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Story
04 October 2024
United in the Deluge: UNFPA’s Partners and Community Volunteers Supporting Flood-affected Women and Girls in Myanmar for Essential Health Care and Protection
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Video
21 September 2024
Secretary-General's Video Message for the International Day of Peace
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Speech
21 September 2024
Secretary-General's Message for the International Day of Peace
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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:
Video
20 September 2024
Secretary-General's Video Message for the International Day of Peace
Everywhere we look, peace is under attack.From Gaza, to Sudan, to Ukraine and beyond we see: Civilians in the firing line;Homes blown apart; Traumatised, terrified populations who have lost everything – and sometimes everyone. This catalogue of human misery must stop.Our world needs peace. Peace is the ultimate prize for all humanity. And as this International Day of Peace reminds us – the solutions are in our hands. Cultivating a culture of peace means replacing division, disempowerment, and despair with justice, equality and hope for all. It means focusing on preventing conflict;Propelling the Sustainable Development Goals;Promoting human rights.And tackling all forms of discrimination and hate. This month’s Summit of the Future is a vital opportunity to advance these aims. Let’s seize it.Together, let’s lay the groundwork for peace. And let’s nurture a culture where equality, peace and justice thrive.Thank you.
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Press Release
18 September 2024
WFP to Launch Myanmar Flood Response to People Affected by Typhoon Yagi
YANGON – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is gearing up to launch a rapid flood response this week in Myanmar to provide emergency food assistance to people in areas submerged by floods following the passage of Super Typhoon Yagi over the past few days. This response is a major scale-up in WFP flood relief efforts ongoing since July. Bago, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Nay Pyi Taw and Shan states have been facing heavy rains, severe flooding and landslides caused by the Super Typhoon that hit Myanmar on September 11th. The floods have so far caused several hundred deaths and affected at least 631,000 people across the country. “Super Typhoon Yagi has caused the most severe floods in Myanmar’s recent history. Much of the country is submerged and some areas are witnessing their first floods in decades”, said Sheela Matthew, WFP Myanmar Representative. “The impact on food security will be nothing less than devastating. More than 13 million people were already facing food insecurity in August before the floods hit. Our teams are working around the clock to respond to the growing needs”, she added. WFP will provide a one-month ration of emergency food, including rice, fortified biscuits, and nutrition products to up to half a million flood-affected people, ensuring immediate food needs are met. Meanwhile, WFP teams are working with partner organisations to assess the impact on crops, livelihoods, and people's ability to access food. Prior to Typhoon Yagi, WFP had already reached 185,000 flood-affected people in Myanmar with emergency assistance in July and August in response to floods that inundated hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland. Photos are available in this link.
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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 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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Story
04 October 2024
United in the Deluge: UNFPA’s Partners and Community Volunteers Supporting Flood-affected Women and Girls in Myanmar for Essential Health Care and Protection
"The water rushed into my house. In just a few minutes, everything I owned was gone—my home, my small farm, livestock, and everything I belonged to. I can’t even imagine how we will recover from this," says Nang, a pregnant woman, her voice trembling with grief. Displaced by the floods that have swept through her village in Shan State, Nang, like so many other women, now faces an uncertain future in a crowded shelter.Her story is one of thousands emerging from Myanmar as the country battles one of its worst flood disasters in recent history. Torrential monsoon rains, exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi, have unleashed widespread devastation across Myanmar, affecting 1 million people across 70 townships. The floods, which began in early September, have submerged homes, destroyed farmlands, and forced entire communities to flee to temporary shelters.As the floodwaters continue to rise, the most vulnerable—women and children—are suffering the greatest impacts. Many, like Nang, have lost their homes and livelihoods. The flood has affected nearly half of Myanmar’s 14 states and regions, including Kayin, Mandalay, Rakhine, and Shan. Throughout the country, the scale of the disaster is overwhelming. Entire communities have been engulfed by floodwaters, destroying crops, livestock, and homes. Although humanitarian efforts are underway, they are encountering significant challenges. Damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and ongoing conflict in certain states and regions have made it difficult to access many of those in need. The hardest-hit regions, including Mandalay, eastern Bago, Kayin, Mon, and southern Shan, are in urgent need of emergency aid as communities struggle with the