United Nations 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:

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Speech

29 January 2025

Secretary-General's Message for the Lunar New Year 2025

Happy Lunar New Year.I am pleased to send my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Lunar New Year – and this Year of the Snake.The snake symbolizes wisdom, resilience, and renewal. In these trying times, let us be guided by these qualities and renew our commitment to peace, equality, and justice. Let us embrace this time of new beginnings with hope and determination to create a better future for all.May the Year of the Snake bring good health, happiness, prosperity, and new beginnings.Thank you., filtered_html

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Speech

27 January 2025

Secretary-General's Message for International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

This year marks the eightieth anniversary of the Holocaust’s end. We mourn the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators, as they sought to destroy an entire people. We grieve the Roma and Sinti, the people with disabilities, and all others enslaved, persecuted, tortured, and killed. We stand alongside victims, survivors and their families. And we renew our resolve never to forget. To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future. Remembrance is a moral act. And a call to action. To know the history of the Holocaust is to know the depths to which humanity can sink… To understand how the Nazis were able to commit their heinous crimes, with the complicity of others… And to comprehend that each of us has a solemn duty – to speak-up against hate, and to stand-up for the human rights of all. Following the hell of the Holocaust, countries came together. And they enshrined the dignity of every person in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In dark times, that document remains a shining light. Eighty years since the Holocaust’s end, antisemitism is still with us – fuelled by the same lies and loathing that made the Nazi genocide possible. And it is rising. Discrimination is rife... Hate is being whipped-up the world over…Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished, and denied…And efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators. We must stand up to these outrages.In these days of division – and more than a year since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas – we must hold fast to our common humanity. We must condemn antisemitism – just as we must condemn all forms of racism, prejudice and religious bigotry. And we must renew our resolve to defend the dignity and human rights of all. Those causes go to the very core of the United Nations. We will never forget – and we will never waver in that fight., filtered_html

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Publication

03 January 2025

Myanmar Humanitarian Update No. 43

HIGHLIGHTS & KEY MESSAGES2024 has left people in Myanmar grappling with deepening humanitarian crisis, marked by escalating needs amid unabated conflict, recurrent monsoon flooding, and record-high displacement, and a response that is under-resourced.Conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various ethnic and resistance groups has persisted in Rakhine, the Northeast, Northwest and Southeast. As a result, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDP) to over 3.5 million at the end of 2024.Civilians face extreme protection risks, acute food insecurity, the near collapse of critical public services, and economic shocks driving up inflation and resulting in loss of livelihoods.Humanitarian partners provided assistance to nearly 3 million people in the first three quarters of 2024, with an estimated 3.9 million people expected to be reached by the year’s end, despite access constraints, with an operation that remains critically under resourced.Humanitarian actors in Myanmar continue to face a range of challenges when trying to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people served through the clusters, primarily pertaining to access, logistics, resources, and security. Efforts continue to gain improved access to people in need.As of 31 December, the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) was funded only 36 per cent, which drastically affected the capacity of humanitarian partners to deliver assistance to people who were prioritized for urgent assistance.People’s humanitarian needs are increasing to unprecedented levels in Myanmar, with an estimated 19.9 million people in need of assistance in 2025. The 2025 HNRP has been launched prioritizing to reach 5.5 million people with life-saving assistance in 2025, for which US$1.1 billion is required., filtered_html

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Story

19 February 2025

Resilience (re)building for a changing context: Women leading flood response efforts in Myanmar

