The Union Minister of the military junta and the Chief Minister of Mon State have provided financial support equivalent to a three-month allowance for 19,821 internally displaced persons (IDPs) classified as war refugees currently residing in Mon State. However, many genuine displaced persons report that they have not received the aid.
On the afternoon of August 3, a ceremony was held at the State Hall in Mawlamyine, during which the Union Minister and the State Chief Minister handed over financial assistance to IDPs living in Mon State.
Each person was to receive 20,000 kyats per month, totaling three months’ payment. The total amount distributed exceeded 110 million kyats, according to the Myanmar Alin newspaper.
However, many displaced persons say they have not received anything.
“We haven’t heard about the financial support. We haven’t received anything. We haven’t got any news. Right now, we are staying only in Mawlamyine. From what we know, no one has received anything,” said an IDP from the Kyaikmaraw area.
Although temporary residents have submitted their names to local ward administrators, it remains unclear why they were excluded from the distribution, the woman added.
Similarly, many displaced persons in conflict-affected townships such as Bilin, Kyaikhto, Thaton, Ye, and Thanbyuzayat reportedly have not received the financial support distributed by the military junta, according to sources assisting them.
“The military junta does give out financial support. It is mainly given to those whose names are on the list. Those who are listed receive payments every two to three months. If you’re not on the list, there is no chance of getting it,” said a local administrator and his close associate.
In Mon State, some IDPs have registered with their village or ward administrative bodies and live under temporary security arrangements, but others remain unregistered and have therefore not received assistance.
Previously, on February 14, the military junta distributed the first round of financial support totaling over 370 million kyats, at a rate of 20,000 kyats per person per month, to IDPs residing in Mon State.
Since the military coup, armed conflicts across the country have displaced more than 200,000 people in Mon State, according to surveys.
IDPs in territory controlled by the New Mon State Party receive aid and support from the party and other humanitarian groups assisting displaced persons.
Similarly, those in areas controlled by the Karen National Union receive assistance from the KNU, donors, ethnic armed groups, and resistance organizations.
Nonetheless, long-term displaced persons living in jungle and mountainous areas continue to face urgent needs for shelter and food aid.