loss of their homes and livelihoods.As the rainfall persists and river levels increase, the risk of more flooding remains high, and the difficulties of providing aid to affected areas are growing. The country is facing dual crises of conflict and flooding, leaving many women with nowhere to turn. According to the report by UNOCHA as of 27th September 2024, 600,000 women were affected by the flood nationwide, with 270,000 of them being of reproductive age and 13,000 pregnant. Thida, who is eight months pregnant, is living in a crowded shelter after her home was destroyed by the flood. She described the overwhelming fear that grips her daily. "I was already worried about my pregnancy because of the conflict," she says. "Now, with the flood, it feels like everything is against us." Road blockages and damaged infrastructure have made it nearly impossible for her to access healthcare, leaving her uncertain about her baby’s safety. UNFPA partners' mobile clinics play a crucial role in this challenging environment. These clinics offer vital sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including maternal health care and family planning (contraceptive) services to the affected population. Despite the logistical challenges posed by the floodwaters, these mobile units are reaching women in remote areas and shelters, providing life-saving care. For many women, these clinics are their only access to healthcare, as local health facilities have been affected by floods or are still inaccessible.Moe Moe, an eight-month-pregnant woman from Kayin State, shared how the mobile clinic made a crucial difference for her. “I experienced flooding three times in the recent months of 2024. I was so worried for my baby in this difficult situation. I hadn’t been able to see a doctor since the flooding started. When the mobile clinic came to the place near where we live, I was so happy. They checked my baby’s health and gave me the vitamins and a clean delivery kit. I finally feel like I can breathe again, knowing I have the support and care I need for me and my baby,” she said with relief. UNFPA’s clean delivery kits have provided critical support for pregnant women like Moe Moe, who are unable to get to a health facility during a crisis or emergency situation, preventing deadly infections and ensuring safe deliveries. "I was terrified that I wouldn't have access to a safe delivery. The mobile clinic brought me a clean delivery kit, and it gave me hope that, even in this situation, I can give birth safely," she says. The kits contain sterile supplies for childbirth, including a plastic sheet, a sterile towel, sterile gloves, an apron, soap, a sterile blade, an umbilical cord tie, and an information sheet for safe delivery.
In addition, Dignity kits containing essential hygiene products like sanitary pads, soap, and undergarments are another crucial intervention for humanitarian-affected women and girls. For Thandar, a 30-year-old woman, these kits have made an enormous difference. “Unlike men, women could not stay at the displacement shelter without proper clothing and protection. Having these hygiene products helps us feel a little more in control and confident,” she says. Yet, despite the relief these UNFPA’s dignity kits provide, the overwhelming need for safe, gender-segregated sanitation facilities in the shelters remains unmet. Many women, displaced by the floods and living in temporary shelters, are also struggling to access contraceptives. Nway Nway, a mother of three children, expressed her concerns. “After the repeated floodings in Kayin during this rainy season, I couldn’t get my contraceptives, and I’m not ready to have another child. I went to the mobile clinic, and they were able to provide me with what I needed. Without that, I don’t know what I would have done,” she explained.The mobile clinics are providing not just maternal health services but also essential contraceptive services to women who would otherwise be left vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies or unwanted pregnancies in already dire conditions. With healthcare centres damaged and transportation routes cut off, these services are critical for women to regain control over their reproductive health. In the displacement camps and temporary shelters, women are facing more than just the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Many have become targets of violence, as the displacement caused by the floods has made them even more vulnerable. The lack of privacy, overcrowded living conditions, and insufficient security in the camps have led to an increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV). GBV prevention and response have become increasingly challenging in the ongoing conflict, where access to affected areas is restricted, and GBV support services are limited. A local GBV organization supported by UNFPA shared the challenges they face: “In the midst of floodings, we are trying every option and using every available resource to continue supporting displaced women affected by GBV at their home or temporary displacement shelter. The political situation makes it even more difficult, but we know we need to help and protect each other in these challenging times with the limited support available.” At the heart of the response are community volunteers like Htar, whose dedication has been instrumental in supporting affected women and girls during the floods. Volunteers have been working tirelessly alongside UNFPA and other partners to distribute relief items such as dignity kits and raise awareness about available health services. They also serve as crucial links between the affected communities and