The situation for children has worsened and remains a significant concern in Myanmar, with ongoing and escalating conflict leading to multiple displacements and the deterioration of social services in conflict-affected communities. More than 18.6 million people, nearly a third of the country, including 6 million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance. As of mid 2024, nearly 2.9 million people have been internally displaced in Myanmar and are living in precarious conditions. More than 4 million children are missing out on education and are now exposed to higher risks of grave violations and abuse, including being targeted in attacks, forcibly recruited into fighting, arbitrarily arrested and detained, and forced into early marriages.
UNICEF continues to work with local civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other United Nations agencies across Myanmar to broaden the humanitarian response for children in all conflict-affected states and regions.
In 2024, UNICEF is appealing for $208 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to 3.1 million people, including 2.1 million children. So far this year, UNICEF has reached over 1.1 million people with critical WASH supplies; over 48,000 children and women with primary health care services; more than 1.3 million children with education; and 1.1 million children, adolescents and caregivers with mental health and psychosocial support.
The escalation of conflict has a disproportionate impact on children, whose protection remains central to UNICEF's response; a holistic approach will provide integrated packages of life-saving child protections services. The ongoing funding gap for Myanmar is significant. With your support, UNICEF can continue this life-saving work to reach children and families across the country with humanitarian assistance.
