At Least 150,000 Children Have Been Forced to Flee Their Homes
Children are no longer safe in Myanmar. One year since the military coup in Myanmar began, 150,000 children have been forced from their homes due to violence. In the past two weeks alone, children have been killed in several bombings and raids by the military in Kayah state and Sagaing region.
The brutal tactics employed by the military in Myanmar are reminiscent of the atrocities committed against the Rohingya in 2017.
Here's what you need to know about the the military coup in Myanmar, including Save the Children's response.
To stay current and receive more information about how to help children, sign up here.
When did the military coup in Myanmar begin?
On February 1, 2021, a coup was launched in Myanmar. People took to the streets to protest peacefully. In the weeks that followed, security forces began to open fire, "using live ammunition to shoot at unarmed protestors."
“The difficult situation for conflict-affected populations deserves special attention," Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children said at the time, "particularly those from ethnic and marginalized minority groups across Myanmar, including displaced populations in Rakhine, northern Shan, Kachin and Kayin states. Children who live in camps often face precarious conditions and a very uncertain future.
What is happening with the military coup in Myanmar now?
One year after a military coup in Myanmar began, children are bearing the brunt of conflict.
"Over the past year, a shocking 150,000 children have been displaced across Myanmar, said Janti Soeripto. "That’s 150,000 children who are separated from their friends, their schools, and their homes."
“Children and their families are fleeing because they have no choice, and we are seeing them forced to hide out in jungles and forests and living in terrible conditions. Save the Children teams are doing what they can to provide urgent assistance, but they have very little access to food, clean water and healthcare, let alone education. Children on the move are at heightened risk of trafficking, abuse, recruitment into armed groups, injury and death. The horrific attack in January on an IDP camp shows that children in Myanmar are caught between a rock and a hard place.
What is happening in Myanmar's Kayah state?
How many people in Myanmar have fled their homes since the military coup began?
How are children being impacted by the military coup in Myanmar?
What are the long-term effects of the military coup in Myanmar on children?
How is Save the Children helping children and their families impacted by the Myanmar coup?
Save the Children has now resumed the majority of its programs across Myanmar following the attack on December 24, 2021, and staff remain fully committed to helping the most vulnerable children in Myanmar, especially during this time of conflict and crisis.
Save the Children and its partners are providing support to children who have been harmed and their families where possible. This includes providing psychosocial support for children who have witnessed violence and developing resources to support the country’s growing mental health crisis.
Updated January 29, 2022
We’ll be in touch! By signing up to receive emails from Save the Children you will receive a subscription to our monthly eNews, access to breaking emergency alerts and opportunities to get involved. To ensure delivery of Save the Children emails to your inbox, add support@savechildren.org to your contact list.
By providing my mobile phone number, I agree to receive recurring text messages from Save the Children (48188) and phone calls with opportunities to donate and ways to engage in our mission to support children around the world. Text STOP to opt-out, HELP for info. Message & data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy at savethechildren.org/privacy.