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Press Release
26 August 2024
WFP Launches First Response in Nine Years in Myanmar's Delta to Reach Flood-affected People
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Press Release
23 August 2024
Myanmar: Türk deplores attacks on civilians fleeing Rakhine, fears repeat of 2017 atrocities against Rohingya
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Press Release
23 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
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Myanmar
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Myanmar:
Speech
19 June 2024
Statement by Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,As we convene here in the Council, yet again discussing Myanmar, we are bearing witness to a country being suffocated by an illegitimate military regime.Myanmar is in agonizing pain.And the disintegration of human rights continues at breakneck speed.This is a crisis emblematic of a decades-long legacy of military domination, the stifling of dissent, and division.And right now, these very same dynamics are playing out in terrifying form with the Rohingya and Rakhine communities.We are hearing stories of horrific war tactics, such as beheadings.Midnight drone attacks.The burning of homes as people sleep.People being shot at as they flee for their lives.The military has lost control over a considerable amount of territory. So it is resorting to increasingly extreme measures.Forced conscription. Indiscriminate bombardment of towns and villages. Brutal atrocity crimes.Mr. President,I have just returned from a visit to south-east Asia.I had the opportunity to hear from Myanmar civil society on the spiralling regional impacts of the crisis and the urgent need for leadership and influence to halt this catastrophe.The Myanmar military continues to gain access to foreign currency and weapons it needs to sustain its campaign of terror, while international financial support for the people of Myanmar is meagre at best.But I also witnessed a profound sense of hope. In my discussions with Myanmar civil society, human rights defenders and refugee communities, it was clear to see there is a new generation of young people from all ethnic communities leading the struggle to create an inclusive vision for the future of Myanmar.In Malaysia, I met with representatives of almost all ethnic communities – together. A few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to meet with Rohingya and other ethnic communities around one table. I was moved by their solidarity and shared hopes.In Thailand, representatives of Myanmar civil society and human rights defenders from different communities and backgrounds were also united by a common sense of purpose. Their rejection of the military’s seizure of power and violence. Their demand for accountability. Their desire for a better future.These young people have strong expectations of the international community. They seek for the extent of Myanmar’s suffering to be genuinely acknowledged and given the attention it deserves. They hope that funding will be made available to those on the ground to deliver humanitarian assistance and services directly to communities throughout the country. They have risked their lives and livelihoods to help communities in need and resist the repression by the military.And with them, a future is possible.Mr. President,We are witnessing a people’s revolution against decades of oppression and violence.In some areas outside the military’s control, new local governance structures have emerged, supported by ethnic armed groups and activists alike. They are providing food, shelter, education and healthcare for hundreds of thousands who are otherwise receiving little to no humanitarian support.And they are delivering critically needed protection services in the complete absence of a functioning public system.The Karenni Interim Executive Council in Kayah State, for example, has created a local governance system, where seven members have been elected by the people to respond to the community’s needs.I call on all anti-military armed groups to ensure the protection of civilians, defectors and surrendees at all times.Mr. President,The people of Myanmar must be spared more despair, more suffering, more fear.Armed conflicts continue to rage brutally across the country, taking an increasingly grim toll on the lives of civilians. My Office is investigating several reported attacks against civilians in Rakhine State and Sagaing over recent days with large numbers of civilians allegedly killed -- in airstrikes, naval artillery barrages and shootings.I am very concerned about the situation in Maungdaw. The Arakan Army this weekend gave all remaining residents – including a large Rohingya population – a warning to evacuate. But Rohingya have no options. There is nowhere to flee.Following a similar pattern in Buthidaung, where Rohingya were ordered to flee, and then the town burned, I fear we are – yet again -- about to bear witness to displacement, destruction and abuses. The military also reportedly ordered evacuation of ethnic Rakhine villages around Sittwe, where they have been conducting mass arrests in recent days.In another instance, the village of Byaing Phyu was reportedly emptied of its several hundred residents, as the military tried to identify men of fighting age who sympathised with their armed opponent, the Arakan Army.Men were separated from women. Dozens of men were allegedly tortured, shot and killed. Multiple reports allege that at least five women were also raped and killed in the incident. Their village was burned. Hundreds of men taken away are now missing.In a cynical move, the military has pressured and threatened young Rohingya men to join their ranks. Some reports have indicated thousands of Rohingya youth have been conscripted into the very same forces that displaced hundreds of thousands of their community in 2016 and 2017.In response, the Arakan Army has exhorted Rohingya to fight with them against the military. They have targeted their communities by forcibly displacing residents. On multiple occasions, they have detained or killed men of fighting age who they suspected of taking up arms against them.These tactics have brought back the shocking images and memories from 2017 of systematic terrorisation, persecution and forced displacement of populations. Today, sections of Maungdaw and Buthidaung have been alternately burned. Ethnic Rakhine houses and neighbourhoods were set alight, followed days later by the burning of Rohingya villages.And tens of thousands of civilians from these communities have been forced to flee, among them entire Rohingya communities with no guarantees of finding safe haven. Over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are still living in limbo in dire conditions, with no prospect for durable solutions.All this, in the face of binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice for the protection of Rohingya while it examines the case alleging genocide brought before it by the Gambia and other intervening Member States. Accountability, including in proceedings currently pending before the International Criminal Court, is absolutely critical. The failures to ensure accountability in Myanmar’s past transition, are now allowing history to repeat itself and are haunting the present and the future.Mr. President,The situation in Rakhine State is – tragically – just one example of how this coup, which has resulted in three years of conflict, has brought pain and suffering to an entire country.The attacks by the military have been, and continue to be, indiscriminate.Since February 2021, at least 5,280 civilians, including 1,022 women and 667 children, have been killed at the hands of the military. At least 26,865 individuals have been arrested and 20,592 remain in detention.There are now three million people internally displaced by these conflicts, the vast majority still without proper shelter. Without access to food or water. Without essential medicines and healthcare. And so many more of the cruel consequences of the military’s continued denial of humanitarian access remain invisible and under-reported. Mr. President,The violence must end. The attacks against civilians must end. The forced conscription must end. And the denial of humanitarian assistance must end. I urge all parties to prevent the recurrence of the atrocity crimes committed against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017.I also call on countries in the region to ensure international protection, and provision of adequate shelter, support and long-term access to essential services to people fleeing the violence and persecution. Special provisions need to be made for human rights defenders, who are particularly exposed and often face transnational threats and refoulement. Nobody should be forcibly returned to Myanmar at this time.We need an urgent rethink of how we can respond collectively to this unmitigated crisis. I had the opportunity to discuss this with the leadership of the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic and Malaysia as the current and future ASEAN Chair, as well as with Thailand as a near neighbour. It is time to go beyond the ASEAN Five Point Consensus that has failed to stem the violence or restore democracy. ASEAN’s efforts must be reenergised and backed by a consortium of influential States to develop a new roadmap that can restore the destiny of Myanmar to its people. This must factor in the new realities of local governance emerging on the ground that can provide building blocks towards a democratic future from the bottom up. Myanmar’s people must have a place at the table. This means reaching out to the democracy movement and youth, involving them meaningfully in the resolution of this crisis.The new generation in Myanmar – particularly the women’s leadership that has emerged - should be supported in a “visioning process” for the future of the country.With more attention, more investment, more political will and more action, this situation can be turned around for a better tomorrow for the people of Myanmar.Thank you.