Four years after the military takeover, with nearly half of the population living in poverty and essential services deteriorating, Myanmar is experiencing a deepening polycrisis. The country is embroiled in one of the world’s most violent and fragmented conflicts while also recovering from Typhoon Yagi, which unleashed widespread flooding in September 2024.But amid these crises, a transformative approach to post-disaster reconstruction is unfolding in Myanmar’s southern Shan State. Local communities are forging alternative pathways for democratic participation and resilience, with women and girls emerging as agents of change in the region’s flood response. Supported by UN-Habitat, hundreds of female students and teachers at monastery schools are co-designing and building flood-resistant shelters for their communities. "I never thought I could be part of building something so important,” says 16-year-old Ma Nan Win Myat Khaing, a grade 12 student in Myanmar who participated in one of UN-Habitat’s workshops on flood-resistant architecture. “Now, I understand how design can help protect our families from floods and disasters.”In Myanmar, an estimated 28 million people live in areas with a high risk of flood exposure, resulting from years of unplanned urban expansion, deteriorating infrastructure, and the absence of risk-informed regulatory systems. The country’s conflict has displaced nearly 3.5 million people, with climate change and disasters contributing to the cycle of displacement. Nearly one-third of this displacement is concentrated in the southeast, where conflict exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and communities grapple with the absence of coping mechanisms. In April 2024, an intense heatwave with temperatures reaching 47.4°C claimed 1,473 lives, while Typhoon Yagi caused at least 226 fatalities months later, submerging over 48,500 acres of crops in Shan State and affecting over 150 villages. Among the most flood-affected areas were Kalaw and Taunggyi townships. Kalaw bore the brunt of the destruction, with 1,000 homes destroyed and critical infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, severely damaged. To address these challenges, UN-Habitat’s flood-resistant shelter workshops have been uniting students, community members, teachers, and carpenters in these townships to co-design and build “veneer houses,” flood-resistant shelters made of locally available materials, like timber and bamboo. The workshops and construction, which are being implemented under the Myanmar Climate Change Alliance Phase 2 (MCCA 2) programme, funded by the European Union, are taking place in two monastery schools whose students have been displaced by the conflict. The students—the majority of whom are girls—are receiving support from dedicated female teachers, many of whom volunteer to not only provide education but also instill essential life skills—empowering young persons to voice their needs and participate actively in community recovery. The children are actively involved in these co-design processes, ensuring that the solutions reflect the unique needs of their communities. These efforts have been further enriched by the insights of housing expert Hiroto Kobayashi, a professor of architecture at Keio University in Japan who has helped facilitate the workshops. He provided expertise in harnessing local materials for sustainable construction techniques while making use of prefabricated elements for transitional and flood-resilient shelters. The involvement of students and teachers in the construction process was key to fostering a sense of ownership. Nang Kan Bwar, a grade 12 student, expressed, "We are excited to finish work on this veneer shelter. It has changed how we look at bamboo and timber houses, and now we see them as beautiful and practical solutions for our community."The workshops have not only provided essential skills but also encouraged collaboration. Students worked together to design their ideal living spaces and models, learning valuable lessons in teamwork and climate resilience. The impact of the workshop extended beyond just the physical construction. The community’s perspective on local materials, especially bamboo and timber, shifted as they recognized the value of these natural resources for building safe, sustainable homes. This shift in perception is crucial for the future of the community’s resilience efforts.The shift in perspective on bamboo as a building material has resonated with local artisans like Ma Aye Aye Khine, a 38-year-old mother of two who crafts bamboo sheets for walling as part of her livelihood. During UN-Habitat’s workshops on flood-resistant architecture, she expresses, "I used to think bamboo was only for small huts, but now I realize that, when used properly, it can be a strong and durable material for homes,” she says. “This project has shown me how bamboo can help build safer, stronger homes for our communities, and I’m proud to be part of the change in how we build in our region." Daw Nang Kan Kywar, the principal of Pyinnar Ooyin Monastic School in Taunggyi township, expressed her gratitude to the donors and UN-Habitat for their support. In addition to addressing the school’s long-standing shelter challenges, the MCCA2-initiated project is also improving water access for the students and staff."We have over 1,000 students, but before the project, the lack of proper facilities made it difficult to provide a conducive environment for learning,” she explains. “Now, with the installation of the solar pumping system, we have accessible water, making a huge difference for both the students and staff." She says these shelter solutions reflect both functionality and sustainability."There was a time when people looked down on bamboo and timber houses, often preferring brick buildings,” she says. “However, this veneer shelter has shown us that bamboo and timber can create beautiful, durable homes. People now value these natural materials, understanding the importance of trees and bamboo."To Daw Nang Kan Kywar, the project has transformed the school and wider community perceptions. "Thanks to the support of our donors and UN-Habitat, we are not only addressing our water issues but also building a future where natural, locally available materials are valued for their beauty and sustainability,” she says. “Our students now have a space that reflects our commitment to both education and environmental respect." Looking ahead, training sessions for local carpenters, including women artisans, are scheduled for February as part of broader flood response efforts. These sessions will focus on advanced construction techniques using natural materials, while complementary initiatives in climate-smart agriculture, community rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy aim to bolster essential infrastructure. In addition, these efforts offer alternative pathways for democratic participation by engaging local voices in decision-making and implementation. Implemented under MCCA 2, this comprehensive response places local women at the heart of resilience-building. After participating in the workshop, Ma Nan Win says that working with her friends on the shelter model has shown her that they can find solutions together. “Our teachers encouraged us to think about what kind of homes we want for the future,” she says. “This project helped me see that we can build strong, sustainable houses that truly belong to our community. Climate change is a big challenge, but we have the power to prepare.”*This story was originally published on the UN-HABITAT Myanmar platform., filtered_html