healthcare service providers, ensuring that women in the most remote areas are reached.Htar, a local youth volunteer from Kayin State, spoke passionately about the urgency of their work: “In a disaster like this, we know that time is everything. The sooner we reach the affected people, the better chance they have of staying healthy and safe. With the support of UNFPA, we’ve been able to distribute dignity kits and clean delivery kits in the affected areas within 72 hours. Some team members are providing relief support in affected areas, while others are trying to connect with local donors and service providers for immediate support, and some are collecting data on the affected to identify urgent locations in need. We know that our work is risky, and the conditions are tough, but seeing the smiles on people’s faces makes all the hardship and exhaustion fade away.”As the floodwaters begin to recede, the challenges remain immense. Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, facing heightened risks of GBV, poor access to reproductive healthcare, and disruption of their livelihoods and incomes. UNFPA’s support through partners on the ground, including mobile clinics, dignity kits, clean delivery kits, and family planning services, is critical to ensuring their health, safety, and dignity. However, the need for more funding and resources is urgent. According to UNOCHA, only 28% of the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been funded, leaving large gaps in the response. This funding shortfall is even more acute in services aimed at GBV prevention and response, with only about 12% of the required funds received, which is less than half of that for the overall HNRP. This drastic underfunding severely limits the ability to provide adequate support to women and girls who are at an increased risk of gender-based violence in the chaotic conditions of displacement camps. For women like Nang, Moe Moe, and Nway Nway, the flood has completely disrupted their lives in ways they never anticipated. However, with the ongoing support of community members, youth volunteers, local service providers, and humanitarian partners, there is hope that they can start to rebuild not only their homes but also their futures.The story of Myanmar's flood crisis is full of challenges, but it also reflects resilience and hope. With continued support, the women of Myanmar can transition from merely surviving to thriving, guiding their communities toward a stronger, more resilient future.
In addition, Dignity kits containing essential hygiene products like sanitary pads, soap, and undergarments are another crucial intervention for humanitarian-affected women and girls. For Thandar, a 30-year-old woman, these kits have made an enormous difference. “Unlike men, women could not stay at the displacement shelter without proper clothing and protection. Having these hygiene products helps us feel a little more in control and confident,” she says. Yet, despite the relief these UNFPA’s dignity kits provide, the overwhelming need for safe, gender-segregated sanitation facilities in the shelters remains unmet. Many women, displaced by the floods and living in temporary shelters, are also struggling to access contraceptives. Nway Nway, a mother of three children, expressed her concerns. “After the repeated floodings in Kayin during this rainy season, I couldn’t get my contraceptives, and I’m not ready to have another child. I went to the mobile clinic, and they were able to provide me with what I needed. Without that, I don’t know what I would have done,” she explained.The mobile clinics are providing not just maternal health services but also essential contraceptive services to women who would otherwise be left vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies or unwanted pregnancies in already dire conditions. With healthcare centres damaged and transportation routes cut off, these services are critical for women to regain control over their reproductive health. In the displacement camps and temporary shelters, women are facing more than just the loss of their homes and livelihoods. Many have become targets of violence, as the displacement caused by the floods has made them even more vulnerable. The lack of privacy, overcrowded living conditions, and insufficient security in the camps have led to an increase in Gender-Based Violence (GBV). GBV prevention and response have become increasingly challenging in the ongoing conflict, where access to affected areas is restricted, and GBV support services are limited. A local GBV organization supported by UNFPA shared the challenges they face: “In the midst of floodings, we are trying every option and using every available resource to continue supporting displaced women affected by GBV at their home or temporary displacement shelter. The political situation makes it even more difficult, but we know we need to help and protect each other in these challenging times with the limited support available.” At the heart of the response are community volunteers like Htar, whose dedication has been instrumental in supporting affected women and girls during the floods. Volunteers have been working tirelessly alongside UNFPA and other partners to distribute relief items such as dignity kits and raise awareness about available health services. They also serve as crucial links between the affected communities and healthcare service providers, ensuring that women in the most remote areas are reached.Htar, a local youth volunteer from Kayin State, spoke passionately about the urgency of their work: “In a disaster like this, we know that time is everything. The sooner we reach the affected people, the better chance they have of staying healthy and safe. With the support of UNFPA, we’ve been able to distribute dignity kits and clean delivery kits in the affected areas within 72 hours. Some team members are providing relief support in affected areas, while others are trying to connect with local donors and service providers for immediate support, and some are collecting data on the affected to identify urgent locations in need. We know that our work is risky, and the conditions are tough, but seeing the smiles on people’s faces makes all the hardship and exhaustion fade away.”As the floodwaters begin to recede, the challenges remain immense. Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, facing heightened risks of GBV, poor access to reproductive healthcare, and disruption of their livelihoods and incomes. UNFPA’s support through partners on the ground, including mobile clinics, dignity kits, clean delivery kits, and family planning services, is critical to ensuring their health, safety, and dignity. However, the need for more funding and resources is urgent. According to UNOCHA, only 28% of the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been funded, leaving large gaps in the response. This funding shortfall is even more acute in services aimed at GBV prevention and response, with only about 12% of the required funds received, which is less than half of that for the overall HNRP. This drastic underfunding severely limits the ability to provide adequate support to women and girls who are at an increased risk of gender-based violence in the chaotic conditions of displacement camps. For women like Nang, Moe Moe, and Nway Nway, the flood has completely disrupted their lives in ways they never anticipated. However, with the ongoing support of community members, youth volunteers, local service providers, and humanitarian partners, there is hope that they can start to rebuild not only their homes but also their futures.The story of Myanmar's flood crisis is full of challenges, but it also reflects resilience and hope. With continued support, the women of Myanmar can transition from merely surviving to thriving, guiding their communities toward a stronger, more resilient future.
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20 September 2024
“My only wish is to bring my child into a safe world" - A safe delivery against all odds: UNFPA’s support in collaboration with partners for maternal care in conflict-affected Rakhine
In the shadow of the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State, Myanmar, Mi Mi’s story of resilience and overcoming her fears echoes through the disrupted lives of many. At seven months pregnant, Mi Mi, a 32-year-old woman from a township ravaged by conflict, faces uncertainties that concern her health and the safety of her soon-to-be-born baby. "I was working various jobs to support my family, even as a mason. But now, due to my pregnancy and the escalating conflict, I worry about delivering my baby safely in these harsh conditions," she shares, her voice a mixture of hope and anxiety.The escalating conflict in Rakhine has not only shattered the economy but has also devastated the healthcare infrastructure and services crucial for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and girls. Facilities that once offered health care are now inaccessible due to the ongoing conflict. In the townships affected by armed conflict like Maungdaw, Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, and Sittwe etc., the lack of access to essential healthcare creates a life-threatening threat for women, particularly pregnant women living in those areas.Despite the challenging context in Rakhine, the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA) and Relief International (RI), with the support of UNFPA, strive against the odds to deliver sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services through static and mobile clinics for those in urgent need. These clinics, particularly the mobile units, have become lifelines to those affected by the conflict, reaching out to vulnerable areas to ensure that essential SRH services are not just a privilege but a right that is upheld even in the most dire situations. Their work is vital, offering everything from prenatal check-ups to emergency obstetric care, proving indispensable in a landscape where people, including displaced persons, cannot access local healthcare facilities amid the armed clashes. The situation for Mi Mi is dire. "I always worry about my health and my baby. Without access to medical facilities, it feels like we are abandoned," she says.Amidst the turmoil, stories of gratitude in the face of desperation surface from the women affected. Hnin Yu Lwin, who recently gave birth, credits the antenatal care she received at MMA’s clinic, which saved her and her baby’s life. "Without the support from the clinic, I cannot imagine how my child and I could have survived," she reflects. Reflecting on her experience, she continues, " Receiving healthcare from professional health workers is so important. Without their care, we (pregnant women) would have been left to face the uncertainty and health-related risks alone. Their effort saves many of our lives in the community." Nuha Mina, from a village in Sittwe township, voices the collective fears of her community, "Many women here in my community are giving birth at home, without any professional care and assistance, facing life-threatening complications. I am lucky that I have connected with this service. I do not want my regular visits to the clinic to be interrupted due to the conflict. That’s my constant worry everyday."
