RELIEF ACTION NETWORK FOR IDP & REFUGEE STATEMENT

Date: July 7, 2011 1. Due to the armed conflict which started on June 9th, 2011 between the Army the Republic of Union of Myanmar and the Kachin Independence Army, more and more civilians are leaving their farmlands and villages daily. In the Kachin-China border area alone, there are already over 15,000 IDPs/Refugees 1. 2. In response to the current situation, actors such as the IDP and Refugee Relief Committee (IRRC) and other civil departments of the KIO, faith-based organizations, local civil society organizations (CSOs) and an INGO have begun relief work in their respective areas. 3. As the population of IDPs and refugees grows, emergency needs including food, shelter, health and medical care, and schooling for children surpass the current available resources of these organizations. These organizations are facing several challenges in terms of fundraising, logistics, and especially lack of coordination amongst them. Hence, a need for a coordination mechanism among current actors is a main priority. 4. A meeting of representatives from the IDP and Refugee Relief Committee (IRRC) and other civil departments of the KIO, faith-based organizations, local civil society organizations (CSOs) and an INGO took place in Laiza from July 2-3. 5. At the meeting the Relief Action Network for IDP and Refugee (RANIR) was established based on compassion, impartiality, transparency and accountability to ensure better coordination amongst different stakeholders. 6. For the structure and functions of Relief Action Network for IDP and Refugee (RANIR), see Annex.

Hpyen Yen Lakawn Lanawn Jinghkri Relief Action Network for IDP and Refugee (RANIR) Laiza Muklum

Total numbers of IDPs: 15791 on July 6, 2011. Source: IDP and Refugee Relief Committee