Emergency WASH and S/NFI response for conflict-affected communities in Buthidaung, Northern Rakhine State ltpgtIn response to the escalating conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Arakan Army (AA), communities in Buthidaung, Northern Rakhine State, are grappling with significant displacement and hardship. Many families have been forced away from their homes, heightening their vulnerability to the elements and increasing their exposure to health risks. Compounding these challenges, water contamination issues persist, posing severe health threats to both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their communities.ltbrgtThe proposed project in Buthidaung is strategically designed to provide critical support in these dire circumstances. CSI proposes distributing cash for customized Temporary Shelter Kits and Non-Food Item (NFI) Kits to displaced families, allowing item purchases to be tailored to meet beneficiaries' immediate needs and enhance their resilience. Concurrently, our team of Hygiene and EORE Promotion Volunteers is actively educating communities on essential practices, such as proper sanitation and hand hygiene, crucial for disease prevention in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions as well as EORE. EORE has been a growing risk as the conflict has progressed through Buthidaung and Northern Rakhine State and increased education, particularly for vulnerable IDPs is essential. ltbrgtCSI plans to supply Chlorine tablets and water filters to address the pressing issue of water contamination. These interventions are vital for ensuring access to safe drinking water and mitigating the spread of water-borne diseases like Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), which has seen outbreaks in nearby areas such Paletwa, and other areas in Central Rakhine State. While CSI believes that long-term solutions needed include rehabilitation and construction of water access points, ponds, and latrines (among other WASH infrastructure) and concurrent WASH education – the abundant needs of the crisis have influenced the design of the project by using emergency methodologies to address these urgent needs.lt/pgtltpgtCSI conducted a rapid assessment across 34 villages to identify emergent needs arising from recent conflict and displacement. To rapidly assess the needs in hard-to-reach areas of Buthidaung, CSI staff in the region connected with leadership from villages, discussing the communities, their composition, and their needs from local leadership. 30 leaders were included in these discussions – some representative of multiple villages. While the voices were predominantly male, villages were selected based on known needs around vulnerable populations - IDPs and women. The findings from the rapid assessment underscored the urgent necessity of our shelter, NFI, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions as primary sectoral needs for these communities. With the monsoon season exacerbating living conditions, our timely intervention is critical for preventing further health crises and bolstering community resilience.ltbrgtDespite ongoing access challenges in the region, recent overtures from the AA and the United League of Arakan (ULA) to civil society organizations present a window of opportunity. Leveraging this increased access and engagement alongside the resumption of border trade and market activities, our project aims to resume implementation in AA-held areas where vulnerable populations urgently need assistance.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtCSI remains actively engaged in relevant clusters and coordination bodies at both national and subnational levels, including the Shelter/NFI and WASH clusters and the Emergency Operations and Response (EORE) Area of Responsibility (AoR). CSI is committed to the principles of “Do No Harm” and upholding standards of protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), with ongoing efforts to review and strengthen our policies and mechanisms.ltbrgtThrough these concerted efforts, CSI is steadfast in our commitment to alleviating immediate suffering, enhancing community resilience, and supporting the recovery of displaced populations in Buthidaung, NRS.lt/pgt