MAJOR CHANGES SINCE PREVIOUS VERSION OF THE HIP
This HIP was first amended in May 2012 in order to respond to the humanitarian situation in Kachin State. After resumption of hostilities in June 2011 between the Myanmar army and the Kachin Independence Army KIA (the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organisation KIO) in eastern Kachin state, at least 55,000 people have been displaced by fighting (UN situation report 26 April 2012). The IDPs are living in camps or host families either in government or KIO controlled areas. Access to the IDPs up until late March 2012 was severely restricted with no humanitarian access officially allowed. Until recently, mainly the government controlled area received assistance from the UN and national and international organisations. Some national organisations (mainly faith based organisations) have been able to provide partial assistance within KIO areas thanks to the church network, although most of the needs are unmet and increasing. Recent authorisations given by the government for humanitarian convoys (which have included international staff) to access the KIO controlled areas, has improved the intervention context. More possibilities for assessments, implementation and monitoring are offered now, although subject to security conditions. Since the Government and the KIO/KIA have indicated that they would be willing to grant sustained access, more convoys are planned in advance of the monsoon. The monsoon season will exacerbate the already dire situation IDPs are living in and raising public health risks. Some areas may be cut off from access, and logistical constraints will increase. Based on reported needs from local organisations and the UN, DG ECHO had decided to allocate an additional EUR 5 million to this HIP to meet outstanding needs of the people displaced by conflict in Kachin State. The main focus will be on non-government controlled areas, which so far have received only limited support. However, government controlled areas will not be excluded.
Now, in view of recent unforeseen events in Burma/Myanmar, such as the inter-communal violence in Rakhine State and the conflict in Kachin, it is proposed to transfer from Thailand to Burma/Myanmar the unspent balance under the Food Aid budget line, which today stands at EUR 692,307. The relevant sections of the HIP have been updated accordingly.