Myanmar Crisis: Rising Violence and Humanitarian Needs
"UN Warns of Escalating Conflict, Displacement, and Funding Shortages"

Source: UN / Image: © UNHCR/Amanda Jufrian
Between January 15 and 17, reports emerged of nine people killed and 31 others injured in airstrikes and clashes in southeastern Myanmar. On January 18, three airstrikes in the Marauk-U township of Rakhine State reportedly killed 28 people and injured 25 more. In addition, airstrikes in the northwestern region last week allegedly claimed 19 civilian lives and left around 41 others injured.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed serious concern over the safety of civilians amidst the ongoing violence and limited access to essential services. The UN agency called on all parties involved in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law and ensure civilian protection.
The security situation in Myanmar has remained unstable since the military ousted the democratically elected government in February 2021, detaining key political and government figures. Since the military, known as the Tatmadaw, seized power, at least 6,000 people have been killed, with countless others injured. Many have suffered life-altering injuries from landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs).
This crisis has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, particularly the Muslim Rohingya minority. Hundreds have risked dangerous sea journeys to escape persecution and violence. According to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), nearly 460 Rohingya arrived in Malaysia and Indonesia between January 3 and 5 after weeks at sea.
Tragically, at least ten people reportedly died during these journeys. Just three weeks earlier, 115 refugees arrived in Sri Lanka, with six dying at sea during the voyage. UNHCR’s Regional Bureau Director for Asia and the Pacific, Indrika Ratwatte, emphasized, “Saving lives must be the top priority.” Ratwatte also praised countries that have accepted and supported vulnerable refugees.
UNHCR warned that the situation in Myanmar continues to deteriorate, and further displacement is anticipated in the coming months. In 2024, over 7,800 Rohingya attempted to flee Myanmar by boat, an 80% increase compared to 2023. Alarmingly, children accounted for 44% of those making such perilous journeys in 2024, compared to 37% in 2023.
UNHCR urged countries to focus on maritime safety, meet humanitarian needs, and combat misinformation and hate speech targeting refugees. Ratwatte appealed for continued search and rescue efforts and stressed the importance of providing survivors with the support and protection they require.
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has worsened due to a severe lack of funding, leaving millions without critical assistance. Humanitarian workers estimate that over 20 million people—more than a third of Myanmar’s population—will need aid in 2025, including 6.3 million children and 7.1 million women.
Despite urgent needs, funding for humanitarian operations has fallen drastically short. In 2024, only 34% of the $1 billion required was secured, leaving an estimated 1.4 million people without aid. For 2025, humanitarian organizations have launched an appeal to raise $1.1 billion to provide life-saving support to 5.5 million of the most vulnerable individuals.
UN interim resident and humanitarian coordinator for Myanmar, Marcoluigi Corsi, stated, “The people of Myanmar cannot endure another year of severe funding shortages in 2025. Decisive action and increased resources from the international community are urgently needed to provide the assistance they desperately require.”