Carl Skau: People of Myanmar need more from the international community as situation deteriorates

During my visit, I have been profoundly impressed by the resilience of the people of Myanmar. Now is the time for the international community to come together to better support them.  

While in the country, my plea was clear and urgent: humanitarian assistance must reach all people who need it - wherever they may be.

I also met with non-government and community-based organizations working at the frontlines to assist people. These organizations are resilient and capable but need humanitarian access and international support to continue to deliver in hard-to-reach areas. 

WFP is staying and delivering in Myanmar, reaching over two million people. Our national staff are living in this crisis and responding to it at the same time. They, and WFP’s partners, need stronger international leadership that supports expanded assistance and advocacy for the people.  

As I leave Myanmar, WFP’s commitment to the people and to our staff and partners in the field remains firm. We will continue to push for unimpeded humanitarian access, to draw attention to the significant and growing needs, and to lobby for more resources and stronger international and UN engagement for the people of Myanmar. 

Note to the editor:

From 11-13 March, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific John Aylieff visited Myanmar to meet with WFP staff, partners, and stakeholders on how best to assist people in the face of growing conflict and food insecurity. 

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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.