Humanitarian crisis displaces millions in Myanmar amid conflict and climate shocks

Myanmar is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by both escalating conflict and climate-related disasters. As of mid-November, UNICEF reported that over 3.4 million people have been displaced due to ongoing violence and catastrophic events such as Typhoon Yagi. Nearly 40 percent of those displaced are children, facing increased risks to their health and safety. The mid-September typhoon caused extensive flooding across 70 townships, affecting over 1 million individuals, including 300,000 children, leading to acute humanitarian needs. The impacts of climate emergencies have intensified the already perilous situation for children, particularly as armed conflict continues to escalate throughout the country. Ted Chaiban, the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, highlighted the urgent need for international support to protect vulnerable groups in conflict-ridden areas. His observations during a visit to Kachin underscored the immediate threats facing children in the region, including the alarming use of deadly weapons in civilian areas, which has severely limited their safe spaces and compromised their basic rights to safety and security. Ongoing violence, paired with natural disasters, poses grave risks to the well-being of children and families in Myanmar. With the devastating effects of Typhoon Yagi still evident and rising levels of violence compounding the crisis, UNICEF has stepped up its emergency response. Currently, they are providing crucial WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) supplies to more than 530,000 people distressed by conflict and the aftermath of the flooding. UNICEF has called for stronger international engagement to alleviate the suffering of those affected and has urged all parties in the conflict to ensure the safety of civilians and allow unhindered humanitarian aid access. The situation in Myanmar is dire, and immediate action is necessary to prevent further crises. With the international community’s prompt response, it is possible to protect children and families from further suffering while addressing the underlying humanitarian needs caused by the combination of violence and climate shocks. This situation demands urgent attention and care, as the cost of inaction could be immensely consequential for the future of the affected populations.