Multi-sectoral integrated assistance to conflict-affected people in Rakhine State The escalation of clashes between the Arakan Army and Tatmadaw (Myanmar Military) have caused the displacement of over 30,000 people since November 2018. The project will provide an integrated response covering the protection, nutrition, WASH, Shelter/NFI, and EiE needs of conflict affected and vulnerable displaced and host communities in Rakhine State. Based on the needs, access, thematic-geographic presence and expertise, this project will target Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyauktaw, Buthidaung and Ponnagyun Townships, where the members of this consortium have already provided assistance (food, WASH) to the new displaced population through local NGO partners. The consortium-based approach ensures value for money, sharing of expertise and operational capacities, hence the consortium partners will be able to reach higher number of beneficiaries. Inclusion of both national and international NGOs will maximize access and provide contingency options in instances where access for international actors may be restricted. It will also allow mainstreaming of best practices, standards and accountability to affected persons, hence resulting in greater quality of project delivery. The programme design is in line with the sectoral objectives of the Supplemental Response Plan as well as with the most urgent needs outlined in it.

Nutrition activities will reach 40 displacement sites. After a rapid needs assessment  , training of community volunteers and establishment of mother support groups, series of IYCF community awareness raising events will be held. Detection and referral of SAM/MAM   cases, financial support of vulnerable household with detected SAM cases, follow-up visits and counselling, and transportation of therapeutic feeding will ensure that malnutrition is screened regularly and access to appropriate treatment is at place. PIN builds on the experience and lessons learnt of nutrition activities under the ongoing MHF project, which has been positively received   by communities.

Protection activities will target 33 displacement sites (16,600 beneficiaries). After community consultations and a rapid protection assessment, the action will focus on the implementation of recreational and psychosocial activities through the training of community volunteers coached by mobile protection teams and through the distribution of child friendly space kits. Additional activities ensure the identification and referral of vulnerable women, girls, unaccompanied and separated children, the elderly and persons with disabilities to life-saving services.

Shelter/NFI distribution will start after a rapid needs assessment. At least 800 households will benefit from the provision of complementary NFI and shelter assistance. To create a linkage to CERF allocation and to maximize the value with effective coordination, PIN is in the process of signing LOU with UNHCR on in-kind donation and their distribution under this sectoral intervention.

WASH activities will reach 2674 households (13,370 people). Rainwater collection, provision of household water treatment solutions and communal water filters, and water quality testing will ensure safe access to sufficient water. Construction of disability friendly emergency latrines will improve equitable and safe access to sanitation facilities. Additional activities will focus on improved hygiene awareness and practices through hygiene promotion activities and provision of basic hygiene kits.

EiE activities will include the distribution of student kits, recreation kits and   general support to learning infrastructure. 

Contributing to the humanitarian-peace-development nexus, PIN has not only been focusing its work on emergency response, but also implementing a 3-year social cohesion program promoting inter-religious and inter-ethnic tolerance in Central Rakhine State.

For further information please refer to the attached document.