Challenges of Survival and the Resilience of the People of Arakan

News Analysis ၊ May 6, 2026

The current conditions within our townships have evolved beyond a struggle for political rights into a desperate fight for fundamental survival.

Comprehensive surveys conducted by the Humanitarian and Development Coordination Office (HDCO) across six townships in early 2025 reveal a society on the verge of systemic collapse. While the spirit of the people remains unbroken, essential pillars of life water, health, and livelihoods lie in ruins.

The Health and Water Crisis

The most urgent danger to our community is not only the sound of gunfire but the critical lack of clean water and medicine. Currently, only 50% of households have access to clean water, forcing the remainder to rely on untreated rivers and lakes.

This has led to a surge in preventable illnesses; HDCO statistics show that 42% of our people have suffered from diarrhea and 27% from skin infections.

The healthcare system is equally paralyzed, with nearly half of the population unable to see a doctor when ill. This crisis is driven by the absence of health staff, spiraling costs, and empty medicine shelves.

Without mobile clinics and urgent supplies, we face a silent health disaster far from the front lines.

Infrastructure Damage and Regional Isolation

Physical and digital isolation are being used as tools of pressure against our people. Since the devastation of Cyclone Mocha in 2023, the roads connecting our villages have severely deteriorated.

According to the HDCO report, only 25% of roads are in good condition, and 70% become impassable during the rainy season, creating immense challenges for patients reaching hospitals and farmers bringing goods to market.

Furthermore, the digital blackout is nearly absolute, with 92% of the population lacking mobile internet access. This severs connections to information, family, and the global economy.

With grid electricity access below 5%, the region is being pushed back into the dark ages. The high demand for solar energy represents a clear call for decentralized power that authorities cannot easily switch off.

Livelihoods in Peril

The regional economy has been intentionally crippled. HDCO reports show an unemployment rate of 33%, with 85% of people stating there are no job opportunities in their areas. Agriculture, our primary way of life, is under siege; although 67% of land is ready for planting, farmers lack seeds, fertilizer, and fuel. In Mrauk-U, nearly half of the fishers have lost their nets and boats, leaving them unable to feed their families.

Despite these dark circumstances, the survey reveals an encouraging truth: our people are not waiting for handouts but are seeking opportunities.

According to the HDCO report, 72% of respondents desire vocational training and 67% seek microfinance to restart small businesses. The will to rebuild is present, but the necessary tools are missing.

The data is clear: our survival depends on a phased, locally led recovery prioritizing clean water, road repair, and agricultural support. The international community must understand that we are not passive victims.

We are a resilient people waiting for the resources to reclaim our agency and rebuild our homes from the ashes of neglect and conflict.

Source@HDCO