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Story

07 February 2025

Six Things to Watch in Myanmar in 2025

As 2025 begins, Myanmar enters its fourth year of intensifying conflict, with little sign of respite ahead. A staggering 19.9 million people—approximately 35 per cent of the country’s total population—are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. This includes 6.4 million children, representing one-third of Myanmar’s child population. This immense scale of need underscores the devastating toll on children and civilians and signals a grave threat to Myanmar’s future stability and development, as an entire generation faces the risk of being left behind.Here are six critical issues to watch in Myanmar in 2025: 1. The education crisis: A generation at riskNearly 5 million children in Myanmar are currently missing out on an education due to conflict, insecurity, displacement, and disruptions to critical services. With learning opportunities dwindling, children face increased risks of forced recruitment by conflict parties, early or forced marriage, child labour, and other grave rights violations. If this trend persists through 2025, an entire generation risks being lost, with devastating consequences for Myanmar’s future stability and development. 2. Immunization under threat: A race against timeMyanmar has one of the largest populations of “zero-dose” children in the world, with over 1 million missing vital immunizations to protect against deadly diseases. The near-collapse of the health system—due to the combined impact of conflict, COVID-19, and the mass exodus of healthcare workers—has left children, especially in remote areas, vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses. While 2024 saw some progress in catch-up immunization campaigns, escalating conflict could reverse these gains and worsen the situation, including putting Myanmar’s five neighbouring countries at risk of outbreaks. Ensuring safe access for health workers and securing timely funding will be critical to protecting children in 2025.3. Worsening malnutrition: A silent emergencyThe ongoing conflict, rising food prices, disrupted livelihoods, and extreme weather events have created a nutrition crisis in Myanmar. Over 500,000 children are facing acute malnutrition this year, with many at grave risk without urgent support. High inflation and dwindling food cultivation, worsened by weather disasters like Typhoon Yagi in 2024 and annual monsoon floods, have left families unable to provide sufficient and nutritious food for their children. Without immediate intervention, the long-term health and development of countless children hang in the balance. 4. Landmines: A deadly legacy of brutal conflictMyanmar has become the world’s most dangerous country for landmine casualties,[1] with over 1,000 civilian deaths and injuries in 2023. Children are disproportionately affected, with at least 250 killed or maimed by landmines and explosive remnants of war between January and September 2024 alone—the highest toll globally. Nearly all states and regions are now contaminated, turning homes, fields, and playgrounds into deadly zones. With no demining efforts underway, the use of landmines will continue to leave children scarred for life, robbing them of their safety, childhood, and future. Additionally, the widespread contamination threatens agricultural livelihoods and land cultivation, compounding the long-term economic and food security challenges for families and communities. 5. Potential elections amid chaosThe possibility of elections in 2025—the first since the 2021 military takeover—could mark a decisive moment for Myanmar. However, the widespread conflict, record displacement of over 3.5 million people, competing claims of territorial control by different groups, and differing perspectives among stakeholders creates a highly complex and uncertain environment. Disputes before, during, or after the polls could further escalate an already devastating conflict, deepening the humanitarian crisis and worsening the plight of civilians. 6. Recurrent flooding and escalating threat of disease outbreaksRecurrent weather disasters, including Cyclone Mocha in 2023 and Typhoon Yagi in 2024, and annual monsoon floods, have severely damaged water systems in Myanmar, leaving families—particularly in displacement sites and underserved communities—relying on open or contaminated water sources. This has contributed to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and acute watery diarrhea, with densely populated areas like Yangon and remote regions like Rakhine severely affected in 2024. The conflict has further damaged critical water infrastructure, while rising poverty and depleted resources leave families unable to afford hygiene and sanitation supplies. Families, especially in overcrowded areas, face heightened risks due to unsafe water and poor sanitation. Without urgent efforts to restore water systems, improve sanitation, and provide life-saving hygiene supplies, the accumulated impact will continue to fuel disease outbreaks, endangering lives and worsening Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis.A call for urgent and sustained actionAs Myanmar faces a year of unprecedented challenges, the stakes for children and civilians could not be higher. International and regional actors must prioritize humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and long-term solutions to break the cycle of violence and crisis. Timely, sufficient, and flexible funding is critical to ensure life-saving humanitarian action reaches the most vulnerable, and global and regional leaders must prioritize helping Myanmar find a solution to the current situation. There is a path out of this crisis. But the window of opportunity is rapidly closing for Myanmar’s worst-affected children and families. Without immediate and sustained efforts, the consequences will be catastrophic—not just for Myanmar’s children today, but for the country’s future for generations to come.[1] Landmine Monitor 2024: https://www.the-monitor.org/reports/landmine-monitor *This story was originally published on the UNICEF Myanmar platform., filtered_html