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,As we convene here in the Council, yet again discussing Myanmar, we are bearing witness to a country being suffocated by an illegitimate military regime.Myanmar is in agonizing pain.And the disintegration of human rights continues at breakneck speed.This is a crisis emblematic of a decades-long legacy of military domination, the stifling of dissent, and division.And right now, these very same dynamics are playing out in terrifying form with the Rohingya and Rakhine communities.We are hearing stories of horrific war tactics, such as beheadings.Midnight drone attacks.The burning of homes as people sleep.People being shot at as they flee for their lives.The military has lost control over a considerable amount of territory. So it is resorting to increasingly extreme measures.Forced conscription. Indiscriminate bombardment of towns and villages. Brutal atrocity crimes.Mr. President,I have just returned from a visit to south-east Asia.I had the opportunity to hear from Myanmar civil society on the spiralling regional impacts of the crisis and the urgent need for leadership and influence to halt this catastrophe.The Myanmar military continues to gain access to foreign currency and weapons it needs to sustain its campaign of terror, while international financial support for the people of Myanmar is meagre at best.But I also witnessed a profound sense of hope. In my discussions with Myanmar civil society, human rights defenders and refugee communities, it was clear to see there is a new generation of young people from all ethnic communities leading the struggle to create an inclusive vision for the future of Myanmar.In Malaysia, I met with representatives of almost all ethnic communities – together. A few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to meet with Rohingya and other ethnic communities around one table. I was moved by their solidarity and shared hopes.In Thailand, representatives of Myanmar civil society and human rights defenders from different communities and backgrounds were also united by a common sense of purpose. Their rejection of the military’s seizure of power and violence. Their demand for accountability. Their desire for a better future.These young people have strong expectations of the international community. They seek for the extent of Myanmar’s suffering to be genuinely acknowledged and given the attention it deserves. They hope that funding will be made available to those on the ground to deliver humanitarian assistance and services directly to communities throughout the country. They have risked their lives and livelihoods to help communities in need and resist the repression by the military.And with them, a future is possible.Mr. President,We are witnessing a people’s revolution against decades of oppression and violence.In some areas outside the military’s control, new local governance structures have emerged, supported by ethnic armed groups and activists alike. They are providing food, shelter, education and healthcare for hundreds of thousands who are otherwise receiving little to no humanitarian support.And they are delivering critically needed protection services in the complete absence of a functioning public system.The Karenni Interim Executive Council in Kayah State, for example, has created a local governance system, where seven members have been elected by the people to respond to the community’s needs.I call on all anti-military armed groups to ensure the protection of civilians, defectors and surrendees at all times.Mr. President,The people of Myanmar must be spared more despair, more suffering, more fear.Armed conflicts continue to rage brutally across the country, taking an increasingly grim toll on the lives of civilians. My Office is investigating several reported attacks against civilians in Rakhine State and Sagaing over recent days with large numbers of civilians allegedly killed -- in airstrikes, naval artillery barrages and shootings.I am very concerned about the situation in Maungdaw. The Arakan Army this weekend gave all remaining residents – including a large Rohingya population – a warning to evacuate. But Rohingya have no options. There is nowhere to flee.Following a similar pattern in Buthidaung, where Rohingya were ordered to flee, and then the town burned, I fear we are – yet again -- about to bear witness to displacement, destruction and abuses. The military also reportedly ordered evacuation of ethnic Rakhine villages around Sittwe, where they have been conducting mass arrests in recent days.In another instance, the village of Byaing Phyu was reportedly emptied of its several hundred residents, as the military tried to identify men of fighting age who sympathised with their armed opponent, the Arakan Army.Men were separated from women. Dozens of men were allegedly tortured, shot and killed. Multiple reports allege that at least five women were also raped and killed in the incident. Their village was burned. Hundreds of men taken away are now missing.In a cynical move, the military has pressured and threatened young Rohingya men to join their ranks. Some reports have indicated thousands of Rohingya youth have been conscripted into the very same forces that displaced hundreds of thousands of their community in 2016 and 2017.In response, the Arakan Army has exhorted Rohingya to fight with them against the military. They have targeted their communities by forcibly displacing residents. On multiple occasions, they have detained or killed men of fighting age who they suspected of taking up arms against them.These tactics have brought back the shocking images and memories from 2017 of systematic terrorisation, persecution and forced displacement of populations. Today, sections of Maungdaw and Buthidaung have been alternately burned. Ethnic Rakhine houses and neighbourhoods were set alight, followed days later by the burning of Rohingya villages.And tens of thousands of civilians from these communities have been forced to flee, among them entire Rohingya communities with no guarantees of finding safe haven. Over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are still living in limbo in dire conditions, with no prospect for durable solutions.All this, in the face of binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice for the protection of Rohingya while it examines the case alleging genocide brought before it by the Gambia and other intervening Member States. Accountability, including in proceedings currently pending before the International Criminal Court, is absolutely critical. The failures to ensure accountability in Myanmar’s past transition, are now allowing history to repeat itself and are haunting the present and the future.Mr. President,The situation in Rakhine State is – tragically – just one example of how this coup, which has resulted in three years of conflict, has brought pain and suffering to an entire country.The attacks by the military have been, and continue to be, indiscriminate.Since February 2021, at least 5,280 civilians, including 1,022 women and 667 children, have been killed at the hands of the military. At least 26,865 individuals have been arrested and 20,592 remain in detention.There are now three million people internally displaced by these conflicts, the vast majority still without proper shelter. Without access to food or water. Without essential medicines and healthcare. And so many more of the cruel consequences of the military’s continued denial of humanitarian access remain invisible and under-reported. Mr. President,The violence must end. The attacks against civilians must end. The forced conscription must end. And the denial of humanitarian assistance must end. I urge all parties to prevent the recurrence of the atrocity crimes committed against the Rohingya in 2016 and 2017.I also call on countries in the region to ensure international protection, and provision of adequate shelter, support and long-term access to essential services to people fleeing the violence and persecution. Special provisions need to be made for human rights defenders, who are particularly exposed and often face transnational threats and refoulement. Nobody should be forcibly returned to Myanmar at this time.We need an urgent rethink of how we can respond collectively to this unmitigated crisis. I had the opportunity to discuss this with the leadership of the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic and Malaysia as the current and future ASEAN Chair, as well as with Thailand as a near neighbour. It is time to go beyond the ASEAN Five Point Consensus that has failed to stem the violence or restore democracy. ASEAN’s efforts must be reenergised and backed by a consortium of influential States to develop a new roadmap that can restore the destiny of Myanmar to its people. This must factor in the new realities of local governance emerging on the ground that can provide building blocks towards a democratic future from the bottom up. Myanmar’s people must have a place at the table. This means reaching out to the democracy movement and youth, involving them meaningfully in the resolution of this crisis.The new generation in Myanmar – particularly the women’s leadership that has emerged - should be supported in a “visioning process” for the future of the country.With more attention, more investment, more political will and more action, this situation can be turned around for a better tomorrow for the people of Myanmar.Thank you.
