Relief Action Network for IDPs and Refugees (RANIR) was set up in July 2011 after the resumed war between Myanmar Tatmadaw and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in June 2011 that broke the ceasefire agreement signed in 1994 by CSOs, NGOs, and religious organizations that are active in Kachin Independence Organization Control Area (KCA). The purpose was to provide effective humanitarian support to the affected IDPs, refugees, and host communities. The network members coordinate, collaborate, and take collective actions in data collection, information sharing, and operations to avoid overlapping and gaps.
There are a total 13 network members (actively providing humanitarian assistance in KCA), and the coordination meeting is held quarterly. The network also has built a wider network with Kachin diaspora for humanitarian support and welfare to war-affected communities and to advocate to the UN and international communities for the IDPs. A Coordination Office with Coordination staff, media desk staff and program support staff was set up as a part of the network structure. The coordination office is primarily responsible for data collection, data processing, data sharing in collaboration with network members, capacity building, and media advocacy. The coordination office also raises funds for member organizations.
Additionally, RANIR implements the program’s activities, such as humanitarian mine action (HMA) and livelihood in the KCA area.