MYITKYINA (Fides): In Myanmar, the urgency of humanitarian assistance and aid to internally displaced persons is increases day after day, driven by the ongoing civil conflict and recent natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. The Diocese of Myitkyina, in Kachin state—an area affected by ancient conflicts between the central government and ethnic minorities—already set up the Diocesan Relief Team in 2011 to better organise aid and provide assistance to refugees.
“Today it is necessary to increase efforts. We ask volunteers and workers to join our work. Brothers and sisters, we ask you to donate according to your means to help the internally displaced and the victims,” Father Don Bosco Nlam Hkun Seng, secretary of the diocese and an active member of the humanitarian team, urged in a message sent to Fides.
In Kachin, low-intensity warfare has been going on since 2011 and since then thousands of refugees have gone through great difficulties. “Associations, local communities and NGOs have contributed to their sustenance for a long time”, Father Hkun Seng recalled.
“Today, after four years of civil conflict since the military coup in 2021, people are exhausted. The constant flow of newly displaced people puts even more pressure on already limited local capacities. Humanitarian organisations and donors are working tirelessly, but it is not enough,” the priest explained.
In Myanmar, especially in regions governed by ethnic minorities, humanitarian aid arrives primarily thanks to the commitment of religious communities.
“It is only thanks to the work of associations and organisations like the Catholic Church that the basic needs of citizens can be met,” Father Hkun Seng observed.
The Diocese of Myitkyina has welcomed thousands of displaced people, regardless of their faith, in camps organised by parishes. Through priests and religious, they are provided with material assistance and spiritual comfort.
“Humanitarian work continues. But we need more help,” insists the priest, who also expressed his hope that international organisations could intervene with resources and skills to respond more effectively to this humanitarian emergency.
