nearly 2.9 million people. Of these, nearly 2.6 million people have been displaced by conflict and insecurity since February 2021, according to UNOCHA.

The fighting between the Tatmadaw and various armed forces continues in the southeast of Myanmar, and the fighting between the groups led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the Tatmadaw in Kayin State has become more intense, and it has been the most intense in Phapon and Myawady districts. In Buthidaung Township of Rakhine State, the situation is suddenly deteriorating with the rising concern about violence and ethnic tension. An office and a medical clinic of an international aid organization were burned down on April 15, and in the earlier days, nearly 50 houses were burned down in the center of Buthidaung town. The number of people who have fled their homes has risen to an estimated 166,000 due to renewed conflicts in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State since November last year, according to UNOCHA.

The UNOCHA announced that more than 1,000 people were affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Myanmar in 2023, with the highest number in the Sagaing region.

The spread of landmines and other explosive remnants of war in Myanmar have reached an alarming level in the past year, and has become a serious threat to civilians. In 2023, the death toll due to landmines and explosive remnants of war has increased significantly, with a total of 1,052 victims nationwide, according to UNOCHA's statement.

UNOCHA said it was a significant increase of 270 percent, compared to 390 victims in 2022, the highest number since UNOCHA began keeping records.

According to a statement by UNOCHA, Sagaing Region, which has the largest number of displaced people nationwide, had the highest number of casualties with 35 percent, followed by 12 percent in Shan State and nine percent in Bago Region.

In addition, in 2023, among those affected by landmines and explosive remnants of war, children accounted for a quarter (almost 21%) of the deaths, according to UNOCHA's statement.

The situation highlights the burden and disproportionate impact of landmines on the vulnerable, UNOCHA said.