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Speech
19 June 2024
Secretary-General's Message on World Refugee Day
From Sudan to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond, conflict, climate chaos and upheaval are forcing record numbers of people from their homes and fueling profound human suffering. The latest figures show that a total of more than 120 million people around the world are forcibly displaced, including 43.5 million refugees. World Refugee Day is about honouring their strength and courage – and stepping up efforts to protect and support refugees on every step of their journey.Refugees need global solidarity and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity. When given the opportunity, refugees make significant contributions to their host communities, but they need access to equal opportunities and to jobs, housing, and healthcare. Young refugees need quality education to achieve their dreams. And generous host countries, mostly low- or middle-income countries, need the support and resources to fully include refugees in societies and economies.Let us pledge to reaffirm the world’s collective responsibility in assisting and welcoming refugees … in upholding their human rights including the right to seek asylum … in safeguarding the integrity of the refugee protection regime … and ultimately, in resolving conflicts so that those forced from their communities can return home.
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Speech
19 June 2024
Secretary-General’s message for the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
Conflict-related sexual violence is a devastating form of attack and repression, which has lasting, harmful effects on survivors’ physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health, and destroys the social fabric of communities.Despite widespread awareness and condemnation, this grotesque crime continues around the world. The past year has seen harrowing reports of sexual violence from Sudan to Haiti and Israel. Far too often, the perpetrators walk free while survivors spend their entire lives in recovery. This year’s International be beacons of safety and healing for all those injured in conflict, including the survivors of sexual violence. These are funDay for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict focuses on healthcare. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities should damental tenets of international humanitarian law. But attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities, and the targeting of healthcare workers, can severely limit access to medical care and psychosocial support for survivors. Women and girls who experience sexual violence may become pregnant from rape and require immediate sexual and reproductive healthcare. Men and boys may be at risk of increased isolation if they cannot access appropriate care. On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, let us pledge to eliminate this scourge, stand in solidarity with survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting hospitals and healthcare facilities during conflict.
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Press Release
12 June 2024
Urgent action needed to protect children from child labour amid rising security concerns
YANGON, Myanmar (ILO News) — On World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Myanmar urgently calls all stakeholders to fulfil their commitment and take decisive action to end child labour!The adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) marked a significant milestone in the fight against child labour. Now, 25 years on, the universal ratification of Convention No. 182 in 2013, is an achievement worth celebrating.However, the global fight is far from over. An estimated 160 million children worldwide are still engaged in child labour, with 79 million involved in hazardous work, one of the worst forms of child labour.In Myanmar, according to UN reports, the security situation has deteriorated, with 40 per cent of the population living below the national poverty line and over three million internally displaced persons, one third of whom are children. The promulgation of the 2010 People’s Military Service Law earlier this year has further exacerbated the crisis, leading to an increase of individuals fleeing conscription.Findings from an ILO study on child labour cases conducted in selected states of Myanmar indicate an increase in child labour levels partly driven, amongst other factors, by parents preferring their children to work as means to avoid conscription. This aligns with an ILO report on Vulnerabilities in Child Labour (2022) highlighting that child labour rates in conflict-affected countries are 77 per cent higher than global averages.“We remain deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation and escalation of the conflict in Myanmar,” said Yutong Liu, ILO Myanmar Liaison Officer / Representative. “More children are living in poverty, facing movement restrictions, or displacement, making them increasingly vulnerable to child labour. Children should not be victims of conflicts in any form. Instead, they must be protected and allowed to continue to be a beacon of hope for the future of the country. On this World Day Against Child Labour, it is crucial for all stakeholders to honour their commitments to Convention No. 182 and intensify efforts to combat child labour,” Mr Liu added.The ILO continues to monitor the situation of children in the country and supports partners in tackling child labour through community-based child labour monitoring, awareness raising and skills and livelihood support in the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions, Shan and Mon states.World Day Against Child Labour activities in Myanmar
For this World Day Against Child Labour, ILO Myanmar is launching a three-month campaign starting 1 June 2024 that will engage social partners, civil society organizations and development partners in training and awareness-raising activities across Myanmar and on social media platforms.
For this World Day Against Child Labour, ILO Myanmar is launching a three-month campaign starting 1 June 2024 that will engage social partners, civil society organizations and development partners in training and awareness-raising activities across Myanmar and on social media platforms.
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Press Release
07 June 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on increasing conflict across Myanmar
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the increasing violence across Myanmar and strongly condemns the recent attacks by the Myanmar military that have reportedly killed scores of civilians, including in Rakhine State and Sagaing Region. The latest incident targeting ethnic Rakhine in Western Myanmar, and the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya, underlines the need for protection of all communities. Indiscriminate aerial bombings and human rights violations continue to be reported in many parts of the country. Those responsible must be held to account.The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, prioritize protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and prevent further incitement of communal tension and violence.The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the widening regional ramifications of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar and reiterates his appeal for a unified approach.The Secretary-General urges Member States and all stakeholders to engage and support his Special Envoy, Julie Bishop, in her efforts to alleviate the suffering and help build an inclusive Myanmar-led process towards sustainable peace, including through close cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and neighbouring countries.
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Story
16 August 2024
From excluded to empowered: Nang’s rise to respected community leader.
