Myanmar
The Red Cross is providing humanitarian aid to a population caught up in political unrest.
Last updated: 10 September 2024
Myanmar has been going through political crisis and widespread civil unrest since 1 February 2021.
Escalating violence and clashes between security forces and demonstrators have meant a steep rise in casualties in all 17 states of the country. Infrastructure is crumbling, including healthcare.
Myanmar is in desperate humanitarian crisis.
Dil Seher, a resident of the Widows’ Block in Kutapalong camp, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. She's a refugee from Myanmar. PHOTO: Farzana Hossen / British Red Cross
Myanmar in numbers
- Over 2.7 million people are internally displaced.
- 48% of households are worried about getting enough food.
- Around 26% of households have no running water and a further 31% of the state has no clean drinking water.
- Myanmar ranks 149th on the Human Development Index.
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement response
The British Red Cross, for the past 10 years, has supported Myanmar Red Cross community resilience programme in Rakhine state. This support enabled Myanmar Red Cross to implement actions in livelihoods, cash and voucher assistance, first aid and disaster risk reduction.
Myanmar is vulnerable to climate and environmental changes, often manifested in extreme weather events. The Myanmar Red Cross (MRC) is investing into Early Warning Early Action by utilising local resources and improving impact forecasting.
They’re also playing a significant role in promoting climate change awareness, engaging in related activities, working with communities in states and regions exposed to climate change hazards, and advocating for environmental sustainability.
The MRCS runs primary healthcare services for communities and emergency health services to reach people in need, including in areas affected by conflict.
MRC’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services include emergency and longer-term interventions, including behavioural change promotion, with a focus on menstrual hygiene management.
In 2024, the MRCS will continue its humanitarian efforts, ensuring access to essential services such as healthcare, basic necessities like food and non-food items, cash-based interventions and reuniting families.
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