The conflict has not only disrupted healthcare facilities but has also severely restricted the transportation and distribution of essential reproductive health commodities. Supplies such as contraceptives and maternal health products, once readily available at the UNFPA-supported clinics, have become difficult to deliver due to logistical challenges and travel restrictions.Sanitary pads, categorized as medical items in Rakhine, are also in short supply. With logistical constraints impeding distribution, countless women and girls have been deprived of access to menstrual hygiene products, compromising their dignity and well-being. "Not having sanitary products is more than just an inconvenience," says Myaa, a woman with disability from the internally displaced camp in Sittwe. "It affects our health, confidence, and basic rights." Dr. Myo Aung Hlaing of MMA explained the immense challenges faced by the mobile clinic teams: "Travel authorisations are difficult to obtain in this security context. It is a significant challenge for mobile service delivery. As an alternative, MMA provides transportation costs for women of some IDP camps so they can come to our static clinic in Sittwe to receive health care. This arrangement is to help those in need access our services in this difficult time.” This support does not completely solve all the issues faced by people in the community. The scarcity of medicines, travel restrictions, banking issues, and price fluctuations of basic household items are all worsening the situation in Rakhine. Dr. Myo added, “Previously, we had 500 patients per month, but in the last two months, we’ve only seen 200. This gap in access to life-saving SRH services will negatively impact the well-being of women and girls." For women like Nuha Mina, this support is invaluable. "The conflict has taken so much from us—jobs, security, peace. But the transportation help from MMA has been a lifeline. It's not just healthcare; they recognise our struggles and make sure we can get there. I don’t have to choose between healthcare and other essentials for my family. Their support has lifted a huge weight," she says.MMA’s initiative, with UNFPA support, is more than just about healthcare—it’s about ensuring that women in conflict-affected areas can access the care they deserve without added burdens. Through this holistic approach, MMA is not only improving health outcomes but also restoring a sense of dignity to women in Rakhine. The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) and its partners are tirelessly working to provide essential health care and support to those affected by the conflict. The mobile and static clinics, in particular, are a testament to the commitment to providing life-saving SRH services amid the deteriorated situation in Rakhine, overcoming logistical challenges to reach those most in need. In 2023, MMA provided sexual and reproductive health services such as antenatal care, postnatal care, emergency maternal referral, and family planning services to 25,000 women in Sittwe township, while 14,000 among them received maternal healthcare services. RI, through their mobile clinics, provided sexual and reproductive health services for 5,000 women in four townships of Rakhine. 3,000 pregnant women received maternal healthcare, and 2,000 women received family planning services.Despite these efforts, the needs continue to outpace the services available, not only in Rakhine but also in different states and regions across the country affected by the conflict. There are significant gaps in healthcare access, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas where security and mobility issues complicate service delivery. UNFPA and its partners are actively working to bridge these gaps by strengthening local partnerships to expand reach. However, there is still much to be done to meet the healthcare needs of women and girls, including persons with disabilities. Each step forward is crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind. As the echoes of conflict continue to reverberate through Rakhine, the words of a community woman resonate deeply, underscoring the dire need for sustained support: "We, in the community, do not expect much for our lives, but to hold our hands, keep us safe, and treat us with dignity. The mobile clinics are the places we don't want to disappear." In these words lies a powerful plea for humanity—a call to ensure that amidst the deterioration, the essential lifelines of health and dignity are preserved. These clinics are more than just medical facilities; they are beacons of hope and resilience to women and girls affected by the conflict.*This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar website.