Nang*, a 40-year-old woman from Myanmar, has always been a passionate community volunteer, spending all her summers teaching local languages to children in her village. Yet, while she loved this work, Nang really wanted to participate more deeply in the development and day-to-day running of her village. Unfortunately, gendered cultural norms and lack of confidence were holding her back. “I faced significant challenges engaging with the village community due to my limited knowledge. And there was a prevailing skepticism towards women leaders that stopped people from accepting my suggestions,” Nang said. Nang felt like there was no place for her voice in community decision-making. She felt insecure about only having received a middle-school education, and excluded from the local governing bodies because she was a woman. But when a local organization, supported by UN Women, began building the capacity of women in the village to lead on humanitarian action, Nang was an enthusiastic participant. And soon both Nang and her community came to realize what she was truly capable of.The participation and leadership of women is critical to the humanitarian response in Myanmar – as it is in crisis-affected countries around the world – because when women and women’s organizations are included in humanitarian action, the responses are more likely to address the needs of all community members and lead to more sustainable peace and recovery efforts. Amid Myanmar’s ongoing and deteriorating crisis, UN Women works with local women’s rights and women-led organizations, which use their unique knowledge and networks to enable lifesaving support to remote, vulnerable and marginalized people.In Nang’s village, UN Women’s local partner organization has been helping communities build their resilience against climate and man-made disasters. To start with, Nang helped plan meetings and training sessions, and as she gained more confidence and leadership skills, she began taking the lead in building relationships between donors and the village communities and initiating her own resilience-building projects. A key turning point for Nang was taking part in the Participatory Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis (PVCA) training, which is a risk analysis process that helps communities understand and analyse their vulnerabilities and capacities to climate change and disaster risks. It also helps identify the links between the different kinds of risk a community faces and the way in which the members of that community interact.Feeling empowered by the knowledge and skills she gained through the PVCA process, Nang successfully advocated for support and funding from donors and UN agencies to launch a range of important projects in her village. The projects included obtaining agricultural tools and seeds; implementing a cash for work program; constructing much-needed drainage in the village to prepare for the rainy season; and securing grants to build a new road to overcome transportation challenges during the rainy season. “Today, Nang holds a pivotal role in her village. The Village Development Committee elected Nang to become a member, and her suggestions are valued and considered, showcasing the transformative change brought about by the training and other project activities we’ve implemented in her village,” said the representative from UN Women’s local partner, which conducted the PVCA training and other humanitarian capacity building activities. Nang has emerged as the main coordinator of humanitarian and development projects in her village, leading discussions with civil society and facilitating inter-ethnic dialogue among diverse women's groups. “Following the training … I now possess the confidence to actively participate in village activities and fearlessly voice my opinions,” she reflected. “The empowerment I feel has not only enhanced my capabilities but has broken-down barriers, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of my community.” *Name has been changed for safety.
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Story
12 August 2024
Meet Monica: Champion of Change for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Community Empowerment
"The most significant challenge confronting women and girls with disabilities stems not from their impairments but from the deeply rooted discrimination in their communities,” Monica asserts. Her messages represent the voices of persons with disabilities in the communities. Monica was born in Tedim, Chin State. Her life took an unforeseen turn at the age of two when a routine medical injection resulted in severe complications, introducing her to a life of physical challenges. From an early age, Monica faced not only the physical barriers constructed by the community not designed for disabled persons but also the immense societal obstacles and discrimination. As Monica grew up, each day presented its own set of hardships. "School stairs felt like insurmountable walls, and being excluded from physical activities with my classmates deepened my sense of isolation," she remembers. Monica's parents supported her through challenges, instilling a deep belief in her own values and abilities. She says, "My dad always believed in me, reminding me that I have the strength to overcome those challenges and shape my life better." This belief helped her navigate the discrimination and cultural stigmas that often stifle the spirits of many girls in her situation.Her academic journey became a symbol of her resilience. Monica excelled in her studies, graduating from high school with distinctions, and later earned her university degree. This academic excellence was a testament to her unbreakable determination to forge a path for herself, breaking many social stereotypes about people with disabilities. Equipped with those qualifications, Monica aspired to become a teacher with the hope of making a change by educating young minds. However, her path was thwarted by repeated rejections due to her disability. "It was the painful, constant rejection that made me question the inclusivity of our society," Monica reflects. The turning point came when she realized that her true calling might not lie in a traditional classroom. "I can make a change in the community for those in need, regardless of my physical disabilities," she asserted, her resolve turning her towards a new direction.Monica joined the Disability Development Initiative (DDI), a Disabled People's Organization, where she discovered her true passion for advocacy and empowerment. She dedicated herself to empowering disabled women and girls by undertaking various activities, including educating the community on sexual and reproductive health and rights, promoting gender equality, and preventing gender-based violence. "Every night, I reflect on what I've done today for the community and for persons with disabilities. It drives me to strive for better outcomes tomorrow," Monica shares. The initiatives backed by Monica have had profound impacts, providing the people with the strength and confidence to call for their rights. "Empowering persons with disabilities to become independent and self-sufficient is crucial. It is not only for their dignity but also for sustainable development," she emphasizes. Monica’s advocacy and support go beyond immediate needs, focusing on systemic changes that can provide long-term solutions. "Monica has been a pillar of strength for our community," praised a local community member. "She's not only a champion for the rights of disabled people but also an advocate for all of us. Her dedication reminds us of the power of inclusion and equality."A community member who is disabled and a beneficiary of the vocational training program shares, "I attended one of the vocational trainings Monica organized, and it changed my life. She taught us that our abilities are stronger than our disabilities. Thanks to her encouragement and guidance, I'm now running my own small business selling those handmade Chin traditional necklaces."Her colleagues describe her as a powerhouse of positivity and innovation. "Monica doesn't just work for change; she embodies it. She has gained the trust of women and girls in the community. Her sense of humor makes the community participants at the training learn the knowledge easily and forget their stress and pain. They admire her," says Myint Thu, one of her coworkers. "She remarkably shows us her strong commitment and dedicated effort in empowering women and girls with disabilities for equal rights and advocating equal job opportunities in our community." In collaboration with UNFPA, DDI has been able to extend its reach, establishing essential support and services such as the Women and Girls Centre and Safe House for women and girls, including persons with disabilities and internally displaced people from affected communities in Chin and Sagaing. These centres serve as beacons of hope and protection, providing essential support to those women and girls in need. "Thanks to UNFPA’s continuous support, we’ve been able to make significant strides in disability inclusion and support within our country," Monica notes gratefully. Yet, she remains steadfast in her belief that more needs to be done. "The disability inclusion journey is far from over. We continue to need the support of international and local organizations and the private sector."Monica's vision is resolute and potent: "I fight for a world where every woman and girl, regardless of her abilities, has the right to dream, achieve, and thrive." Her call to action is not just for those with disabilities, but for all who believe in a more inclusive and equitable world. UNFPA is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities play a central role in creating a more inclusive World and advocating for equal rights and freedom from violence. The UNFPA Disability Inclusion Strategy prioritizes the inclusion of people with disabilities in all of UNFPA's activities. By focusing on the rights of people with disabilities, UNFPA contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the principle of "leaving no one behind" (LNOB). Disability inclusion is important because it contributes to all of UNFPA's transformative results by ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights for everyone. *This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar Website.
