Myanmar

Overview

The humanitarian situation in Myanmar is driven by longstanding conflicts between the Myanmar Armed Forces (the Tatmadaw) and various insurgent groups, including militias and ethnic armed organisations (EAOs). 1 million people need humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with the highest needs concentrated in Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan states, where various EAOs are pursuing independence and self-determination.?

Rakhine and Shan states are sites of active conflict. Clashes between EAOs and the Tatmadaw often occur near civilian areas. In Shan, more than 26,000 new displacements were recorded in 2019. In Rakhine, an August 2017 crackdown against the Rohingya population forced 700,000 to flee to Bangladesh. Since January 2019, conflict in Rakhine has intensified between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw, despite a short lull since the 2020 general elections. Protracted conflict-led displacement has left over 130,000 IDPs in Rakhine and 15,000 in Shan confined to IDP camps. Conflict in Kachin escalated in 2011, following the collapse of a ceasefire between the Kachin Independence Army and the Tatmadaw. 95,000 people remain in protracted displacement in Kachin.?

Protection is a key concern across Myanmar as armed conflict and violations of international humanitarian law by the Tatmadaw and armed groups continue to affect civilians. Access to basic services is limited and livelihoods are threatened by conflict and lack of economic opportunities, particularly for the stateless Rohingya in Rakhine and for IDPs living in non-government controlled areas in northern Shan.?

INFORM measures Myanmar's risk of humanitarian crisis and disaster to be high, at 6.3/10.?

Latest Developments

On 27 March, 114 people were killed in anti-coup protests, including children, marking the most gruesome  day of violence since the start of the coup on 1 February, with over 510 people now killed. As the Civil Disobedience Movement continues to exert pressure, government workers are being threatened of eviction if they fail to return to work. An unknown number of people are now homeless, in need of a support network, shelter and food.?

Airstrikes launched on 27 March  by the military junta in Kayin state displaced between 10,000 and 13,000 people in and around Papun district. The exact number of people displaced is unclear given the changing situation, difficulty in accessing information, and the source. Of the 13,000,  around 10,000 fled to neighbouring forests and over 3,000 attempted to cross into Thailand. They were refused entry, forcing over 2,000 people back to areas of active conflict. The exact location and needs of those displaced in the forest is unknown.?

26/03/2021: On 17 March, 2,565 people were displaced from Tein Nyo displacement site, in Rakhine state, following a fire caused by a candle. The fire destroyed 660 shelters. Those displaced found shelter in a nearby monastery, school, and community quarantine centre. They are in need of food and cash assistance, basic household goods, shelter equipment, and access to clean water.?