The Tat Lan project implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) began in 2013 in Rakhine State in Myanmar, with the goal of contributing to equitable and sustainable livelihoods in 102 villages in Myebone and Minbya Townships. Project activities include village development, agriculture, infrastructure, fisheries, nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and microfinance activities, benefitting 56,000 people in Rakhine.
The Tat Lan project closed on 6 January, a year earlier than planned, following a year-long suspension of IRC’s activities by the Rakhine State Government. The suspension followed an administrative error made during a routine travel request that IRC submitted to state authorities in November 2018. IRC drew this administrative error to the attention of Government officials and instituted stricter internal controls to prevent any similar mistakes in the future.
The Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT) has funded the Tat Lan program with USD19.6 million since 2013. During this suspension period, LIFT donors committed to continue funding IRC to maintain presence and run their office in anticipation of resumption of activities. The LIFT donors and management office also added their voice to the call for IRC’s return through meetings and letters to the Government at the Union and Rakhine level. With the passing of one year (Dec. 2018 to Dec. 2019), LIFT’s Fund Board decided that it can no longer continue to fund IRC or the Tat Lan project in the absence of activities and results for Rakhine’s communities.
LIFT communicated to IRC in a letter on 26 November 2019 that IRC’s Tat Lan Phase II project’s funding by LIFT would come to an end on 6 January 2020.
In the event that IRC can gain access to the Tat Lan project areas and it is operationally possible to resume activities, LIFT’s Fund Management Office will reassess the situation.
LIFT and its donors will continue to support and further invest in development programmes across Rakhine State in this current strategic phase for 2019-2023.
LIFT is a multi-donor fund set up in 2009 to strengthen the resilience and sustainable livelihoods of poor households in Myanmar, by helping people reach their full economic potential. LIFT’s fund board members and key donors are the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, Switzerland, the United States and Canada.
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For any enquiries, please contact:
Katy Webley, LIFT Fund Director: katyw@unops.org
Emilia Hinkkanen, LIFT Communications Specialist: emiliah@unops.org
Myanmar translation for this statement is available here.