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Story

05 December 2024

A Second Chance

In a small clinic in Myitkyina, Kachin State, in northern Myanmar, 41-year-old Daw Lai sits quietly, her hands resting protectively on her growing belly. It’s been a stressful few months since she first heard the words that changed her life: “You’ve tested positive.”“I never thought something like this could happen to me,” Daw Lai says, recalling the day she tested positive for HIV during an antenatal care screening. Her husband's history of drug use had raised concerns, but she never imagined it would affect her in this way.“At first, I couldn’t sleep. I cried so much. I was embarrassed and scared,” she says. “My biggest fear was my children—what if they’re also infected? And what about the baby I’m carrying?”Finding support and strength She was later referred to a public health clinic in Myitkyina, where a team of dedicated healthcare workers provided more than just medical care - she received hope. “The health workers explained everything clearly and reassured me that if I followed the treatment plan, my baby could be born healthy,” she says.The clinic provided counselling on protecting her unborn child through the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme and arranged further tests, including screenings for Hepatitis B and C, which came back negative. Daw Lai started antiretroviral therapy (ART) alongside her husband in early November, a month after her diagnosis. “At first, I felt tired for a few days, but now I feel normal,” she says. ART is provided free of charge by the public health facilities in Myitkyina, not only for her but also for her children, should they ever need it.The Journey to AcceptanceDaw Lai's journey wasn't easy. "I kept asking if the baby would be okay." "They reassured me that as long as I take my medicine at the same time every day, my baby won't be infected. But I still pray every time I take my pill." Fears for their unborn children are common among expectant mothers with HIV, Ma Seng explains. “Many mothers don’t fully trust that ART can prevent mother-to-child transmission. They ask a lot of questions and need reassurance. That’s why we focus on counselling and education.”UNICEF’s support for children and mothersReaching more women like Daw Lai is critical. With support from UNICEF, local volunteers from community-based organisations in Myitkyina visit camps for displaced people and local communities to hold awareness sessions about HIV/AIDS and PMTCT. “Many of them say they wish there were more such discussions,” Ma Seng says.Following the awareness sessions, pregnant mothers are encouraged to visit antenatal clinics for infection screening as part of their routine antenatal tests. “It’s beyond raising awareness,” says Ma Seng. “We make sure they know where to go for care and how to take the next steps for their health and the baby’s health.”UNICEF also provides support for transportation costs for appointments and referrals, ensuring that mothers like Daw Lai can access care without the burden of travel expenses.A new chapter of hopeDespite her initial fears, Daw Lai is determined to follow her treatment plan and ensure her baby remains healthy. “I take my medicine every day at 7 p.m., without fail,” she says. Her commitment and the clinic’s support have given her a new sense of hope and purpose. Her husband has stopped abusing drugs and takes his treatment every day. As she prepares to welcome her third child, Daw Lai remains hopeful, highlighting the life-saving impact of UNICEF-supported programmes like PMTCT through local health facilities. “This clinic gave me hope when I felt hopeless. They told me I’m not alone, and that’s what I needed to hear.”Daw Lai's journey from despair to hope illustrates the critical importance of accessible HIV care and support. Her story is not just one of personal triumph, but a beacon of hope for other mothers facing similar challenges in underserved and conflict-affected communities in Myanmar. , filtered_html

