Humanitarian Situation and Response Plan in Kachin - March 2012 update

...Between June 2011 and February 2012, instability
across Kachin and northern Shan states resulted in
displacement, damage of infrastructure and loss of
lives and livelihoods. Despite ongoing peace negotiation
between parties to the conflict, incidents
continue to be reported. Additionally, there are
indications that a number of people fled just across
the Myanmar-China border and live with relatives
or in temporary makeshift camps, but information is
still unclear and cannot be independently verified.
The number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
steadily increased from September 2011 (approx
20,000 people) to an estimated 50-55,000 people at
present. These people sought refuge in camps, in
public buildings, in host families or in the jungle.
The numbers of IDPs continue to fluctuate and in
some locations, some IDPs temporarily return to
their villages to attempt salvaging some of their livelihood,
leaving some of their family members in
camps or with relatives. Available information indicates
that these returns are not permanent or substantial
in numbers, as IDPs continue to be concerned
over ongoing tensions and instability as well
as presence of landmines.
Whilst the Kachin State Government started a planning
exercise encompassing return and recovery
operations, the Union Government and the Kachin
State Government have clearly stated that only
those who wish to return should do so, and that
assistance in camps must continue. The State Government
indicated relief aid and recovery operations
will require support from the aid community
well into 2013.
Whilst partners are able to provide a wide range of
assistance to some 19,000 Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs) located in fully accessible towns of Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Bhamo, Mansi, Momauk, Putao and Shwegu, some (mostly local) partners do
have some degree of access to population in other
locations. Limited ability for a wide range of partners
to reach all those in need resulted in further
suffering, as gaps and inequality in assistance is a
fact of life for a significant portion of the affected
people...