“Myanmar cannot become a forgotten crisis,” Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), stressed in a recent statement. “This country has faced countless challenges, from natural disasters to armed conflict and internal turmoil. And now, it is suffering from immense humanitarian crises.”
Three months have passed since a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, leaving behind a trail of destruction and heartache. As the country struggles to recover and rebuild, humanitarian groups are ringing the alarm bell, warning that the international community is failing to provide the necessary support and assistance.
The earthquake, which hit on May 21st, has caused significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Thousands of people have been displaced, and many are still living in temporary shelters, without proper access to water, food, and medical care. The death toll has risen to more than 200, with over 1,000 injured and missing.
But this is not the only crisis that Myanmar is facing. The country has been struggling with the aftermath of cyclones, internal armed conflicts, ongoing violence and persecution of minority groups, and the effects of climate change. The situation is dire, and the suffering of the people is immense.
In such circumstances, the need for immediate and sustained humanitarian assistance is crucial. However, many humanitarian organizations on the ground are facing challenges in providing aid due to limited resources and access to affected areas.
Many aid workers are also facing security threats, as the ongoing armed conflicts make it difficult for them to reach vulnerable communities. This situation is further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted supply chains and affected the global economy, making it challenging to mobilize resources and support.
Without urgent and sustained international support, Myanmar is at risk of becoming a forgotten crisis. The suffering of the people will continue to escalate, and the already fragile situation will deteriorate further.
It is vital for the international community to step up and provide the necessary support to Myanmar. This crisis cannot be ignored or overlooked. Every day that goes by without adequate assistance, more lives are at stake.
The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations are doing their best to respond to the crisis. However, their efforts can only go so far without the necessary financial support. In June, the UN launched a $276.5 million appeal for immediate humanitarian needs in Myanmar. However, to date, only 31% of the total funds have been received.
It is time for the international community to fulfill its moral responsibility and show solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Humanitarian assistance is not a luxury; it is a basic human right. The people of Myanmar deserve our support and compassion.
Moreover, the world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the ongoing crises in Myanmar. The consequences of inaction will not only affect the people of Myanmar but will have severe implications for regional stability and global security.
Myanmar is at a critical juncture, and we must work together to ensure that it does not become a forgotten crisis. The time to act is now. The international community must work collectively to provide the necessary resources and support to help Myanmar recover and rebuild.
In addition to immediate humanitarian assistance, there is also a need for long-term solutions to address the root causes of these crises. This includes promoting peace, stability, and development in Myanmar, as well as addressing issues such as climate change and poverty.
There is no doubt that the road to recovery for Myanmar will be long and challenging. But, as the Executive Director of UNOPS, Jorge Moreira da Silva, wisely stated, “The people of Myanmar have shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. They deserve our support and solidarity. Let us not forget them.”