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Story

15 November 2024

The Rise of AI-Powered Organized Crime: Southeast Asia's Growing Threat

Yangon (Myanmar)–As we mark the first International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), in Southeast Asia, a rapidly evolving threat has been challenging the region’s stability and security. With the rise of transnational criminal networks utilizing advanced technologies organized crime has entered into a far more dangerous new phase. Criminal groups are no longer bound by traditional methods; they are empowered by technological innovation, expanding their reach and sophistication in ways that were unimaginable previously.Among the most concerning is the unintended consequences caused by the generative artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology and abusing it to automate and scale transnational crimes, including illegal casinos, cyberfraud, and human trafficking for forced criminality. By abusing AI, criminals can create fake identities, documents, and scam content, while deepfakes are used to impersonate trusted figures and deceive victims. This shift has increased the efficiency and global reach of criminal operations, exacerbating human trafficking, exploitation, and online fraud on an unprecedented scale.The impact of these criminal activities is staggering. UNODC’s recent report, titled Transnational Organized Crime and the Convergence of Cyber-Enabled Fraud, Underground Banking, and Technological Innovation: A Shifting Threat Landscape suggests that, in 2023, scams targeting victims in East and Southeast Asia were responsible for financial losses between $18 billion and $37 billion, a testament to the scale and sophistication of modern transnational crime. Criminals are seamlessly integrating billions of dollars from illicit proceeds into the global financial system with the rise of digital solutions through money laundering and underground banking. This growing threat is not just a financial burden; it is a direct challenge to regional security and a global issue that requires international cooperation and coordinated action. In the midst of this, Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries recently have become the center for the global cyber scam industry. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights estimates that more than two hundred thousand people have been trafficked into Myanmar and Cambodia to execute these online scams. The stakes have never been higher. The integration of AI into the already evolving criminal ecosystem represents a paradigm shift that requires an urgent response. Reflecting on the urgency of the matter, The UNODC Executive Director, Ms. Ghada Waly, in her message on the International Day on TOC calls for global solidarity and global action. She remarked, “The challenges of organized crime are growing but so too are the opportunities for cooperation against these threats. By pulling together - governments in the global North and South, banks and businesses, civil society and communities, young and old - we can push back against organized crime, everywhere, for safety and security, for development and human rights, for prosperity and peace."This year's International Day on TOC calls for raising awareness about the global impacts of organized crime, fostering global collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector, and empowering communities to build resilience through grassroots efforts. As AI continues to evolve, it is extremely crucial now more than ever to emphasize knowledge sharing and capacity building to strengthen responses, advocates for policies, and address the root causes of organized crime. At the same time, it is important to recognize the dual role of technology as a challenge and as a tool for innovative solutions in tackling transnational organized crime. Only through collaboration, forward-thinking strategies, and a united approach can we build a safer, more resilient world.Please contact unodc-myanmarfieldoffice@un.org for more information.To read more about the AI’s impact on the organized crime in Southeast Asia, please click here.To learn more about UNODC activities, please click here., filtered_html

