Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance in Myanmar: Lessons Learnt and the Way Forward

As COVID-19 struck the world countries, it took some months to recover back to their normal social and economic lives. However, for the people of Myanmar the crisis deepened further due to the military takeover in February 2021. The need for humanitarian support has increased since the military takeover; with almost 266 townships out of 330 have been targets of numerous violent attacks. The situation is further exacerbated by the military’s strategy of preventing life-saving humanitarian aid from reaching those who need it. Additionally, in May 2023, Cyclone Mocha affected majorly the Western and Northwestern states, which has also increased the need for humanitarian support. As a result, as of now, around 1.5 million people have been internally displaced and over one-third of the overall population requires some form of humanitarian assistance. Various international organisations and countries have reached out to provide required support. However, they face numerous restrictions imposed by the military as well as challenges given the security and physical constraints. This brief attempts to discuss the current humanitarian crisis in the country and the efforts taken to support the people in the existing scenario. It also examines the challenges faced and lessons learned during these times and what are the ways forward.