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Story
27 August 2024
From Poppy Fields to Coffee Plantations: Nang Htwe's Journey of Transformation in Myanmar's Shan State
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Story
26 August 2024
Bridging the Gap: Digital Innovation and Empowering Myanmar’s Young People for Their Wellbeings and Rights
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Press Release
26 August 2024
WFP Launches First Response in Nine Years in Myanmar's Delta to Reach Flood-affected People
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Myanmar
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Myanmar:
Speech
19 June 2024
Statement by Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,As we convene here in the Council, yet again discussing Myanmar, we are bearing witness to a country being suffocated by an illegitimate military regime.Myanmar is in agonizing pain.And the disintegration of human rights continues at breakneck speed.This is a crisis emblematic of a decades-long legacy of military domination, the stifling of dissent, and division.And right now, these very same dynamics are playing out in terrifying form with the Rohingya and Rakhine communities.We are hearing stories of horrific war tactics, such as beheadings.Midnight drone attacks.The burning of homes as people sleep.People being shot at as they flee for their lives.The military has lost control over a considerable amount of territory. So it is resorting to increasingly extreme measures.Forced conscription. Indiscriminate bombardment of towns and villages. Brutal atrocity crimes.Mr. President,I have just returned from a visit to south-east Asia.I had the opportunity to hear from Myanmar civil society on the spiralling regional impacts of the crisis and the urgent need for leadership and influence to halt this catastrophe.The Myanmar military continues to gain access to foreign currency and weapons it needs to sustain its campaign of terror, while international financial support for the people of Myanmar is meagre at best.But I also witnessed a profound sense of hope. In my discussions with Myanmar civil society, human rights defenders and refugee communities, it was clear to see there is a new generation of young people from all ethnic communities leading the struggle to create an inclusive vision for the future of Myanmar.In Malaysia, I met with representatives of almost all ethnic communities – together. A few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to meet with Rohingya and other ethnic communities around one table. I was moved by their solidarity and shared hopes.In Thailand, representatives of Myanmar civil society and human rights defenders from different communities and backgrounds were also united by a common sense of purpose. Their rejection of the military’s seizure of power and violence. Their demand for accountability. Their desire for a better future.These young people have strong expectations of the international community. They seek for the extent of Myanmar’s suffering to be genuinely acknowledged and given the attention it deserves. They hope that funding will be made available to those on the ground to deliver humanitarian assistance and services directly to communities throughout the country. They have risked their lives and livelihoods to help communities in need and resist the repression by the military.And with them, a future is possible.Mr. President,We are witnessing a people’s revolution against decades of oppression and violence.In some areas outside the military’s control, new local governance structures have emerged, supported by ethnic armed groups and activists alike. They are providing food, shelter, education and healthcare for hundreds of thousands who are otherwise receiving little to no humanitarian support.And they are delivering critically needed protection services in the complete absence of a functioning public system.The Karenni Interim Executive Council in Kayah State, for example, has created a local governance system, where seven members have been elected by the people to respond to the community’s needs.I call on all anti-military armed groups to ensure the protection of civilians, defectors and surrendees at all times.Mr. President,The people of Myanmar must be spared more despair, more suffering, more fear.Armed conflicts continue to rage brutally across the country, taking an increasingly grim toll on the lives of civilians. My Office is investigating several reported attacks against civilians in Rakhine State and Sagaing over recent days with large numbers of civilians allegedly killed -- in airstrikes, naval artillery barrages and shootings.I am very concerned about the situation in Maungdaw. The Arakan Army this weekend gave all remaining residents – including a large Rohingya population – a warning to evacuate. But Rohingya have no options. There is nowhere to flee.Following a similar pattern in Buthidaung, where Rohingya were ordered to flee, and then the town burned, I fear we are – yet again -- about to bear witness to displacement, destruction and abuses. The military also reportedly ordered evacuation of ethnic Rakhine villages around Sittwe, where they have been conducting mass arrests in recent days.In another instance, the village of Byaing Phyu was reportedly emptied of its several hundred residents, as the military tried to identify men of fighting age who sympathised with their armed opponent, the Arakan Army.Men were separated from women. Dozens of men were allegedly tortured, shot and killed. Multiple reports allege that at least five women were also raped and killed in the incident. Their village was burned. Hundreds of men taken away are now missing.In a cynical move, the military has pressured and threatened young Rohingya men to join their ranks. Some reports have indicated thousands of Rohingya youth have been conscripted into the very same forces that displaced hundreds of thousands of their community in 2016 and 2017.In response, the Arakan Army has exhorted Rohingya to fight with them against the military. They have targeted their communities by forcibly displacing residents. On multiple occasions, they have detained or killed men of fighting age who they suspected of taking up arms against them.These tactics have brought back the shocking images and memories from 2017 of systematic terrorisation, persecution and forced displacement of populations. Today, sections of Maungdaw and Buthidaung have been alternately burned. Ethnic Rakhine houses and neighbourhoods were set alight, followed days later by the burning of Rohingya villages.And tens of thousands of civilians from these communities have been forced to flee, among them entire Rohingya communities with no guarantees of finding safe haven. Over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are still living in limbo in dire conditions, with no prospect for durable solutions.All this, in the face of binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice for the protection of Rohingya while it examines the case alleging genocide brought before it by the Gambia and other intervening Member States. Accountability, including in proceedings currently pending before the International Criminal Court, is absolutely critical. The failures to ensure accountability in Myanmar’s past transition, are now allowing history to repeat itself and are haunting the present and the future.Mr. President,The situation in Rakhine State is – tragically – just one example of how this coup, which has resulted in three years of conflict, has brought pain and suffering to an entire country.The attacks by the military have been, and continue to be, indiscriminate.Since February 2021, at least 5,280 civilians, including 1,022 women and 667 children, have been killed at the hands of the military. At least 26,865 individuals have been arrested and 20,592 remain in detention.There are now three million people internally displaced by these conflicts, the vast majority still without proper shelter. Without access to food or water. Without essential medicines and healthcare. And so many more of the cruel consequences of the military’s continued denial of humanitarian access remain invisible and under-reported. Mr. President,The violence must end. The attacks against civilians must end. The forced conscription must end. And the denial of humanitarian assistance must end. I urge all parties to prevent the recurrence of the atrocity crimes committed against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017.I also call on countries in the region to ensure