UN says conflict in Myanmar impedes its humanitarian aid

The U.N. agency coordinating humanitarian aid says armed conflict and insecurity in large areas of Myanmar are impeding its operations there

BANGKOK -- The U.N. agency coordinating humanitarian aid said Friday that armed conflict and insecurity in large areas of Myanmar are impeding its operations there. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, said northern Shan, Kachin and Kayin (Karen) states and the Bago Region are areas where conflict in one of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries has complicated its task. “Constraints include road blockages, increased presence of security personnel and restrictions on movement,” the agency said in an update on the humanitarian situation. The need for assistance has been increasing. The report estimated that more than 50,000 people have been displaced from their homes since December, in addition to an existing population of over 300,000 internally displaced people.