Last month, Myanmar’s Military Regime has now made it mandatory for domestic Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) conducting humanitarian operations in the country to register with the government.
Junta Minister, Lieutenant General Yar Pyae called on NGOs and INGOs to register at the opening of a workshop on facilitating the registration process held in Naypyitaw.
“We have to seek the help of associations in working for development of rural areas, border areas and remote areas. Associations must register themselves so that they can provide assistance in line with the law,” Yar Pyae said.
NGOs and INGOs need approval from the relevant departments to get registered, according to the regime. The Junta’s mandatory registration requirements are expected to pose challenges for aid agencies to provide humanitarian assistance.
A member of a Sittwe-based charity said, “We submitted an application for registration some two years ago, and it has not yet been approved. And [the regime] bars even documented charities from travel when people need help.” NGOs, INGOs and civil society organisations operating in Arakan State face restrictions at junta security checkpoints, and their movements are limited by the regime.
Some 1.5 million were affected by Cyclone Mocha, which made landfall over the Arakan State with destructive force on May 14. More than four months after the storm, some storm-hit areas still do not have access to humanitarian support.