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08 November 2024

Myanmar flood recovery: Supporting the resilience of women and girls

Almost two months since Myanmar was impacted by severe flooding, more than 1 million people have been affected, including approximately 600,000 women and girls who face unique and heightened challenges, from health risks to protection needs. The Myanmar Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group (GiHA WG) has issued its second Gender-Impact Flood Update to provide insight into how the humanitarian community in Myanmar is addressing the specific needs of women and girls impacted by the floods.Read the full Gender-Impact Flood Update No. 2Restoring dignity through essential hygiene supportAccess to clean water and sanitary facilities has become a critical concern. After food, hygiene items are the second-highest need in flood-affected areas.[1] Dignity kits—containing sanitary products, soap, and other hygiene essentials—are being distributed by UN Women, UNFPA and their partners. These kits promote physical and psychological well-being, empowering women and girls to feel more confident and secure. Distributing the kits provides community volunteers and other humanitarian actors an entry point to engage with women and girls and share information about how to access available services.Delivering essential maternal and reproductive careThe crisis has severely impacted Myanmar's healthcare infrastructure, with damaged roads and facilities preventing people from accessing health services. Women of reproductive age and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable because they need specialised services that are not easily accessible amid the crisis. In response, mobile clinics operated by UNFPA and local partners are reaching these women, providing maternal health care and family planning services.These mobile clinics offer more than just physical care—they deliver a sense of relief to women like Moe Moe from Kayin State, who is eight months pregnant and shared, “I finally feel like I can breathe again, knowing I have the support and care I need for me and my baby.” In addition to the mobile clinics, clean delivery kits are being distributed to help pregnant women without access to health facilities deliver safely, even in challenging conditions.
Livelihood support and economic empowermentFor women, who face increased care responsibilities amid the crisis, and additional barriers to mobility and employment opportunities, the economic impacts of the floods are severe. The floods have destroyed farmland, livestock and agricultural equipment – decimating sources of income for women in agriculture and small-scale businesses. The floods have also scattered existing landmines, including shifting them into farmlands and other locations, putting farmers at risk. Local women-led organizations are emphasizing the need for targeted livelihood support, "Most women are calling for their urgent need for livelihood assistance to be recognized and addressed directly," said one GiHA member. Support for income generation is critical not only for immediate recovery but also for ensuring women’s long-term resilience.Safeguarding educationFor young girls, the flood’s impact on education poses additional risks. Damaged schools and financial pressures on families make it more likely that girls will drop out of school, increasing the risk of early marriage or child labour. Local organisations also report school-aged girls in flood-affected areas are taking on household and care work, such as looking after younger siblings, cooking and cleaning. This decreases the time they have available to attend school. To help combat this, Essential Learning Packs have been distributed to nearly 10,000 students, including 5,000 girls. Training local teachers, 75% of whom are women, is another critical component of the education response. Capacity-building efforts equip teachers to address the specific needs of girls and boys affected by the floods, helping to provide a stable environment for students during this difficult time.[2] Protection against gender-based violenceThe impact of displacement and crowded shelters has heightened the risk of GBV, with 67% of camps reporting safety concerns for women and girls.[3] In response, humanitarian organizations are working to establish safe spaces for women and girls, and raise awareness of available hotlines/helplines and referral services, enabling survivors of violence to access the help they need. However, limited access to remote areas remains a challenge, underscoring the importance of ongoing advocacy for unrestricted, unimpeded access to affected regions.Women are critical to the responseLocal women volunteers are playing a critical role in the response efforts, from distributing dignity kits to providing information on health services. These women bridge the gap between humanitarian aid providers and affected communities, especially in remote areas where access remains restricted. Their efforts demonstrate the resilience and leadership of women on the front lines, ensuring that their communities are supported and that critical resources reach those in need.Urgent call for increased funding and accessAs the flood response continues, funding remains a significant constraint. With only 28.5% of the 2024 Humanitarian Needs Plan funded, there is an urgent need for additional resources. The Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) has allocated $4 million, and donors have contributed an additional $3 million, but more support is required to sustain the response.Unrestricted access to all affected areas is essential for delivering aid to the most vulnerable. [1]Finding from UNOCHA analysis of 230 assessments completed across flood-affected areas, October 2024.[2]Myanmar Education Cluster, October 2024.[3] Findings from UNOCHA analysis of assessments completed across flood-affected areas, October 2024.*This story was originally published on the UN Women Asia and the Pacific., filtered_html

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Press Release

31 January 2025

Myanmar: Four years on, coup leaders ramp up violations to unprecedented levels, UN finds