The conflict has not only disrupted healthcare facilities but has also severely restricted the transportation and distribution of essential reproductive health commodities. Supplies such as contraceptives and maternal health products, once readily available at the UNFPA-supported clinics, have become difficult to deliver due to logistical challenges and travel restrictions.Sanitary pads, categorized as medical items in Rakhine, are also in short supply. With logistical constraints impeding distribution, countless women and girls have been deprived of access to menstrual hygiene products, compromising their dignity and well-being. "Not having sanitary products is more than just an inconvenience," says Myaa, a woman with disability from the internally displaced camp in Sittwe. "It affects our health, confidence, and basic rights." Dr. Myo Aung Hlaing of MMA explained the immense challenges faced by the mobile clinic teams: "Travel authorisations are difficult to obtain in this security context. It is a significant challenge for mobile service delivery. As an alternative, MMA provides transportation costs for women of some IDP camps so they can come to our static clinic in Sittwe to receive health care. This arrangement is to help those in need access our services in this difficult time.” This support does not completely solve all the issues faced by people in the community. The scarcity of medicines, travel restrictions, banking issues, and price fluctuations of basic household items are all worsening the situation in Rakhine. Dr. Myo added, “Previously, we had 500 patients per month, but in the last two months, we’ve only seen 200. This gap in access to life-saving SRH services will negatively impact the well-being of women and girls." For women like Nuha Mina, this support is invaluable. "The conflict has taken so much from us—jobs, security, peace. But the transportation help from MMA has been a lifeline. It's not just healthcare; they recognise our struggles and make sure we can get there. I don’t have to choose between healthcare and other essentials for my family. Their support has lifted a huge weight," she says.MMA’s initiative, with UNFPA support, is more than just about healthcare—it’s about ensuring that women in conflict-affected areas can access the care they deserve without added burdens. Through this holistic approach, MMA is not only improving health outcomes but also restoring a sense of dignity to women in Rakhine. The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA) and its partners are tirelessly working to provide essential health care and support to those affected by the conflict. The mobile and static clinics, in particular, are a testament to the commitment to providing life-saving SRH services amid the deteriorated situation in Rakhine, overcoming logistical challenges to reach those most in need. In 2023, MMA provided sexual and reproductive health services such as antenatal care, postnatal care, emergency maternal referral, and family planning services to 25,000 women in Sittwe township, while 14,000 among them received maternal healthcare services. RI, through their mobile clinics, provided sexual and reproductive health services for 5,000 women in four townships of Rakhine. 3,000 pregnant women received maternal healthcare, and 2,000 women received family planning services.Despite these efforts, the needs continue to outpace the services available, not only in Rakhine but also in different states and regions across the country affected by the conflict. There are significant gaps in healthcare access, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas where security and mobility issues complicate service delivery. UNFPA and its partners are actively working to bridge these gaps by strengthening local partnerships to expand reach. However, there is still much to be done to meet the healthcare needs of women and girls, including persons with disabilities. Each step forward is crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind. As the echoes of conflict continue to reverberate through Rakhine, the words of a community woman resonate deeply, underscoring the dire need for sustained support: "We, in the community, do not expect much for our lives, but to hold our hands, keep us safe, and treat us with dignity. The mobile clinics are the places we don't want to disappear." In these words lies a powerful plea for humanity—a call to ensure that amidst the deterioration, the essential lifelines of health and dignity are preserved. These clinics are more than just medical facilities; they are beacons of hope and resilience to women and girls affected by the conflict.*This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar website.