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Story
08 August 2024
Forging Resilience at a Time of Crisis
The ongoing crisis in Myanmar as a result of continual conflicts and natural disasters has had a devastating impact. Almost half of the country’s population is now in poverty, and as much as 75 percent live near to, or below subsistence levels. Meanwhile, 9.7 million women and children are vulnerable to trafficking and gender-based violence, and 3 million people have been displaced from their homes. [1]Within this dire context, Moe Moe Aye Soe is one of 30 UN Volunteers working across 14 townships of Myanmar to support vulnerable communities through UNDP’s Enabling Community Recovery and Resilience (ENCORE) project. These volunteers come from local communities, and their familiarity with the language and cultural intricacies is essential to ensure that support reaches those in need, including the most marginalized groups."The ENCORE project has been helping rural communities in Myanmar to build resilience, strengthen social cohesion, and restore livelihoods and basic services so that people can can better cope with challenges during this time of crisis and withstand shocks in the future, " says UNDP project manager Mai May Htar Phwy Bob."This would not be possible without volunteers like Moe Moe Aye Soe. They are vital to the implementation of the project on the ground, working directly with local community members to understand needs, and provide targeted solutions." As much as 75% of Myanmar's Population Lives NEAR TO, or BELOW Subsistence Levels. Moe has been involved in volunteering activities in Myanmar since she was 19. She also volunteered with UNDP back in 1999.“Having spent half of my life volunteering, I’ve cultivated trust with the local people over a long period,” says Moe. “My ability to speak local languages like PaO and Danu has helped in this regard. Over the years, with each successful development project, this trust has only strengthened.”“The people know me and feel comfortable interacting with me. This connection is essential in my role as a Community Facilitator, and isn’t something that can be built over night,” she states. Based in Kalaw Township, Moe’s daily work involves visiting households to collect information and assess their needs. This helps the project team to make informed decisions on tailored interventions that respond to the needs of communities.She also facilitates ‘Cash for Work’ activities that provide extra income to vulnerable households through temporary employment opportunities such as constructing roads, rebuilding housing, or renovating village reservoirs for both irrigation and residential water supply. "The people know me and fell comfortable interacting with me - this connection is essential in my role as a Community Facilitator, and isn't something that can be built overnight."
- Moe Moe Aye Soe, UNV Community Facilitator“It is my responsibility to monitor project progress, make sure activities run smoothly, and ensure that the financial support reaches the most vulnerable,” says Moe. “In total, I have assisted up to around 3,000 people in 1,600 households, across 15 villages.”With the help of UNVs like Moe Moe Aye Soe, UNDP’s ENCORE project has supported over 900,000 vulnerable people to date, helping to improve their resilience to economic, security, health, and climate-related shocks.“Seeing the community become more resilient and developed, and watching vulnerable people receive the support they need, makes me very happy and proud,” says Moe. While volunteering with UNDP has allowed Moe to bring hope to people around her, it has boosted her own confidence and enhanced her skills and knowledge of the development sector in the local context.“I’ve learned the importance of writing detailed reports and how to work collaboratively within a team to support vulnerable populations,” says Moe. “I have also witnessed highly motivated and professional peers providing livelihood training and support, which has been fascinating to observe and learn from. Not only am I helping the community, but I am also improving my own abilities and advancing my career.” With people across Myanmar continuing to suffer, UNDP is committed to doing its utmost, together with partners, to support the most vulnerable and ensure that no one is left behind. Moving forward, the ENCORE project aims to reach six million beneficiaries across 52 Townships in 11 States and Regions by 2026. As the project expands, the work of Moe and her peers will only become more critical.“Being a volunteer is not easy, especially given the country's situation with conflict and economic collapse,” says Moe. “However, seeing the smiles and happiness on the faces of community members, and hearing their feedback on how our interventions have improved their lives, motivates me. This is truly my passion.” [1] https://www.unocha.org/news/ocha-tells-security-council-myanmars-children-among-most-vulnerable-globally-mineor credits to the end of your post. **This story was originally published on the website of UNDP in Asia and the Pacific.
- Moe Moe Aye Soe, UNV Community Facilitator“It is my responsibility to monitor project progress, make sure activities run smoothly, and ensure that the financial support reaches the most vulnerable,” says Moe. “In total, I have assisted up to around 3,000 people in 1,600 households, across 15 villages.”With the help of UNVs like Moe Moe Aye Soe, UNDP’s ENCORE project has supported over 900,000 vulnerable people to date, helping to improve their resilience to economic, security, health, and climate-related shocks.“Seeing the community become more resilient and developed, and watching vulnerable people receive the support they need, makes me very happy and proud,” says Moe. While volunteering with UNDP has allowed Moe to bring hope to people around her, it has boosted her own confidence and enhanced her skills and knowledge of the development sector in the local context.“I’ve learned the importance of writing detailed reports and how to work collaboratively within a team to support vulnerable populations,” says Moe. “I have also witnessed highly motivated and professional peers providing livelihood training and support, which has been fascinating to observe and learn from. Not only am I helping the community, but I am also improving my own abilities and advancing my career.” With people across Myanmar continuing to suffer, UNDP is committed to doing its utmost, together with partners, to support the most vulnerable and ensure that no one is left behind. Moving forward, the ENCORE project aims to reach six million beneficiaries across 52 Townships in 11 States and Regions by 2026. As the project expands, the work of Moe and her peers will only become more critical.“Being a volunteer is not easy, especially given the country's situation with conflict and economic collapse,” says Moe. “However, seeing the smiles and happiness on the faces of community members, and hearing their feedback on how our interventions have improved their lives, motivates me. This is truly my passion.” [1] https://www.unocha.org/news/ocha-tells-security-council-myanmars-children-among-most-vulnerable-globally-mineor credits to the end of your post. **This story was originally published on the website of UNDP in Asia and the Pacific.
