Amidst escalating insecurity and conflict in Myanmar, the once vibrant middle class is vanishing at an alarming rate, according to a recent report by the UNDP. The UNDP report paints a grim picture of Myanmar’s socioeconomic fabric, highlighting a staggering decline in the middle class following the 2021 military coup.
KEY FINDINGS
- The middle class has shrunk by half since the coup.
- Three-quarters of the population now face poverty or are perilously close to the national poverty line.
- Less than 25% of Myanmar’s population manages to secure steady incomes above the poverty line.
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner underscores the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for immediate interventions to address escalating vulnerability and prevent irreversible poverty.
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: ADDRESSING THE CRISIS
According to UNDP estimates, an annual investment of $4 billion is required to combat soaring poverty rates through cash transfers and other essential measures. Steiner urges stakeholders both within and outside Myanmar to step up efforts to safeguard vulnerable households from further descent into despair.
EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE: THE COLLATERAL DAMAGE OF CRISIS
The report exposes the devastating impact of the crisis on essential services such as education and healthcare:
- Spending on education has plummeted, with many families allocating zero funds for schooling.
- Families are forced to withdraw children from school and forego vital healthcare services, amplifying the risk of a generation plagued by educational and health deficits.
UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja, warns of the dire consequences of neglecting education and healthcare amidst the crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.
PROVINCIAL DISPARITIES: CONFLICT AND POVERTY
At the provincial level, disparities in per capita income reveal the stark realities faced by regions grappling with conflict:
- States like Kayah, Chin, and Sagaing, plagued by conflict between junta forces and opposition groups, experience the lowest per capita income rates.
- Conflict-ridden areas witness the destruction of homes, restricted access to farmlands, and a surge in internally displaced people (IDPs), exacerbating poverty and hardship.
- Rising Criminality: A Growing Menace
- The proliferation of organized crime poses yet another challenge to Myanmar’s stability:
- Myanmar emerges as the largest producer of opium, fuelling illicit activities and organized crime syndicates.
- The proliferation of “scam centres” further compounds the economic woes of the population, posing a significant threat to social and economic stability.
UNDP Regional Director highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat illegal economic activities and facilitate mediation efforts to end the ongoing conflict.
A CALL FOR RESILIENCE AND ACTION
As Myanmar grapples with escalating insecurity, conflict, and economic turmoil, the plight of its middle class serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for intervention and solidarity. UNDP’s report underscores the imperative for immediate action to mitigate the devastating impact of crisis and preserve the fabric of Myanmar’s society. Only through concerted efforts and collective resilience can Myanmar navigate through these turbulent times and emerge stronger, with its middle class restored and its population empowered to build a brighter future.