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Story
19 September 2024
Flood safety information for parents
Experiencing a flood is difficult and devastating for anyone, but especially so for children and their families. If you live in an area at risk of flooding, follow these expert tips to keep yourself and your family safe.Facts about floodsWhat is a flood?Floods are an overflow of water onto land that is usually dry. Inundation floods develop slowly over a period of hours or days while flash floods occur suddenly and often without warning. River floods are caused when consistent rain or snow melting forces a river to exceed capacity. Coastal floods are caused by storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunamis. Floods are predicted to become more frequent and severe due to climate change.What causes floods?Floods can occur during periods of intense rainfall, or when dams break.How to prepare for a flood Talk to your family about floodsSpend time together talking about floods and why they occur.Practice your safety planFind a safe evacuation route to take in the event of a flood and practice it with your family. Talk together about having a meeting point in case you get separated. Create an “emergency kit” that includes non-perishable foods, medicines, a first aid kit, flashlight and batteries and water for several days in case you need to leave your area or services are cut off. Check with your child’s school and learn what the school’s plan is in case of a flood.Know your riskLearn about the kind of flooding that can take place in your community and your local emergency contacts to reach out to for help if one occurs. Keep an eye on the forecast to be informed of any potential flooding and learn about your local alert system by researching who provides alerts, how they are broadcast and with how much notice. It is also important to know your home’s risk level.Teach children to swimThe majority of deaths that occur during floods are due to drowning. Teaching children how to swim can help protect them in emergency situations.Keep documents safeStore any important papers like ID papers high up or in something that can protect against water damage (like a sealable plastic bag) to minimize the risk of damage.What to do during a flood Listen to local authoritiesTune in to your local news or radio station for weather updates and official advice. If you are advised to evacuate, grab your emergency kit and ID papers and do so immediately. If first responders have set up barricades, do not try to pass them – they have been set up to safely direct people around dangerous areas.Secure your homeUnplug appliances and turn off any utilities like electricity, gas and elevate items that need to be preserved.Get to high groundTo avoid standing, flowing or rising water, move to higher ground. Never try to walk, swim or drive through fast-moving flood water. Never try to cross fords, spillways, bridges, culverts or roads with fast-moving floodwaters. If you have to move in a flooded area, you must use a life jacket or other floating objects. If you are in your vehicle and it is filling with water, get onto the roof. If you are trapped in a building, get to the highest level and only go onto the roof if necessary. Do not go into an enclosed space at the highest level of your home, such as a loft or attic, as this could result in being trapped by rising floodwater.Do not allow children to go into moving or stagnant flood watersClosely supervise and remind your child not to play, or swim in flood water, and warn them not to go through flooded areas or where flood water flows through, as flood water can be deeper and faster than it seems, which is easy to cause accidents.Update your loved onesAs soon as you are somewhere safe and communication channels are available, make sure to inform your other family members or those close to you. What to do after a flood Listen for updatesMonitor updates from local authorities and only return home when it is declared safe.Look after your family’s healthThe contaminated water created by flooding poses many health risks to you and your family, such as water-borne illnesses like cholera and typhoid. Keep your children away from floodwater as much as possible – it is likely dirty and contaminated by germs. If your child was exposed to flood waters, make sure to bathe them as soon as you are able and have them wash their hands frequently. If you or anyone in your family is feeling ill, see a doctor as soon as you are able.Keep food and water safeKeep food and water covered to protect from contamination and boil water collected from untreated water sources for at least three minutes before use. Use boiled water to cook and wash food as well as pots, pans and spoons or other things you use for eating. Never drink contaminated water or eat food that has gotten wet.Clean up safelyWear protective gear while cleaning, including rubber gloves and boots. Be careful if you pump water from your home. Do it slowly and keep an eye out for hazards such as debris and electrical wires. If you can, dry as much as you can within 24 to 48 hours, keep wet areas well-ventilated and throw away anything that can’t be dried or fixed. As much as possible, limit your children’s participation in cleaning up. Before children and