An analysis of the conflict throughout 2024 found that as the military’s grip on power eroded, it launched wave after wave of retaliatory airstrikes and artillery shelling on civilians and civilian populated areas, forced thousands of young people into military service, conducted arbitrary arrests and prosecutions, caused mass displacement, and denied access to humanitarians, even in the face of natural disasters. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), at least 6,231 civilians have been killed by the military, including 1,144 women and 709 children, over the past four years. In 2024, at least 1,824 people were killed, including 531 women and 248 children, sharply up from the previous peak of 1,639 verified deaths in 2023. “After four years, it is deeply distressing to find that the situation on the ground for civilians is only getting worse by the day,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. “Even as the military’s power wanes, their atrocities and violence have expanded in scope and intensity,” he said, adding that the retaliatory nature of the attacks were designed to control, intimidate, and punish the population. “This military-created human rights crisis has caused untold suffering through indiscriminate attacks against civilians, denial of humanitarian aid, and systematic violations of human rights. “Without an immediate end to this brutality and accountability for the perpetrators, civilian casualties will continue to rise and the overall situation for civilians will inevitably continue to deteriorate.” The analysis details acts of extreme brutality, including beheadings, burnings, mutilations, executions, torture and the use of human shields – all of which were carried out against civilians with absolute impunity. In many townships, soldiers attacked villages in the absence of active fighting, likely in retaliation for anti-military armed group advances in other areas. Deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, schools, places of worship, healthcare facilities, IDP camps and public gatherings led to mass civilian casualties and displacement, and the interruption of essential services such as education and healthcare. Civilians also bore the brunt of communication shutdowns and extensive surveillance, hampering lifesaving and rescue operations. Although not comparable to military violence in scale and scope, violence by anti-military armed groups in 2024 also caused protection concerns for civilians. The UN Human Rights Office received allegations of torture, extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment and other abuses committed by anti-military armed groups in areas under their control.Türk said he was alarmed by the dramatic deterioration of the situation and grave protection risks in Rakhine State for all communities, including the Rohingya population. “The Rohingya find themselves trapped between the warring Arakan Army and the military, with nowhere to turn for protection. They suffered throughout the year as their villages were burnt, and their youth were pressed into military service. Humanitarian assistance was cut off while they were forced repeatedly into displacement, fleeing in an effort to find any means of safety,” the High Commissioner said. He added that tens of thousands had sought refuge in Bangladesh and nearly 8,000 people since 2024 had attempted perilous sea travels to seek safety. “As the Arakan Army have all but consolidated their control of Rakhine State, they must respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and protect all individuals within areas of their control,” said Türk.Across Myanmar, nearly 20 million civilians are in need of humanitarian assistance. UN figures show that over 3.5 million people have been displaced, a third of whom are children, although data from civil society organizations suggest that the overall number may be more than double that. A key driver of displacement in the past year was conscription and forced recruitment by the military of thousands of young people, including members of the Rohingya community, creating widespread fear. Tens of thousands of youths have gone into hiding or fled abroad, robbing the workforce of many aged between 18 and 35 and further aggravating the economic crisis. Türk called on States with influence, particularly those in the region, to double down on bringing an end to the violence, to press for full and unhindered humanitarian assistance, to demand the release of all those detained on political grounds, to engage meaningfully with actors promoting democracy and human rights, and to ensure international protection for those fleeing the violence and persecution.The High Commissioner added that ending impunity for the crimes committed also rests on the international community. He stressed that any sustainable political solution must be anchored in justice and accountability, to ensure that the people of Myanmar will never have to face the horrors they have endured for four years., filtered_html

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Press Release

31 January 2025

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Myanmar

Four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected Government on 1 February 2021, the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for civilians.

The Secretary-General condemns all forms of violence and calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, uphold human rights and international humanitarian law, and prevent further incitement of violence and intercommunal tensions. He reiterates his concern regarding the military’s stated intention to hold elections amid intensifying conflict, including aerial bombardment and widespread human rights violations and without conditions that permit the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights, including safety and security.

Over 19.9 million people in Myanmar – more than one-third of its population - need humanitarian assistance, compared to one million before the military took over four years ago. Unimpeded access must be assured to enable the UN and its partners to continue to deliver humanitarian assistance and essential services.

The Secretary-General renews his calls for greater cooperation among all stakeholders to bring an end to the hostilities and help the people of Myanmar forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and return to civilian rule. The Secretary-General also appeals to countries in the region to grant access to safety and protection for those fleeing conflict and persecution and for the international community to provide greater support to countries, including Bangladesh, hosting refugees from Myanmar.

The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Julie Bishop, remains actively engaged with all stakeholders, in close cooperation with ASEAN, in the search of a Myanmar-led resolution to the crisis.