international protection, and provision of adequate shelter, support and long-term access to essential services to people fleeing the violence and persecution. Special provisions need to be made for human rights defenders, who are particularly exposed and often face transnational threats and refoulement. Nobody should be forcibly returned to Myanmar at this time.We need an urgent rethink of how we can respond collectively to this unmitigated crisis. I had the opportunity to discuss this with the leadership of the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic and Malaysia as the current and future ASEAN Chair, as well as with Thailand as a near neighbour. It is time to go beyond the ASEAN Five Point Consensus that has failed to stem the violence or restore democracy. ASEAN’s efforts must be reenergised and backed by a consortium of influential States to develop a new roadmap that can restore the destiny of Myanmar to its people. This must factor in the new realities of local governance emerging on the ground that can provide building blocks towards a democratic future from the bottom up. Myanmar’s people must have a place at the table. This means reaching out to the democracy movement and youth, involving them meaningfully in the resolution of this crisis.The new generation in Myanmar – particularly the women’s leadership that has emerged - should be supported in a “visioning process” for the future of the country.With more attention, more investment, more political will and more action, this situation can be turned around for a better tomorrow for the people of Myanmar.Thank you.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,As we convene here in the Council, yet again discussing Myanmar, we are bearing witness to a country being suffocated by an illegitimate military regime.Myanmar is in agonizing pain.And the disintegration of human rights continues at breakneck speed.This is a crisis emblematic of a decades-long legacy of military domination, the stifling of dissent, and division.And right now, these very same dynamics are playing out in terrifying form with the Rohingya and Rakhine communities.We are hearing stories of horrific war tactics, such as beheadings.Midnight drone attacks.The burning of homes as people sleep.People being shot at as they flee for their lives.The military has lost control over a considerable amount of territory. So it is resorting to increasingly extreme measures.Forced conscription. Indiscriminate bombardment of towns and villages. Brutal atrocity crimes.Mr. President,I have just returned from a visit to south-east Asia.I had the opportunity to hear from Myanmar civil society on the spiralling regional impacts of the crisis and the urgent need for leadership and influence to halt this catastrophe.The Myanmar military continues to gain access to foreign currency and weapons it needs to sustain its campaign of terror, while international financial support for the people of Myanmar is meagre at best.But I also witnessed a profound sense of hope. In my discussions with Myanmar civil society, human rights defenders and refugee communities, it was clear to see there is a new generation of young people from all ethnic communities leading the struggle to create an inclusive vision for the future of Myanmar.In Malaysia, I met with representatives of almost all ethnic communities – together. A few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to meet with Rohingya and other ethnic communities around one table. I was moved by their solidarity and shared hopes.In Thailand, representatives of Myanmar civil society and human rights defenders from different communities and backgrounds were also united by a common sense of purpose. Their rejection of the military’s seizure of power and violence. Their demand for accountability. Their desire for a better future.These young people have strong expectations of the international community. They seek for the extent of Myanmar’s suffering to be genuinely acknowledged and given the attention it deserves. They hope that funding will be made available to those on the ground to deliver humanitarian assistance and services directly to communities throughout the country. They have risked their lives and livelihoods to help communities in need and resist the repression by the military.And with them, a future is possible.Mr. President,We are witnessing a people’s revolution against decades of oppression and violence.In some areas outside the military’s control, new local governance structures have emerged, supported by ethnic armed groups and activists alike. They are providing food, shelter, education and healthcare for hundreds of thousands who are otherwise receiving little to no humanitarian support.And they are delivering critically needed protection services in the complete absence of a functioning public system.The Karenni Interim Executive Council in Kayah State, for example, has created a local governance system, where seven members have been elected by the people to respond to the community’s needs.I call on all anti-military armed groups to ensure the protection of civilians, defectors and surrendees at all times.Mr. President,The people of Myanmar must be spared more despair, more suffering, more fear.Armed conflicts continue to rage brutally across the country, taking an increasingly grim toll on the lives of civilians. My Office is investigating several reported attacks against civilians in Rakhine State and Sagaing over recent days with large numbers of civilians allegedly killed -- in airstrikes, naval artillery barrages and shootings.I am very concerned about the situation in Maungdaw. The Arakan Army this weekend gave all remaining residents – including a large Rohingya population – a warning to evacuate. But Rohingya have no options. There is nowhere to flee.Following a similar pattern in Buthidaung, where Rohingya were ordered to flee, and then the town burned, I fear we are – yet again -- about to bear witness to displacement, destruction and abuses. The military also reportedly ordered evacuation of ethnic Rakhine villages around Sittwe, where they have been conducting mass arrests in recent days.In another instance, the village of Byaing Phyu was reportedly emptied of its several hundred residents, as the military tried to identify men of fighting age who sympathised with their armed opponent, the Arakan Army.Men were separated from women. Dozens of men were allegedly tortured, shot and killed. Multiple reports allege that at least five women were also raped and killed in the incident. Their village was burned. Hundreds of men taken away are now missing.In a cynical move, the military has pressured and threatened young Rohingya men to join their ranks. Some reports have indicated thousands of Rohingya youth have been conscripted into the very same forces that displaced hundreds of thousands of their community in 2016 and 2017.In response, the Arakan Army has exhorted Rohingya to fight with them against the military. They have targeted their communities by forcibly displacing residents. On multiple occasions, they have detained or killed men of fighting age who they suspected of taking up arms against them.These tactics have brought back the shocking images and memories from 2017 of systematic terrorisation, persecution and forced displacement of populations. Today, sections of Maungdaw and Buthidaung have been alternately burned. Ethnic Rakhine houses and neighbourhoods were set alight, followed days later by the burning of Rohingya villages.And tens of thousands of civilians from these communities have been forced to flee, among them entire Rohingya communities with no guarantees of finding safe haven. Over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are still living in limbo in dire conditions, with no prospect for durable solutions.All this, in the face of binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice for the protection of Rohingya while it examines the case alleging genocide brought before it by the Gambia and other intervening Member States. Accountability, including in proceedings currently pending before the International Criminal Court, is absolutely critical. The failures to ensure accountability in Myanmar’s past transition, are now allowing history to repeat itself and are haunting the present and the future.Mr. President,The situation in Rakhine State is – tragically – just one example of how this coup, which has resulted in three years of conflict, has brought pain and suffering to an entire country.The attacks by the military have been, and continue to