Myanmar

Protection Issues

The people of Myanmar are facing an unprecedented political, socioeconomic, human rights and humanitarian crisis with needs escalating dramatically since the military takeover in February 2021. The expansion of armed conflict into and formation of new armed elements in new areas is driving increased displacement and has exacerbated or generated new protection and assistance needs. The economic and political turmoil of 2021 is projected to have driven almost half the population into poverty heading into 2023, deepening the socio-economic stress on communities, forcing them to adopt negative coping mechanisms. More than 1.8 million people are displaced across the country, of whom more than 1.4 million were displaced since the 2021 military takeover. This multi-dimensional humanitarian crisis is now affecting the whole country, posing grave protection risks for civilians, limiting access to services and deepening food insecurity. Prior to the military takeover Myanmar had seen decades of failed governance characterized by unresolved ethnic divisions, multiple ongoing armed conflicts, widespread discrimination characterized by many forms of violence, including killings, physical and mental harm, arbitrary arrests, collective punishment, kidnapping, and destruction of property, among other factors. Women, children and persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable amid this economic and protection crisis, exposing them to risks of exploitation and abuse, including gender-based violence. In areas affected by conflict, entire communities, including children, are being displaced. There has been a lack of rule of law, including racial and religious discrimination seen through repeated acts of violence committed against Rohingya people. Other ethnic areas have also suffered prolonged discrimination and violence against civilians.