teens can safely return, toys, clothing and living spaces should be cleaned and disinfected. Belongings that have been badly contaminated by floodwater should be discarded.Comforting your children after a flood Start the conversation and keep it openMake sure you provide your child with opportunities to talk about how the flood made them feel and encourage them to share any worries or feelings of fear or anxiety.Show them that you are listening carefully and care deeply about how they are feeling.Provide reassuranceLet them know that the flood and its aftermath are not permanent and explain to them that they are natural events, and not anyone’s fault. Give your children reassuring affection by spending time together and providing lots of extra hugs.Watch for signs of emotional distressWhile many children will seem okay for a month or so following a disaster, the numbness can wear off and they can begin showing symptoms of trauma. Some ongoing anxiety is to be expected, but if it does not stop after a few months or if your child is experiencing more extreme symptoms, such as panic attacks or wanting to harm themselves or others, reach out to your family doctor or mental health professional immediately.Practice calming exercises togetherDeep belly breathing is very helpful and is something you can do together with your older children. If you have a younger child, you could make it into a game: Every hour on the hour, see how you can calm your mind and body down by slowing down your breath.Try to maintain some kind of routineThough it may be incredibly difficult, going to bed or eating at the same time will help your child to feel a bit more connected to their life before the flood.*This story was originally published on the UNICEF Myanmar website.
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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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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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Press Release
17 September 2024
Children face heightened risks amid devastating floods in Myanmar
UNICEF is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of thousands of children and families affected by the severe flooding across Myanmar. Heavy rainfalls marking the peak of the monsoon season, exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi, have caused widespread devastation, particularly in Bago, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Mon, Naypyitaw, Rakhine and Shan areas.
The floods have resulted in casualties, displaced families, damaged homes, and have destroyed livelihoods and critical infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, and major highways and bridges.As of today, over 130 deaths and about 320,000 displacements have been reported, though the situation is still evolving. Verifying numbers remains challenging, as many affected areas are still hard to reach due to damaged roads and widespread disruptions to telecommunications and electricity.As is too often the case in natural disasters, children are among the worst affected. Their safety, well-being, and access to basic services are at grave risk. Affected areas include camps for displaced people, including children, who were already struggling with limited services due to ongoing conflict.UNICEF teams are on the ground, working closely with stakeholders to assess the situation and mobilize immediate relief. The provision of clean water, sanitation, and healthcare is critical to averting water-borne disease outbreaks, while ensuring psycho-social support and protection services for children during this challenging time.
Ongoing conflict in Myanmar has displaced more than 3.3 million people, nearly 40 per cent of whom are children bearing the heaviest brunt.
The floods have resulted in casualties, displaced families, damaged homes, and have destroyed livelihoods and critical infrastructure, including health facilities, schools, and major highways and bridges.As of today, over 130 deaths and about 320,000 displacements have been reported, though the situation is still evolving. Verifying numbers remains challenging, as many affected areas are still hard to reach due to damaged roads and widespread disruptions to telecommunications and electricity.As is too often the case in natural disasters, children are among the worst affected. Their safety, well-being, and access to basic services are at grave risk. Affected areas include camps for displaced people, including children, who were already struggling with limited services due to ongoing conflict.UNICEF teams are on the ground, working closely with stakeholders to assess the situation and mobilize immediate relief. The provision of clean water, sanitation, and healthcare is critical to averting water-borne disease outbreaks, while ensuring psycho-social support and protection services for children during this challenging time.
Ongoing conflict in Myanmar has displaced more than 3.3 million people, nearly 40 per cent of whom are children bearing the heaviest brunt.
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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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20 August 2024
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