be, indiscriminate.Since February 2021, at least 5,280 civilians, including 1,022 women and 667 children, have been killed at the hands of the military. At least 26,865 individuals have been arrested and 20,592 remain in detention.There are now three million people internally displaced by these conflicts, the vast majority still without proper shelter. Without access to food or water. Without essential medicines and healthcare. And so many more of the cruel consequences of the military’s continued denial of humanitarian access remain invisible and under-reported. Mr. President,The violence must end. The attacks against civilians must end. The forced conscription must end. And the denial of humanitarian assistance must end. I urge all parties to prevent the recurrence of the atrocity crimes committed against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017.I also call on countries in the region to ensure international protection, and provision of adequate shelter, support and long-term access to essential services to people fleeing the violence and persecution. Special provisions need to be made for human rights defenders, who are particularly exposed and often face transnational threats and refoulement. Nobody should be forcibly returned to Myanmar at this time.We need an urgent rethink of how we can respond collectively to this unmitigated crisis. I had the opportunity to discuss this with the leadership of the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic and Malaysia as the current and future ASEAN Chair, as well as with Thailand as a near neighbour. It is time to go beyond the ASEAN Five Point Consensus that has failed to stem the violence or restore democracy. ASEAN’s efforts must be reenergised and backed by a consortium of influential States to develop a new roadmap that can restore the destiny of Myanmar to its people. This must factor in the new realities of local governance emerging on the ground that can provide building blocks towards a democratic future from the bottom up. Myanmar’s people must have a place at the table. This means reaching out to the democracy movement and youth, involving them meaningfully in the resolution of this crisis.The new generation in Myanmar – particularly the women’s leadership that has emerged - should be supported in a “visioning process” for the future of the country.With more attention, more investment, more political will and more action, this situation can be turned around for a better tomorrow for the people of Myanmar.Thank you.
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Speech
19 June 2024
Secretary-General's Message on World Refugee Day
From Sudan to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond, conflict, climate chaos and upheaval are forcing record numbers of people from their homes and fueling profound human suffering. The latest figures show that a total of more than 120 million people around the world are forcibly displaced, including 43.5 million refugees. World Refugee Day is about honouring their strength and courage – and stepping up efforts to protect and support refugees on every step of their journey.Refugees need global solidarity and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity. When given the opportunity, refugees make significant contributions to their host communities, but they need access to equal opportunities and to jobs, housing, and healthcare. Young refugees need quality education to achieve their dreams. And generous host countries, mostly low- or middle-income countries, need the support and resources to fully include refugees in societies and economies.Let us pledge to reaffirm the world’s collective responsibility in assisting and welcoming refugees … in upholding their human rights including the right to seek asylum … in safeguarding the integrity of the refugee protection regime … and ultimately, in resolving conflicts so that those forced from their communities can return home.
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Speech
19 June 2024
Secretary-General’s message for the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
Conflict-related sexual violence is a devastating form of attack and repression, which has lasting, harmful effects on survivors’ physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health, and destroys the social fabric of communities.Despite widespread awareness and condemnation, this grotesque crime continues around the world. The past year has seen harrowing reports of sexual violence from Sudan to Haiti and Israel. Far too often, the perpetrators walk free while survivors spend their entire lives in recovery. This year’s International be beacons of safety and healing for all those injured in conflict, including the survivors of sexual violence. These are funDay for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict focuses on healthcare. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities should damental tenets of international humanitarian law. But attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities, and the targeting of healthcare workers, can severely limit access to medical care and psychosocial support for survivors. Women and girls who experience sexual violence may become pregnant from rape and require immediate sexual and reproductive healthcare. Men and boys may be at risk of increased isolation if they cannot access appropriate care. On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, let us pledge to eliminate this scourge, stand in solidarity with survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting hospitals and healthcare facilities during conflict.
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Press Release
12 June 2024
Urgent action needed to protect children from child labour amid rising security concerns
YANGON, Myanmar (ILO News) — On World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Myanmar urgently calls all stakeholders to fulfil their commitment and take decisive action to end child labour!The adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) marked a significant milestone in the fight against child labour. Now, 25 years on, the universal ratification of Convention No. 182 in 2013, is an achievement worth celebrating.However, the global fight is far from over. An estimated 160 million children worldwide are still engaged in child labour, with 79 million involved in hazardous work, one of the worst forms of child labour.In Myanmar, according to UN reports, the security situation has deteriorated, with 40 per cent of the population living below the national poverty line and over three million internally displaced persons, one third of whom are children. The promulgation of the 2010 People’s Military Service Law earlier this year has further exacerbated the crisis, leading to an increase of individuals fleeing conscription.Findings from an ILO study on child labour cases conducted in selected states of Myanmar indicate an increase in child labour levels partly driven, amongst other factors, by parents preferring their children to work as means to avoid conscription. This aligns with an ILO report on Vulnerabilities in Child Labour (2022) highlighting that child labour rates in conflict-affected countries are 77 per cent higher than global averages.“We remain deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation and escalation of the conflict in Myanmar,” said Yutong Liu, ILO Myanmar Liaison Officer / Representative. “More children are living in poverty, facing movement restrictions, or displacement, making them increasingly vulnerable to child labour. Children should not be victims of conflicts in any form. Instead, they must be protected and allowed to continue to be a beacon of hope for the future of the country. On this World Day Against Child Labour, it is crucial for all stakeholders to honour their commitments to Convention No. 182 and intensify efforts to combat child labour,” Mr Liu added.The ILO continues to monitor the situation of children in the country and supports partners in tackling child labour through community-based child labour monitoring, awareness raising and skills and livelihood support in the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions, Shan and Mon states.World Day Against Child Labour activities in Myanmar
For this World Day Against Child Labour, ILO Myanmar is launching a three-month campaign starting 1 June 2024 that will engage social partners, civil society organizations and development partners in training and awareness-raising activities across Myanmar and on social media platforms.