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Story
26 July 2024
Emergency Response by UNFPA and Partners Restores Dignity and Hope for Affected Communities in Kachin amid the Devastating Floods
"It happened so quickly. When I came back home from work, my home was already submerged. The water level was increasing inch by inch. I could bring nothing from my home. My child and I were sick due to the freezing water. Our lives are already difficult due to the armed conflict. I felt desperate. I need help. Not later, but now," Lu Ja, a woman from the flood-affected community, said.In the wake of flash floods in Kachin state, the people in the community were confronted with loss and displacement. Homes and streets were submerged, and communications & transportation were interrupted. The floods, caused by heavy rains in northern Kachin, led to the overflowing of the Irrawaddy River, resulting in a flash flood that caused extensive damage to several townships, including Myitkyina and Waing Maw. According to the UN’s Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA), more than 29,000 people in both townships were affected, including 300 pregnant and lactating women. Many people, including women and children, became ill due to exposure to the cold waters, and families were forced to leave their homes with only the clothes on their backs in search of proper shelter, food and health services. In this emergency situation, UNFPA is working closely with local partners to provide essential assistance and restore the dignity of those affected. Despite the many communications challenges, UNFPA field teams immediately approached its partners to assess and enhance their safety and operational capacity and to plan the emergency response. In Myitkyina, one of the areas most affected by the flash floods, UNFPA, in partnership with the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA) and other partner organisations, provided emergency support to 322 individuals, including women and girls, within 72 hours of the flooding. This rapid response involved setting up mobile clinics in affected areas to provide primary health care, antenatal care, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), as well as distributing Dignity Kits and Clean Delivery Kits for women. "Aye Aye Thein, a pregnant woman whose home was completely submerged, received immediate medical assistance from one of the mobile health teams and was swiftly referred to a hospital for safe delivery. Holding her newborn baby close, she said, "I have no idea what would have happened if the mobile health team hadn't been there. With my pregnancy due for delivery soon, I felt helpless at the evacuation site. However, the response team led by UNFPA came and helped me immediately, referring me to the hospital for delivery. They saved our lives; my life and my baby's life. Despite losing our personal belongings to the flood, the Dignity Kit they provided gave me some of the essentials to care for myself and my child. I am really grateful for the support.” Shing Ceing, a staff member of the UNFPA implementing partners in Kachin, said, “Every single support and service we provide is needed by the affected community. I still remember one of the women at the IDP camp. She delivered her baby two weeks ahead of the flood. When we met her at the evacuation site, she was helpless with her baby. Her husband had just passed away while he was helping others during the flood. Besides providing medical care and dignity kits, we also gave her mental health and psychosocial support, which was very critical in such a traumatic experience.”A touching moment took place when a pregnant woman at an evacuation site, where she had sought help, expressed her gratitude. She was wearing a longyi provided in the Dignity Kit and said, "I had nothing dry to wear, but thanks to this kit, I got what I needed for my hygiene and can now return home with the basics to look after myself." The flood disrupted community support systems and access to essential health and protection services for women and girls, including antenatal care and gender-based violence services. Among the flood-affected population, women and girls in the internally displaced (IDP) camps suffered the most. The situation in these IDP camps is particularly dire; they are not only grappling with the aftermath of the floods but also ongoing conflict. Kham Mo, a mother of three, shared her relief, "The floods took everything. This Dignity Kit helps me feel human again. It has what I need to take care of myself and my daughters.""I am in my 9th month of pregnancy. When the flood hit our camp, I felt desperate. I was frightened as I crossed the water to reach higher ground. Many people at the camp, including women and children, were sick and needed immediate healthcare. Even in normal times, it's difficult for us to access healthcare near the camp. Now, I'm so happy that the mobile health team delivered health care and provided cash assistance for referral to the hospital for delivery. They give me hope and strength.” Among the affected population by the flood are humanitarian actors working on the ground. Their homes and offices were also submerged, and their families were displaced. Despite their losses and confusion due to the flood, they helped others and prioritized the needs of their communities. As one staff member from a UNFPA partner organizations said, “Helping others in this time of need gave me strength and purpose.” Due to the impact of the flood, there is an urgent need for healthcare in affected communities. Common issues include skin infections, fever, diarrhoea, and mental health-related problems. Pregnant women require heightened antenatal care. As a medical doctor from one of the UNFPA’s partner organizations in Kachin put it, while he was grappling with the massive damage to his own home “The flood hit us swiftly when people were not ready. Affected people in the community were waiting for healthcare, including those who needed urgent assistance. Seeing the gratitude in the eyes of the women and girls we help makes all the hardships worth it. We are all in this together, and that keeps me going.” UNFPA distributed some dignity kits to staff from partner organisations and their families affected by the floods, ensuring that those who were helping others were also cared for.The critical need to ensure lifesaving support for vulnerable populations, particularly women, girls, and pregnant women, during emergencies cannot be overstated. Providing such support is vital to prevent further health complications and to save the life and the dignity of those affected. The collaboration between UNFPA and partners in Kachin strengthened the effectiveness of the coordinated humanitarian response in delivering timely and efficient assistance to the affected areas. Since the flooding started, UNFPA and partner organizations, have delivered crucial assistance to women impacted by the flood in Myitkyina and Waing Maw townships. This aid encompasses antenatal care for over 70 pregnant women, referral assistance for over 30 individuals, and primary health care consultations for more than 1,000 individuals from affected communities. Additionally, over 500 Dignity Kits and over 200 Clean Delivery Kits for women and girls have been distributed. This collaborative response of UNFPA and partners has delivered essential services and restored the dignity and hope of the people affected in Kachin. It served as a powerful example of how coordination at local, community level can make a real difference in times of disaster, providing crucial support to those who need it most. **This article was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar Website.
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Story
22 July 2024
One size doesn’t fit all: Why gender matters in humanitarian response
In May 2024, Myanmar marked the bleak milestone of more than 3 million civilians internally displaced,[1] with active fighting in more areas of the country than ever before. Around one third of the population – 18.6 million people – are estimated to be in humanitarian need, of which 9.7 million are women and girls.[2] And seventy-five per cent of the population now live either under or perilously close to the poverty line.[3]Amid these dire circumstances – and despite severe restrictions on access, dwindling funds, and dangerous operating environments – Myanmar women-led and women’s rights organizations continue to use their unique knowledge and networks to enable lifesaving support to remote, vulnerable and marginalized people. The participation and leadership of women is critical to the humanitarian response in Myanmar – as it is in crisis-affected countries around the world. Here, using examples from Myanmar, we explain why it is so important to respond to gender-specific needs during and after crises, and to empower women to lead and participate in humanitarian action. First, what is humanitarian action?Humanitarian action refers to efforts to help communities that are in need due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other crises. The aim is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during and after such crises.Depending on the context and the needs of those affected, different humanitarian actors can be involved in the response including civil society organizations, community-based organizations, gender experts, crisis-affected communities, national and local authorities, international and national non-government organisations (NGOs), the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations, and donors – each with different roles and mandates. Why do we need to think about gender when responding to crises?Crises and disasters impact people differently depending on their gender, and vulnerabilities are often exacerbated by other factors including age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion. For example:social norms might make it difficult for women to seek safety during a disaster, such as if they are restricted from travelling alone or staying in shelters with non-related men;young men may be the most likely among the population to face forced recruitment into the military or armed groups; and girls may be taken out of school to reduce expenses and help with extra care work, or forced into early marriage in the hope that they will be provided for. Understanding the gender-specific needs, capacities, and priorities of everyone affected by a disaster or crisis helps humanitarians design appropriate and effective responses, target those most in need, and avoid inadvertently reinforcing, perpetuating, or increasing inequalities. Since October last year, fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has intensified. By conducting gendered needs assessments in the state, Myanmar women’s organisations have identified gender-specific impacts, including:A lack of access to essential services for responding, preventing, and documenting violence against women due to displacements, security risks, and damage to infrastructure; andIncreased gender-based crimes, including trafficking, early and forced marriages, sexual harassment and violence, exploitation and forced sex work, as women and girls bear the brunt of negative coping strategies during the crisis. How do crises and disasters impact women and girls?Gender inequalities already exist before a crisis happens. So when disasters hit, the impact of these inequalities are made even worse, leading women and girls to be disproportionately affected. Women face increased risk of gender-based violence and insecurity; restricted mobility and access to communication; additional care, domestic and livelihood responsibilities; and barriers to essential services like healthcare and education. “Many women in internal displacement camps are trying to solve the food problems of the whole family and struggling to do more unpaid care work, which is not highly valued. Men occupy the management roles in the camp committees and make the decisions about response strategies, so the practical needs of women are not reflected or prioritized in the response activities.”
