Myanmar - In the Kachin and northern Shan States of Myanmar, over 98,000 people are still displaced as a result of the conflict that erupted in June 2011. In Rakhine State, it is estimated that there are over 120,000 displaced people and over 70,000 have fled the state.

To improve the ability of the Myanmar Government, national and international organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations and displaced populations to manage and cope with displacement, IOM and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) conducted a five-day training of trainers (TOT) beginning 20 March. This initiative, which was held under the auspices of the national CCCM cluster in Myanmar, was funded by USAID and UNHCR.

Life in displacement can be significantly improved if those displaced can be part of the decision-making process with regard to the assistance they receive. It is equally important that the provision of basic services, such as food, shelter, health, water and sanitation, meet minimum SPHERE standards. Camp coordination and camp management (CCCM) is about improving the lives of displaced persons to help them live with dignity, even during displacement. The aim of the training was to increase the pool of trainers from Rakhine, northern Shan and Kachin States and will be added to a national roster of people capable to manage displacement in camp settings.

The Department of Relief and Resettlement State Director, U Soe Naing, opened the five-day training in Taunggyi, the capital city of Shan State. The initiative brought together 23 camp management practitioners who will be supporting various CCCM training needs in their respective States and also be deployed around the country to respond to displacement crises when needed.

During the five-day training, participants were introduced to CCCM tools, adult learning methods, coaching techniques, minimum standards and best practices in camp management in addition to strengthening their CCCM networks within Myanmar.

“This is a unique opportunity for me to improve my knowledge and develop the skills to help my community to cope with displacement,” says Maji Mung Hpan, a 25-year-old CCCM Facilitator from the Kachin Baptist Convention in Kachin State, Myanmar.

By promoting an understanding of the roles and responsibilities in CCCM, the camp management activities during the different phases of the camp life cycle and the role of community participation can ensure a more accountable provision of assistance and protection for displaced populations.

It is important to recognize that camps are designed to be temporary settlements and are the last places of refuge for people displaced through man-made or natural disasters. When camps are set up, all efforts have to be made to provide the displaced populations with the support they deserve.

For further information, please contact Kieran Gorman-Best, IOM Myanmar at Tel: +95 1210588, Email: kgormanbest@iom.int