For this World Day Against Child Labour, ILO Myanmar is launching a three-month campaign starting 1 June 2024 that will engage social partners, civil society organizations and development partners in training and awareness-raising activities across Myanmar and on social media platforms.
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Press Release
07 June 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on increasing conflict across Myanmar
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the increasing violence across Myanmar and strongly condemns the recent attacks by the Myanmar military that have reportedly killed scores of civilians, including in Rakhine State and Sagaing Region. The latest incident targeting ethnic Rakhine in Western Myanmar, and the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya, underlines the need for protection of all communities. Indiscriminate aerial bombings and human rights violations continue to be reported in many parts of the country. Those responsible must be held to account.The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence.The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the widening regional ramifications of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and reiterates his appeal for a unified approach.The Secretary-General urges Member States and all stakeholders to engage and support his Special Envoy, Julie Bishop, in her efforts to alleviate the suffering and help build an inclusive Myanmar-led process towards sustainable peace, including through close cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and neighbouring countries.
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Story
27 August 2024
From Poppy Fields to Coffee Plantations: Nang Htwe's Journey of Transformation in Myanmar's Shan State
For years, Nang Htwe had felt trapped. A widowed farmer living in the lush and vibrant Southern Shan State in Myanmar, she believed she had limited options as to what she could profitably grow. Reluctantly, she turned to cultivating poppy to keep herself and her three children afloat. “I had no other options besides growing poppy because other crops didn't offer good prices or a stable market," she explained. But Nang Htwe never stopped feeling uneasy. She knew that her crops – and those of other poppy farmers – were having detrimental effects on the security, environment, and well-being of her village Pan Lin, which weighed on her conscience. A new path But in 2014, when the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) introduced an Alternative Development program, Nang Htwe saw a glimmer of hope. Alternative development initiatives seek to provide sustainable livelihoods to communities that cultivate illicit drug crops because they are unable to obtain sufficient income from legal activities due to conflict or lack of markets, basic infrastructure, or land. This particular Alternative Development programme was offering poppy farmers the chance to transition to growing coffee. With her 2.5 hectares of land, Nang Htwe embraced the opportunity, envisioning a brighter future for herself and her children. Her dedication and hard work soon paid off. In 2022, her coffee plantation yielded an impressive 4800 kg of coffee red cherries, meeting the standards for Fair Trade and Organic certification. Coffee soon became her family’s primary source of income, surpassing earnings from other crops grown by Nang Htwe, like corn. The financial stability she had long craved was now at hand. "Before growing coffee, I faced many financial difficulties,” Nang Htwe confessed. “I used to have to go to Thailand to earn money and support my family in times of struggle. “But there are significant benefits in coffee crops,” she continued. “The coffee plantation provides sufficient and stable income. I can support and care for my family safely because I can work right here in my village.” Accessing a global market The impact of UNODC's Alternative Development programme went beyond individual farmers like Nang Htwe. In 2015, the Green Gold Cooperative (GGC) was formed to support coffee farmers in accessing international markets and securing a reliable income. Nang Htwe became a proud cooperative member, joining forces with other coffee farmers in Pan Lin. Their collective efforts led to a five-year agreement with Malongo, a coffee company based in France, opening new doors and opportunities for the farmers. Nang Htwe's journey as a coffee farmer was not just about financial success. She actively participated in the coffee working group, focusing on coffee processing at the village level. The collective efforts of the coffee working group in Pan Lin led to the village receiving the first prize for coffee quality among 48 other villages. As a testament to her dedication and the exceptional quality of her coffee, Nang Htwe was chosen to participate in the launching of the village’s coffee in France. Nang Htwe's story is an example of the transformative power of UNODC's Alternative Development program. Through coffee farming, she found financial stability and a renewed sense of dignity, purpose, and empowerment. Nang Htwe hopes that her journey will inspire other farmers and showcase the untapped potential that lies within each individual. *This story was originally published on the UNODC Website.