- A female staff member of a local women’s organisation explains some of the ways women are disproportionately impacted by the crisis in Myanmar Why is it important for women and women’s organizations to lead and participate in humanitarian action?Despite the disproportionate impact of crises on women and their children, they are often excluded from decision-making processes in humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts. Yet, when women and women’s organizations are included in these processes, the responses are more likely to address the needs of all community members, ensure inclusivity and lead to more sustainable peace and recovery efforts because: their involvement ensures the specific needs and priorities of women and girls are understood and addressed;women play key roles in the household and in rebuilding communities and supporting family well-being; andtheir participation promotes gender transformative actions and challenges harmful norms and practices that perpetuate discrimination and violence. “We supported women in the village to lead and participate in the recovery and reconstruction activities after Cyclone Mocha, and to build their capacity including in management skills. Because of their leadership, the response activities were more efficient, and the specific protection needs and concerns of women and girls in the village were identified and responded to.”
- A female staff member of a Myanmar women’s organisation What policies or international frameworks guide gender-responsive humanitarian action?The Inter Agency Standing Committee is the longest-standing and highest-level forum for coordinating humanitarian assistance. The IASC Policy on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Humanitarian Action, which was updated by UN Women in 2024, provides a framework that humanitarian actors should follow to integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls into all preparedness and response activities. Other relevant policies and international frameworks include: UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security recognizes the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls and calls for their participation in peace processes, protection from sexual and gender-based violence, and integration of gender perspectives in all peace and security efforts. Learn more in our Myanmar explainer on Resolution 1325. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) sets a broad international standard for gender equality and women's rights, which informs gender-responsive policies in all areas, including humanitarian contexts.Sustainable Development Goals 5 (gender equality) and 10 (reduced inequalities) guide global efforts to address gender disparities and promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all sectors, including during crises.Learn more about gender-responsive humanitarian action:Enrol in UN Women’s free Virtual Gender in Humanitarian Action training course.Read the IASC Gender Handbook for Humanitarian Action for practical guidance on mainstreaming gender equality and women’s empowerment throughout the humanitarian programme cycle. You can find additional resources on their IASC Gender in Humanitarian Action Reference Group website.If you have any questions or would like more information about UN Women Myanmar’s partnerships with women-led civil society organisations and our humanitarian work in Myanmar, contact us at: programme.myanmar@unwomen.org.
[1] Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar, 3 May 2024. More than 3 million people forced to flee their homes in Myanmar. Available online.[2] Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024, UN OCHA, December 2023. Available online.[3] Poverty and the Household Economy of Myanmar: A Disappearing Middle Class, UNDP, April 2024. Available online. This article is originally published on the UN Women Asia Pacific website.
- A female staff member of a local women’s organisation explains some of the ways women are disproportionately impacted by the crisis in Myanmar Why is it important for women and women’s organizations to lead and participate in humanitarian action?Despite the disproportionate impact of crises on women and their children, they are often excluded from decision-making processes in humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts. Yet, when women and women’s organizations are included in these processes, the responses are more likely to address the needs of all community members, ensure inclusivity and lead to more sustainable peace and recovery efforts because: their involvement ensures the specific needs and priorities of women and girls are understood and addressed;women play key roles in the household and in rebuilding communities and supporting family well-being; andtheir participation promotes gender transformative actions and challenges harmful norms and practices that perpetuate discrimination and violence. “We supported women in the village to lead and participate in the recovery and reconstruction activities after Cyclone Mocha, and to build their capacity including in management skills. Because of their leadership, the response activities were more efficient, and the specific protection needs and concerns of women and girls in the village were identified and responded to.”
- A female staff member of a Myanmar women’s organisation What policies or international frameworks guide gender-responsive humanitarian action?The Inter Agency Standing Committee is the longest-standing and highest-level forum for coordinating humanitarian assistance. The IASC Policy on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Humanitarian Action, which was updated by UN Women in 2024, provides a framework that humanitarian actors should follow to integrate gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls into all preparedness and response activities. Other relevant policies and international frameworks include: UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security recognizes the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls and calls for their participation in peace processes, protection from sexual and gender-based violence, and integration of gender perspectives in all peace and security efforts. Learn more in our Myanmar explainer on Resolution 1325. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) sets a broad international standard for gender equality and women's rights, which informs gender-responsive policies in all areas, including humanitarian contexts.Sustainable Development Goals 5 (gender equality) and 10 (reduced inequalities) guide global efforts to address gender disparities and promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls in all sectors, including during crises.Learn more about gender-responsive humanitarian action:Enrol in UN Women’s free Virtual Gender in Humanitarian Action training course.Read the IASC Gender Handbook for Humanitarian Action for practical guidance on mainstreaming gender equality and women’s empowerment throughout the humanitarian programme cycle. You can find additional resources on their IASC Gender in Humanitarian Action Reference Group website.If you have any questions or would like more information about UN Women Myanmar’s partnerships with women-led civil society organisations and our humanitarian work in Myanmar, contact us at: programme.myanmar@unwomen.org.
[1] Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar, 3 May 2024. More than 3 million people forced to flee their homes in Myanmar. Available online.[2] Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024, UN OCHA, December 2023. Available online.[3] Poverty and the Household Economy of Myanmar: A Disappearing Middle Class, UNDP, April 2024. Available online. This article is originally published on the UN Women Asia Pacific website.
