The United Nations has reported a significant increase in the number of displaced individuals in Myanmar, with over 3 million people now forced from their homes due to escalating conflict. The UN described this as a “bleak milestone” for the country, noting that the number of displaced individuals has surged by 50 percent in the last six months.
The conflict in Myanmar has been intensifying since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021, leading to widespread protests and violence. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Myanmar highlighted the deepening humanitarian crisis in the country, with record numbers of people abandoning their homes in search of safety.
Of the 3 million internally displaced people, more than 90 percent fled due to the conflict sparked by the coup. The majority of the displaced individuals are in regions such as Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Rakhine, where ongoing fighting has fueled the displacement crisis.
The UN emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with 18.6 million people now in need of support. However, funding for aid operations remains grossly insufficient, hindering efforts to reach those in need.
Despite international efforts to address the crisis, the military leadership in Myanmar has continued to disregard peace agreements and escalate violence against civilians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, with many more individuals detained or facing harsh sentences.
As the situation in Myanmar continues to worsen, the UN and other humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate action to provide assistance to those affected by the crisis and prevent further loss of life.