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Story
28 August 2024
Bridging the Gap: Digital Innovation and Empowering Myanmar’s Young People for Their Wellbeings and Rights
"I felt so lost and stressed with everything happening around me. It was like being trapped in a never-ending storm," shared Zin, a 22-year-old young man in Yangon. "I needed more than just a place to study. I needed a space to breathe, express my feelings, and find peace."Zin’s words reflect the feelings of many young people in Myanmar today. In the midst of political turmoil and uncertainty gripping the nation, youth like him are not only facing challenges with their education but also with their mental well-being. In this difficult environment, Doh Eain’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Video Screenings and Wellbeing Workshops, supported by UNFPA's Women and Girls First Programme, have become a crucial support for young people. These sessions are more than just an escape from daily stresses—they are lifelines, providing practical tools for resilience and mental health and psychosocial well-being in the face of overwhelming challenges.The workshops, organised by Doh Eain with the support of youth networks, combine the screening of comprehensively crafted MHPSS videos with in-person group counselling and art therapy. Over 100 young individuals benefited from this activity in 2023 alone, with another 100 joining in the first half of 2024. This hybrid approach—blending the power of digital media with face-to-face counselling—has proven to be particularly impactful. The videos provide a structured way to introduce complex mental health topics, while the in-person interactions offer a safe space for participants to explore these issues more deeply. For many, it is the first time they have been given the space and the tools to process their emotions in a constructive way. "Our support needs to be 360-degree to truly help young people with their well-being," says Marlo, a mental health counsellor involved in the workshops. Both in-person and online approaches have their own advantages nowadays. Young people need a safe space for their mental health and psychosocial well-being, and combining these methods allows us to reach and resonate with them more effectively."A local youth participant, Khin, shared how the workshop helped her confront the anxiety she had been carrying silently. "Before this, I didn't have a place to talk about my emotions and stress. Watching the MHPSS videos and sharing our experiences with others who feel the same way made me realise I'm not alone. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders," she said, her voice filled with relief and newfound strength.Thet, a community youth leader from a local youth network who facilitates the sessions, emphasised the importance of professional support in these workshops. "They need such kind of well-being support since there is a lot of misinformation around these health-related topics through social media. This is their right, and we need to support them," she explained. The impact of these workshops is profound. Thet has seen firsthand the transformation in the young people she works with. "When they first come in, many of them are carrying so much anxiety, confusion and uncertainty. But through the videos and our discussions, they start to open up. They begin to understand that their feelings are valid, embracing the sense that “it is OK not to be ok” and there are ways to cope. Seeing them leave with hope in their eyes—it’s the most rewarding part of my job," she shared. The MHPSS videos, tailored for youth, cover a range of topics, including stress management, coping mechanisms, and the importance of mental health dialogue, particularly among young men and boys. These screenings are not just passive experiences but gateways to deeper conversations. During one session, participants used drawing and painting to express their emotions, which then became the centrepiece of a group discussion. This creative expression allowed them to explore their feelings in a way that words alone could not."My favourite part was the drawing," said Thura, an 18-year-old young man who attended the workshop. "I didn't think I could express myself like that. But when I saw what I drew, I realised it was a picture of my stress. It felt good to see it and then share it with the others finally. We all understood each other in that moment." For many of these young people, the workshops are a rare opportunity to connect with peers facing similar struggles. In a country where open discussion about mental health is often stigmatised, these sessions provide a safe haven where they can share, heal, and grow together. The hybrid approach of combining digital video content with in-person counselling support is essential in creating an environment where young people feel understood and empowered to take control of their mental health and psychosocial well-being.Reflecting on her experiences, Khin expressed a sentiment that resonates with many who have attended these sessions: "I arrived here with the feeling lost after experiencing numerous impacts from the ongoing conflict, but I am leaving with hope. This is something I will hold onto, regardless of what happens next."UNFPA has introduced the innovative Baykin-2 mobile application developed by 360ed in 2022. Baykin-2 integrates learning with gaming to effectively engage young users, providing visually rich content that helps adolescents understand critical topics such as sexual and reproductive health, social and emotional well-being, and relationship building. By equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from gender-based violence, Baykin-2 empowers the young generation to take control of their personal safety and well-being. As the country continues to navigate its turbulent times, the need for such innovative support systems is more critical than ever. These MHPSS Video Screenings, Wellbeing Workshops, and the Baykin-2 app are not just helping young people cope with the present but empowering them to build a future where mental well-being and self-awareness are prioritised and openly discussed.These innovative initiatives, supported by UNFPA in collaboration with youth organizations and networks, are vital for empowering young people for their well-being and resilience. These supports address immediate mental health and psychosocial needs and empower young people to understand and assert their rights, ensuring they can navigate through the crisis with confidence and hope. *This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar Website.
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Story
16 August 2024
From excluded to empowered: Nang’s rise to respected community leader.
Nang*, a 40-year-old woman from Myanmar, has always been a passionate community volunteer, spending all her summers teaching local languages to children in her village. Yet, while she loved this work, Nang really wanted to participate more deeply in the development and day-to-day running of her village. Unfortunately, gendered cultural norms and lack of confidence were holding her back. “I faced significant challenges engaging with the village community due to my limited knowledge. And there was a prevailing skepticism towards women leaders that stopped people from accepting my suggestions,” Nang said. Nang felt like there was no place for her voice in community decision-making. She felt insecure about only having received a middle-school education, and excluded from the local governing bodies because she was a woman. But when a local organization, supported by UN Women, began building the capacity of women in the village to lead on humanitarian action, Nang was an enthusiastic participant. And soon both Nang and her community came to realize what she was truly capable of.The participation and leadership of women is critical to the humanitarian response in Myanmar – as it is in crisis-affected countries around the world – because when women and women’s organizations are included in humanitarian action, the responses are more likely to address the needs of all community members and lead to more sustainable peace and recovery efforts. Amid Myanmar’s ongoing and deteriorating crisis, UN Women works with local women’s rights and women-led organizations, which use their unique knowledge and networks to enable lifesaving support to remote, vulnerable and marginalized people.In Nang’s village, UN Women’s local partner organization has been helping communities build their resilience against climate and man-made disasters. To start with, Nang helped plan meetings and training sessions, and as she gained more confidence and leadership skills, she began taking the lead in building relationships between donors and the village communities and initiating her own resilience-building projects. A key turning point for Nang was taking part in the Participatory Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis (PVCA) training, which is a risk analysis process that helps communities understand and analyse their vulnerabilities and capacities to climate change and disaster risks. It also helps identify the links between the different kinds of risk a community faces and the way in which the members of that community interact.Feeling empowered by the knowledge and skills she gained through the PVCA process, Nang successfully advocated for support and funding from donors and UN agencies to launch a range of important projects in her village. The projects included obtaining agricultural tools and seeds; implementing a cash for work program; constructing much-needed drainage in the village to prepare for the rainy season; and securing grants to build a new road to overcome transportation challenges during the rainy season. “Today, Nang holds a pivotal role in her village. The Village Development Committee elected Nang to become a member, and her suggestions are valued and considered, showcasing the transformative change brought about by the training and other project activities we’ve implemented in her village,” said the representative from UN Women’s local partner, which conducted the PVCA training and other humanitarian capacity building activities. Nang has emerged as the main coordinator of humanitarian and development projects in her village, leading discussions with civil society and facilitating inter-ethnic dialogue among diverse women's groups. “Following the training … I now possess the confidence to actively participate in village activities and fearlessly voice my opinions,” she reflected. “The empowerment I feel has not only enhanced my capabilities but has broken-down barriers, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of my community.” *Name has been changed for safety.