A viable future for Myanmar must ensure safety, accountability, and opportunity for all its communities, including the Rohingya, and address the root causes of conflict, discrimination and disenfranchisement in all its forms. The Secretary-General reaffirms the unwavering support of the United Nations to the people of Myanmar in these efforts., filtered_html

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Press Release

30 January 2025

Myanmar On The Brink As Conflict Fuels Hunder

YANGON – Hunger has reached alarming levels in Myanmar with the situation set to worsen in 2025, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned today. A staggering 15 million people are expected to face hunger in 2025, up from 13.3 million last year. Those living in active conflict areas, particularly in Chin, Kachin and Rakhine states, as well as Sagaing Region, are experiencing the highest levels of food insecurity in the country. Almost 20 million people - 1 in 3 - will need humanitarian assistance this year, according to the Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.“Growing conflict across the country, access restrictions, a crumbling economy and successive weather-related crises are driving record levels of hunger,” said Michael Dunford, WFP’s Representative and Country Director. More than 3.5 million people are displaced in Myanmar due to armed conflict and violence, a number projected to increase to 4.5 million in 2025 as conflict takes root and spreads to new areas. Food is the biggest need for displaced people but spiraling costs and rapid inflation have made it unaffordable for many. The cost of basic staples – including rice, beans, oil and salt – has increased by 30 percent in the past year. “Food prices in Myanmar continue to rise each and every month. Even if some food is available in local markets, people simply don't have the resources to buy the basics, which means they are eating less and going hungry," said Dunford. The rapid escalation in humanitarian and food security needs in Myanmar has been overshadowed by international political turmoil and a surge in global crises, which have drawn public attention away from Myanmar.“The world cannot afford to overlook Myanmar’s escalating crisis. Without immediate and increased international support, hundreds of thousands more will be pushed to the brink,” said Dunford. WFP aims to reach at least 1.6 million people in Myanmar with life-saving food, nutrition, and resilience-building support in 2025. WFP is engaging with all parties to the conflict and expanding partnerships with local organizations to ensure its life-saving assistance effectively reaches those who depend on WFP for vital support. # # # The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media, @wfp_asiapacific, filtered_html

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Press Release

13 December 2024

Increased Support Needed for Myanmar in 2025 to Reach 5.5 Million People in Desperate Need

The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for Myanmar that was launched today requests US$1.1 billion to provide life-saving assistance to 5.5 million people struggling to survive the impacts of a humanitarian crisis that has devastated countless lives. Humanitarian needs are soaring to unprecedented levels in Myanmar, with an estimated 19.9 million people in need of assistance in 2025, including 6.3 million children. The humanitarian crisis is fuelled by conflict that has escalated since the military takeover in 2021, as well as disasters, epidemics, widespread explosive ordnance and landmine contamination, and economic decline. Civilians across the country, including women and children, are facing the painful consequences of this crisis. Conflict has driven people to flee their homes and livelihoods in record numbers. It is estimated that almost 3.5 million people across Myanmar are internally displaced, approximately one third of them children. Education and health services are severely disrupted. Millions of people are without safe shelter or drinking water. More than 15 million people are expected to face food insecurity in 2025. People are confronted with grave protection threats, and coping capacities are stretched to the limit. The crisis is spilling over across the region, with 1.3 million Myanmar refugees and asylum seekers in neighbouring countries.To respond to this crisis, the 2025 HNRP outlines a cohesive plan to address complex and evolving needs across the country. The 2025 HNRP is the result of heavy prioritization to meet the most urgent needs, focusing on life-saving interventions. The 5.5 million people prioritized for assistance are the most severely affected – help for them cannot wait.Scaled-up support for Myanmar in 2025 is urgently needed to prevent the crisis from deteriorating into a catastrophic situation. Dangerously low levels of funding in 2024 drastically affected the capacity of humanitarian partners to deliver life-saving aid to people who had been prioritized for urgent assistance. With only 34 per cent of the 2024 HNRP funding requirements received to date, partners were unable to provide the depth, frequency and quality of assistance that was planned, leaving millions of people without aid. Without the required funds in 2025, humanitarian partners will have to prioritize further, favouring lower-cost life-saving and critical activities that do not offer the required depth of relief or contribute to people’s overall well-being, offer dignified living conditions, meet global standards, or provide a chance of finding durable solutions.Despite formidable challenges, aid workers continue to deliver aid to those most in need. With the generous support of donors, humanitarians reached 3 million people in need in the first three quarters of 2024. With solidarity and increased support from the international community, the humanitarian community will be ready to collectively step up in 2025 to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.The HNRP is available here: https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1275/document/myanmar-humanitarian-needs-and-response-plan-2025 , filtered_html

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