Around 400 IDPs in Mrauk-U District Receive Food Assistance from HDCO, ARE, and ULA Youth Wing

News March 10, 2026

Food distribution by HDCO, ARE, and ULA Youth Wing (Photo: ABN)

Nearly 400 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Mrauk-U District, Arakan State, have received emergency food assistance through a joint humanitarian effort led by the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO), in cooperation with Arakan Responders for Emergency (ARE) and youth wings of the United League of Arakan (ULA).

The aid distribution took place on March 9 and targeted displaced families living in two IDP sites in the district. The assistance included rice, cooking oil, soap, and other basic necessities aimed at supporting the daily needs of displaced residents.

According to organizers, the two displacement sites are home to 101 households with a total population of 365 people. Each individual received 30 cans of rice, sufficient for 15 days, while each household was also provided one bottle of cooking oil and bars of soap. In total, 57 sacks of rice along with cooking oil were distributed during the relief effort.

A displaced woman currently sheltering in the camps after fleeing Rupa Taung Ward in Sittwe told AB News that the assistance was greatly appreciated.

“I suffer from diabetes and do not have stable employment. In such difficult times, receiving rice and oil means a lot to us. Since we became displaced, we have only received aid about twice. Getting a 15-day supply now is a big help for our family,” she said.

Food distribution by HDCO, ARE, and ULA Youth Wing (Photo: ABN)

Most of the displaced people in the camps are residents who fled Sittwe and have been living in displacement for nearly three years.

In addition to food insecurity, displaced communities are facing limited job opportunities, rising commodity prices, and transportation difficulties, which have increased the need for medical supplies and other essential items.

Women in the camps also report financial difficulties in purchasing monthly hygiene products, highlighting another pressing need among displaced families.

As the current assistance covers only 15 days, camp officials and residents say continued humanitarian support will be essential to prevent food shortages and address other urgent needs in the longer term.

Source@arakanbaynews