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Story
05 September 2024
A Drop of Hope: How Community Rainwater Harvesting Transforms Yangon's Informal Settlements
In the bustling city of Yangon, water shortages and pollution are intensifying as people seek refuge from conflict-affected areas. In the city's informal settlements, where only 6 percent of households have access to piped water, residents have long depended on unreliable and unsafe sources for their daily needs. These informal settlements, often located in flood-prone areas, face a distinct challenge. The problem isn't just the lack of water, but also the limited availability of safe drinking water. Many residents depend on private vendors, who charge significantly more than public or community-based providers. With rising inflation and stagnant wages, households are increasingly struggling to afford these costs, forcing them to turn to unsafe or unreliable sources that threaten their health and well-being. To address this urgent need, UN-Habitat launched an innovative Tametotto rainwater harvesting initiative aimed at making water more affordable and accessible for vulnerable communities. The project “Building resilience against COVID-19 through WASH and waste management support in urban informal settlements” introduced the groundbreaking rainwater harvesting tank to Myanmar for the first time, through a partnership between UN-Habitat and the Japanese company Daiken. The rainwater harvesting tank, capable of storing over 150 tons of water, provides a reliable supply throughout the year, including the dry months. A nature-based system filtered the collected rainwater, making it safe to drink and reducing the reliance on expensive bottled water or unsustainable groundwater extraction. The community rainwater harvesting tank had a profound impact. The installation of these tanks resulted in a noticeable change in the target areas' schools. Thida, a 14-year-old student from one of these schools, said, “Before, we had to bring water from home because the water here was not safe to drink. Now, we can drink the water from the tank. We don't have to worry about getting sick."The community also received training on how to maintain the rainwater harveesting tanks. U San Win, a community mobilizer involved in the project, said, "The rainwater harvesting tank is incredibly efficient and easy to maintain. We trained the communities and teachers on how to manage the system, and they did an excellent job. It was rewarding to see how this simple solution made such a big difference." The tanks are designed to be space-efficient, allowing the area above them to be used for playgrounds or parking lots—an essential feature in these densely populated urban areas. This project serves as a powerful example of how UN-Habitat’s broader mandate—to promote sustainable urban development—can directly improve lives. By addressing water security, the project not only meets an immediate need but also enhances the long-term resilience of these communities against the inevitable challenges posed by climate change. The successful implementation of this technology demonstrates the effectiveness of international partnerships and highlights the potential for innovative solutions to tackle pressing urban issues.As the project scales up its low-tech and cost-effective rainwater harvesting solution across Myanmar, it sets a precedent for tackling water insecurity in informal settlements. UN-Habitat installed 10 rainwater harvesting tanks in Yangon’s informal settlements as part of this initiative. This effort demonstrates that with the right support and technology, even the most vulnerable communities can achieve a healthier and more sustainable future. On World Humanitarian Day 2024, reflecting on the theme "Act for Humanity," this project highlights the profound impact that innovative humanitarian efforts can have on those in need. Each drop of water from this initiative represents a step towards a brighter, healthier future for Yangon’s most vulnerable communities.“Innovative solutions can make a world of difference for the most vulnerable communities. UN-Habitat stands committed to #actforhumanity and will continue to work towards improving community resilience. As we stay and deliver in Myanmar, on this World Humanitarian Day, we call for the protection of our staff, volunteers, and the local communities we serve,” said Ms. Catarina Camarinhas, Country Programme Manager a.i, UN-Habitat, Myanmar. *This story was originally published on the UN-Habitat Myanmar website.
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Story
12 August 2024
Meet Monica: Champion of Change for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Community Empowerment
"The most significant challenge confronting women and girls with disabilities stems not from their impairments but from the deeply rooted discrimination in their communities,” Monica asserts. Her messages represent the voices of persons with disabilities in the communities. Monica was born in Tedim, Chin State. Her life took an unforeseen turn at the age of two when a routine medical injection resulted in severe complications, introducing her to a life of physical challenges. From an early age, Monica faced not only the physical barriers constructed by the community not designed for disabled persons but also the immense societal obstacles and discrimination. As Monica grew up, each day presented its own set of hardships. "School stairs felt like insurmountable walls, and being excluded from physical activities with my classmates deepened my sense of isolation," she remembers. Monica's parents supported her through challenges, instilling a deep belief in her own values and abilities. She says, "My dad always believed in me, reminding me that I have the strength to overcome those challenges and shape my life better." This belief helped her navigate the discrimination and cultural stigmas that often stifle the spirits of many girls in her situation.Her academic journey became a symbol of her resilience. Monica excelled in her studies, graduating from high school with distinctions, and later earned her university degree. This academic excellence was a testament to her unbreakable determination to forge a path for herself, breaking many social stereotypes about people with disabilities. Equipped with those qualifications, Monica aspired to become a teacher with the hope of making a change by educating young minds. However, her path was thwarted by repeated rejections due to her disability. "It was the painful, constant rejection that made me question the inclusivity of our society," Monica reflects. The turning point came when she realized that her true calling might not lie in a traditional classroom. "I can make a change in the community for those in need, regardless of my physical disabilities," she asserted, her resolve turning her towards a new direction.Monica joined the Disability Development Initiative (DDI), a Disabled People's Organization, where she discovered her true passion for advocacy and empowerment. She dedicated herself to empowering disabled women and girls by undertaking various activities, including educating the community on sexual and reproductive health and rights, promoting gender equality, and preventing gender-based violence. "Every night, I reflect on what I've done today for the community and for persons with disabilities. It drives me to strive for better outcomes tomorrow," Monica shares. The initiatives backed by Monica have had profound impacts, providing the people with the strength and confidence to call for their rights. "Empowering persons with disabilities to become independent and self-sufficient is crucial. It is not only for their dignity but also for sustainable development," she emphasizes. Monica’s advocacy and support go beyond immediate needs, focusing on systemic changes that can provide long-term solutions. "Monica has been a pillar of strength for our community," praised a local community member. "She's not only a champion for the rights of disabled people but also an advocate for all of us. Her dedication reminds us of the power of inclusion and equality."A community member who is disabled and a beneficiary of the vocational training program shares, "I attended one of the vocational trainings Monica organized, and it changed my life. She taught us that our abilities are stronger than our disabilities. Thanks to her encouragement and guidance, I'm now running my own small business selling those handmade Chin traditional necklaces."Her colleagues describe her as a powerhouse of positivity and innovation. "Monica doesn't just work for change; she embodies it. She has gained the trust of women and girls in the community. Her sense of humor makes the community participants at the training learn the knowledge easily and forget their stress and pain. They admire her," says Myint Thu, one of her coworkers. "She remarkably shows us her strong commitment and dedicated effort in empowering women and girls with disabilities for equal rights and advocating equal job opportunities in our community." In collaboration with UNFPA, DDI has been able to extend its reach, establishing essential support and services such as the Women and Girls Centre and Safe House for women and girls, including persons with disabilities and internally displaced people from affected communities in Chin and Sagaing. These centres serve as beacons of hope and protection, providing essential support to those women and girls in need. "Thanks to UNFPA’s continuous support, we’ve been able to make significant strides in disability inclusion and support within our country," Monica notes gratefully. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that more needs to be done. "The disability inclusion journey is far from over. We continue to need the support of international and local organizations and the private sector."Monica's vision is resolute and potent: "I fight for a world where every woman and girl, regardless of her abilities, has the right to dream, achieve, and thrive." Her call to action is not just for those with disabilities, but for all who believe in a more inclusive and equitable world. UNFPA is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities play a central role in creating a more inclusive World and advocating for equal rights and freedom from violence. The UNFPA Disability Inclusion Strategy prioritizes the inclusion of people with disabilities in all of UNFPA's activities. By focusing on the rights of people with disabilities, UNFPA contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the principle of "leaving no one behind" (LNOB). Disability inclusion is important because it contributes to all of UNFPA's transformative results by ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights for everyone. *This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar Website.
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Press Release
26 August 2024
WFP Launches First Response in Nine Years in Myanmar's Delta to Reach Flood-affected People
An estimated 500,000 people are living in areas exposed to flooding in Ayeyarwady[1]. Over the coming days, WFP plans to assist 35,000 flood-affected people in evacuation centres with rice and fortified biscuits. This assistance will be coupled with nutrition support for mothers and children to prevent acute malnutrition. “Known to be the rice bowl of Myanmar, Ayeyarwady is highly susceptible to climate events like floods. Recent flooding threatens to significantly reduce monsoon rice yields. This would jeopardize the food security of the most vulnerable people, especially smallholder farmers. And the impacts are likely to be felt not just in Ayeyarwady but more broadly across Myanmar. WFP is taking swift action to help mitigate potential food shortages,” said Sheela Matthew, WFP Representative in Myanmar. Even before the flooding, a quarter of the population in Ayeyarwady - 1.5 million people - were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024. WFP Myanmar flood response update:In Ayeyarwady, initial reports from WFP’s partners indicate that hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland have been inundated. In the hardest hit areas, urgent needs include food, drinking water, and sanitation. Support to smallholder farmers will be crucial as they strive to recover from the floods.The ongoing distributions mark WFP’s first intervention in Ayeyarwady in nine years. WFP last provided assistance in 2015 following widespread flooding in the region.In the rest of the country, lifesaving food assistance has so far reached 130,000 people affected by floods in Bago, Kachin, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, and Sagaing. WFP is assessing the needs in Rakhine and stands ready to respond. Photos are available in this link. [1] Myanmar Information Management Unit
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Press Release
13 September 2024
Seven years after forced mass displacement of Rohingya from Myanmar, deadly attacks on children continue in Rakhine State
UNICEF has received alarming reports that civilians, particularly children and families, are being targeted or caught in the crossfire, resulting in deaths and severe injuries. Humanitarian access in Rakhine has become extremely challenging. Critical services, including access to safe water and healthcare are jeopardised, exacerbated by electricity, telecommunications and internet blackouts since January. This is impacting both civilian activities and humanitarian operations.“Seven years after a deadly wave of violence forced thousands of families from their homes in search of safety, new reports of violence are painful reminders of the continuing threats to children in Myanmar,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “In Rakhine and across the country, children and families continue to pay the price for conflict, with their lives, livelihoods, and futures. Parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations to protect children.”On 5 August 2024, artillery shelling and drone attacks reportedly killed about 180 people, including a significant number of women and children, near the bank of the Naf River, which marks the border between southeastern Bangladesh and northwestern Myanmar, as they attempted to escape hostilities. On the same day, an estimated 20,000 people were reportedly displaced from three downtown Maungdaw wards.In separate incidents on 6 and 19 August, boats carrying dozens of people - including women and children – sank in the Naf River, with children among the casualties, the latest in a series of capsizing incidents involving children.Since 13 November 2023, the escalating conflict has displaced an estimated 327,000 people in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin. This brings the total current estimated internal displacement in Rakhine State to well over half a million people.Across Myanmar, the humanitarian crisis that escalated in February 2021 continues to rapidly deteriorate, with children bearing the heaviest burden of unabating violence, including grave violations, mass displacement, and the near collapse of health and education service provision systems. Escalating attacks and clashes have displaced an estimated 3.3 million people, nearly 40 per cent of whom are children. In 2024, a record 18.6 million people - nearly one-third of the country's population – including 6 million children, require humanitarian assistance.The Rohingya population who fled attacks and violence in 2017, joined refugees already in Bangladesh from previous waves of displacement. Together, they total almost one million displaced people. Seven years later, about half a million Rohingya refugee children are growing up in the world’s largest refugee camp, with many of them born there as refugees. The refugee community relies entirely on humanitarian assistance and lives in temporary shelters in highly congested camp settings. Working with the Interim Government of Bangladesh and partners, UNICEF provides water and sanitation, establishes diarrhoeal treatment centres, enables access to health and nutrition services for children and pregnant women, as well as to quality education; and supports children affected by violence, abuse and neglect with protection and response services.“Bangladesh’s continued support to the refugee population – especially children - is both commendable and critical,” said Russell. “Over the past 12 months, we have been increasingly concerned about the security situation in the camps and reports of child rights violations. We stand ready to support the new Interim Government of Bangladesh to ensure that these children are protected and have access to critical services.”In Myanmar, UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law to protect civilians, particularly children, and ensure their safety and well-being. UNICEF also calls for safe and unimpeded access to deliver humanitarian aid by all humanitarian actors.
