Myanmar is grappling with a grim reality as more than 3 million civilians are now displaced nationwide, marking a troubling milestone. Within just six months, the figure has surged by 50 percent, underscoring the escalating severity of the situation.
Since the military seized power in February 2021, Myanmar has plunged into turmoil, sparking conflicts across various regions and triggering an unprecedented exodus of people from their homes. The deepening humanitarian crisis reflects the dire consequences of this political upheaval.
CHILDREN BEAR THE BRUNT OF DISPLACEMENT
Among the staggering number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), over 2.7 million individuals have fled due to conflict and insecurity since the military takeover. Alarmingly, a significant portion of these displaced individuals are children, whose education and future prospects hang in the balance amidst the chaos.
ESCALATING CONFLICT FUELS RAPID GROWTH IN DISPLACEMENT
The intensification of fighting across Myanmar, particularly since October 2023, has fueled the rapid expansion of displacement. Civilians, uninvolved in the conflict, find themselves caught in the crossfire, compelling them to flee in search of safety and refuge, according to UN office.
WIDESPREAD HUMANITARIAN CRISIS UNFOLDS
Amidst the turmoil, a pervasive humanitarian crisis grips Myanmar, with 18.6 million people in urgent need of assistance. This staggering figure represents a significant escalation from the previous year, with 6 million children among those requiring vital support and aid.
Displacement Concentrated in Key Regions: North-western Myanmar, including Chin, Magway, and Sagaing, bears the brunt of displacement, hosting nearly 1.5 million displaced individuals. Meanwhile, south-eastern regions such as Kayah, Bago, Kayin, Southern Shan, Mon, and Tanintharyi account for over 900,000 displaced persons, highlighting the widespread impact of the crisis.
CRITICAL NEED FOR HUMANITARIAN ACCESS AND ASSISTANCE
Access to internally displaced persons (IDPs) remains paramount, particularly in regions hosting large numbers of displaced individuals. Urgent humanitarian assistance has reached nearly 950,000 people in need in 2024, yet significant underfunding persists, hindering response efforts and leaving many vulnerable populations at risk.
CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION AND RESOURCES
As Myanmar braces for cyclone season, the need for additional resources and support has never been more pressing. With less than 5 percent of required funding received a quarter into the year, concerted efforts are imperative to protect the most vulnerable and mitigate further loss of life.