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Press Release
26 August 2024
WFP Launches First Response in Nine Years in Myanmar's Delta to Reach Flood-affected People
An estimated 500,000 people are living in areas exposed to flooding in Ayeyarwady[1]. Over the coming days, WFP plans to assist 35,000 flood-affected people in evacuation centres with rice and fortified biscuits. This assistance will be coupled with nutrition support for mothers and children to prevent acute malnutrition. “Known to be the rice bowl of Myanmar, Ayeyarwady is highly susceptible to climate events like floods. Recent flooding threatens to significantly reduce monsoon rice yields. This would jeopardize the food security of the most vulnerable people, especially smallholder farmers. And the impacts are likely to be felt not just in Ayeyarwady but more broadly across Myanmar. WFP is taking swift action to help mitigate potential food shortages,” said Sheela Matthew, WFP Representative in Myanmar. Even before the flooding, a quarter of the population in Ayeyarwady - 1.5 million people - were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024. WFP Myanmar flood response update:In Ayeyarwady, initial reports from WFP’s partners indicate that hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland have been inundated. In the hardest hit areas, urgent needs include food, drinking water, and sanitation. Support to smallholder farmers will be crucial as they strive to recover from the floods.The ongoing distributions mark WFP’s first intervention in Ayeyarwady in nine years. WFP last provided assistance in 2015 following widespread flooding in the region.In the rest of the country, lifesaving food assistance has so far reached 130,000 people affected by floods in Bago, Kachin, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, and Sagaing. WFP is assessing the needs in Rakhine and stands ready to respond. Photos are available in this link. [1] Myanmar Information Management Unit
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Press Release
23 August 2024
Myanmar: Türk deplores attacks on civilians fleeing Rakhine, fears repeat of 2017 atrocities against Rohingya
Over the past four months, tens of thousands of people, many of whom are Rohingya, have fled a major offensive by the Arakan Army to take control of Buthidaung and Maungdaw towns from the military. In one of the deadliest attacks along the Naf River bordering Bangladesh on 5 August, dozens were reportedly killed, including by armed drones. It remains unclear which party to the conflict was responsible. “Thousands of Rohingya have been forced to flee on foot, with the Arakan Army herding them repeatedly into locations that offer scant safe haven,” Türk said. “As the border crossings to Bangladesh remain closed, members of the Rohingya community are finding themselves trapped between the military and its allies and the Arakan Army, with no path to safety.” Despite repeated warnings and calls for action, the ongoing violence underscores the prevailing sense of impunity and the persistent challenges in ensuring protection of civilians in accordance with international law, the High Commissioner said. “This month marks seven years since the military operations which drove 700,000 across the border into Bangladesh. Despite the world saying “never again” we are once more witnessing killings, destruction and displacement in Rakhine. Parties to the armed conflict are issuing statements denying responsibility for attacks against the Rohingya and others, acting as though they are powerless to protect them. This stretches the bounds of credulity,” said Türk. According to information documented by the UN Human Rights Office, both the military and the Arakan Army, which now controls most of the townships in Rakhine, have committed serious human rights violations and abuses against the Rohingya, including extrajudicial killings, some involving beheadings, abductions, forced recruitment, indiscriminate bombardments of towns and villages using drones and artillery, and arson attacks. Such attacks stand in sharp contrast to obligations of all parties under international humanitarian law and to the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice to protect the Rohingya against risk of further harm. Credible sources have described increasing numbers of Rohingya, nearly half of whom are children, seeking assistance for conflict-related injuries. There have also been reports of people dying of diarrhoea, due to lack of access to clean water and grossly inadequate living conditions. Food warehouses holding vitally important supplies for civilians have been attacked, ransacked and burnt. Buthidaung and Maungdaw hospitals have been closed due to the violence, further aggravating an already disastrous humanitarian crisis compounded by an extensive telecommunications shutdown. “Both the military and the Arakan Army bear direct responsibility for the human tragedy that is unfolding in Rakhine,” said Turk. “Both parties must immediately cease attacks against civilians, protect those fleeing the conflict, and ensure their unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian assistance.” “These atrocities demand an unequivocal response - those responsible must be held accountable, and justice must be pursued relentlessly,” said Türk. “Recurrence of the crimes and horrors of the past must be prevented as a moral duty and a legal necessity. It is the responsibility of the international community, with ASEAN at the forefront, to take all necessary measures to protect the Rohingya and other civilian victims of this cruel conflict.”
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Press Release
24 August 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the seventh anniversary of the displacement of Rohingya people and other communities from Myanmar
25 August marks seven years since the forced mass displacement of Rohingya people and other communities from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Around 1 million Rohingya are presently sheltering in Bangladesh and over 130,000 more across the region without immediate prospects for return.
The dire security and humanitarian situation with ongoing access challenges has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities of the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya, who continue to face discrimination and persecution as the armed conflict escalates in Rakhine State.
The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with applicable international human rights standards and international humanitarian law. He renews his appeal to strengthen regional protection efforts, to provide access to conflict-affected communities and further support host countries, including through the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar is engaging all stakeholders, including regional actors, to move towards an inclusive Myanmar-led process for sustainable peace and national reconciliation that are important steps to create conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar.
The dire security and humanitarian situation with ongoing access challenges has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities of the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya, who continue to face discrimination and persecution as the armed conflict escalates in Rakhine State.
The Secretary-General calls on all parties to the conflict in Myanmar to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with applicable international human rights standards and international humanitarian law. He renews his appeal to strengthen regional protection efforts, to provide access to conflict-affected communities and further support host countries, including through the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis in Bangladesh.
The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar is engaging all stakeholders, including regional actors, to move towards an inclusive Myanmar-led process for sustainable peace and national reconciliation that are important steps to create conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to Myanmar.
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Press Release
19 August 2024
Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar
World Humanitarian Day is an occasion for us all to honor the courageous aid workers who are delivering humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need throughout Myanmar. Amid an expanding crisis, they are stepping up each day to get help where it is needed most.Across Myanmar, people are facing the painful consequences of widespread conflict and devastating disaster. An estimated 18.6 million people urgently require humanitarian assistance, including 6 million children. The spiraling crisis has pushed many people into survival mode. With remarkable dedication, aid workers do their utmost to get people in need food, shelter, protection and other lifesaving assistance. In the first half of 2024, the humanitarian community reached 2.1 million people with support. This assistance was delivered despite significant funding challenges, with the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan only 21 per cent funded.Local and national humanitarian organizations are at the forefront of this response, showing tireless determination to help those in need. Alongside aid workers, host communities across Myanmar are providing crucial support to people in need. They are often the first responders in this crisis and a lifeline to affected people. This year’s World Humanitarian Day calls on people around the world to #ActForHumanity. It aims to shine a light on the consequences of violations of International Humanitarian Law and confront the normalization of attacks on aid workers and civilians suffering from the impact of the conflict. In Myanmar, civilians and aid workers face risks each day as the conflict escalates. It is imperative that all parties to the conflict uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law to protect civilians and aid workers, ensuring sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.Today, and every day, all who are working to help the most vulnerable people in Myanmar are deeply appreciated. Amid immense challenges, your unwavering support is a source of hope that together we can alleviate suffering and protect lives. For more information on World Humanitarian Day please visit www.worldhumanitarianday.org.
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Press Release
09 August 2024
Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Myanmar
The humanitarian community condemns in the strongest terms the escalation of violence that has led to heavy civilian casualties in Myanmar. There are alarming reports of civilians being killed in Maungdaw and Lashio in recent days while attempting to flee ongoing fighting. These tragic incidents are part of a deeply concerning trend in the intensifying conflict, with the distinction between civilians and combatants not being made and civilians bearing the brunt of a brutal conflict that has upended millions of lives. All parties to the conflict are reminded that protection of all civilians is an obligation under International Humanitarian Law. Those who are fleeing conflict must be granted safe passage. With widespread fighting in Myanmar displacing people across the country, the protection of all civilians must be assured.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
20 August 2024
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