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Press Release
23 August 2024
Myanmar: Türk deplores attacks on civilians fleeing Rakhine, fears repeat of 2017 atrocities against Rohingya
Over the past four months, tens of thousands of people, many of whom are Rohingya, have fled a major offensive by the Arakan Army to take control of Buthidaung and Maungdaw towns from the military. In one of the deadliest attacks along the Naf River bordering Bangladesh on 5 August, dozens were reportedly killed, including by armed drones. It remains unclear which party to the conflict was responsible. “Thousands of Rohingya have been forced to flee on foot, with the Arakan Army herding them repeatedly into locations that offer scant safe haven,” Türk said. “As the border crossings to Bangladesh remain closed, members of the Rohingya community are finding themselves trapped between the military and its allies and the Arakan Army, with no path to safety.” Despite repeated warnings and calls for action, the ongoing violence underscores the prevailing sense of impunity and the persistent challenges in ensuring protection of civilians in accordance with international law, the High Commissioner said. “This month marks seven years since the military operations which drove 700,000 across the border into Bangladesh. Despite the world saying “never again” we are once more witnessing killings, destruction and displacement in Rakhine. Parties to the armed conflict are issuing statements denying responsibility for attacks against the Rohingya and others, acting as though they are powerless to protect them. This stretches the bounds of credulity,” said Türk. According to information documented by the UN Human Rights Office, both the military and the Arakan Army, which now controls most of the townships in Rakhine, have committed serious human rights violations and abuses against the Rohingya, including extrajudicial killings, some involving beheadings, abductions, forced recruitment, indiscriminate bombardments of towns and villages using drones and artillery, and arson attacks. Such attacks stand in sharp contrast to obligations of all parties under international humanitarian law and to the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice to protect the Rohingya against risk of further harm. Credible sources have described increasing numbers of Rohingya, nearly half of whom are children, seeking assistance for conflict-related injuries. There have also been reports of people dying of diarrhoea, due to lack of access to clean water and grossly inadequate living conditions. Food warehouses holding vitally important supplies for civilians have been attacked, ransacked and burnt. Buthidaung and Maungdaw hospitals have been closed due to the violence, further aggravating an already disastrous humanitarian crisis compounded by an extensive telecommunications shutdown. “Both the military and the Arakan Army bear direct responsibility for the human tragedy that is unfolding in Rakhine,” said Turk. “Both parties must immediately cease attacks against civilians, protect those fleeing the conflict, and ensure their unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian assistance.” “These atrocities demand an unequivocal response - those responsible must be held accountable, and justice must be pursued relentlessly,” said Türk. “Recurrence of the crimes and horrors of the past must be prevented as a moral duty and a legal necessity. It is the responsibility of the international community, with ASEAN at the forefront, to take all necessary measures to protect the Rohingya and other civilian victims of this cruel conflict.”
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Press Release
24 August 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the seventh anniversary of the displacement of Rohingya people and other communities from Myanmar
25 August marks seven years since the forced mass displacement of Rohingya people and other communities from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Around 1 million Rohingya are presently sheltering in Bangladesh and over 130,000 more across the region without immediate prospects for return.
The dire security and humanitarian situation with ongoing access challenges has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities of the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya, who continue to face discrimination and persecution as the armed conflict escalates in Rakhine State.
The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with applicable international human rights standards and international humanitarian law. He renews his appeal to strengthen regional protection efforts, to provide access to conflict-affected communities and further support host countries, including through the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar is engaging all stakeholders, including regional actors, to move towards an inclusive Myanmar-led process for sustainable peace and national reconciliation that are important steps to create conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar.
The dire security and humanitarian situation with ongoing access challenges has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities of the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya, who continue to face discrimination and persecution as the armed conflict escalates in Rakhine State.
The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with applicable international human rights standards and international humanitarian law. He renews his appeal to strengthen regional protection efforts, to provide access to conflict-affected communities and further support host countries, including through the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar is engaging all stakeholders, including regional actors, to move towards an inclusive Myanmar-led process for sustainable peace and national reconciliation that are important steps to create conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar.
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Press Release
19 August 2024
Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar
World Humanitarian Day is an occasion for us all to honor the courageous aid workers who are delivering humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need throughout Myanmar. Amid an expanding crisis, they are stepping up each day to get help where it is needed most.Across Myanmar, people are facing the painful consequences of widespread conflict and devastating disaster. An estimated 18.6 million people urgently require humanitarian assistance, including 6 million children. The spiraling crisis has pushed many people into survival mode. With remarkable dedication, aid workers do their utmost to get people in need food, shelter, protection and other lifesaving assistance. In the first half of 2024, the humanitarian community reached 2.1 million people with support. This assistance was delivered despite significant funding challenges, with the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan only 21 per cent funded.Local and national humanitarian organizations are at the forefront of this response, showing tireless determination to help those in need. Alongside aid workers, host communities across Myanmar are providing crucial support to people in need. They are often the first responders in this crisis and a lifeline to affected people. This year’s World Humanitarian Day calls on people around the world to #ActForHumanity. It aims to shine a light on the consequences of violations of International Humanitarian Law and confront the normalization of attacks on aid workers and civilians suffering from the impact of the conflict. In Myanmar, civilians and aid workers face risks each day as the conflict escalates. It is imperative that all parties to the conflict uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law to protect civilians and aid workers, ensuring sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.Today, and every day, all who are working to help the most vulnerable people in Myanmar are deeply appreciated. Amid immense challenges, your unwavering support is a source of hope that together we can alleviate suffering and protect lives. For more information on World Humanitarian Day please visit www.worldhumanitarianday.org.
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20 August 2024
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