Myanmar Coup: Facts, FAQ and How to Help

Children are no longer safe in Myanmar. On February 1, a military coup began that has thus far killed more than 785 people, including more than 69 children.

On December 25, an attack by the Myanmar military killed at least 38 people, including women and children, in Kayah State in Eastern Myanmar. As a result, operations in Kayah Chin, and parts of Magway and Kayin, have been temporarily suspended following this incident. However, we remain committed to helping the most vulnerable children in Myanmar, especially during this time of conflict and crisis.

Here's what you need to know about the crisis, Save the Children's response and how to help.

What is happening with the military coup in Myanmar?

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."

“This crisis comes at a time when armed conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic already pose severe challenges in Myanmar," said Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children, "especially for marginalized communities."

How are children in Myanmar being impacted by the military coup?

Children in Myanmar have a right to grow up free from violence. Yet, tragically, children continue to be among the targets of these fatal attacks on protestors.

Girls and boys as young as 7 years old have been shot and killed in their own homes. A one-year-old baby was reportedly shot in the eye with a rubber bullet.

“We are appalled and angered by these fatal shootings of demonstrators by security forces across Myanmar," said Save the Children in a statement, "These are atrocious and represent an unjustifiable escalation in the use of lethal violence. Save the Children particularly condemns the deaths and injuries of children and young people, and calls on the security forces to end these deadly attacks immediately.”

Children in Myanmar already faced a myriad of challenges before this coup. Over 12 million children and young people in Myanmar have not had access to organized learning for more than a year.

What are the long-term effects of the crisis on children in Myanmar?

The psychosocial effects on children of the recent violence are alarming.

Many more children are suffering from the fear, stress, and loss that the violent crackdowns are causing. Parents are reporting that their children are having nightmares after hearing flashbang grenades and shooting.

These long-term effects of this crisis situation must not be underestimated. Many children and families will have difficulties in coping with the violence they have witnessed, which may lead children to be traumatized in the longer term.

How is Save the Children helping children and their families impacted by the Myanmar coup?

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.

Due to insecurity and ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, a lot of this work is being done remotely, and many children are still not able to receive the support they so desperately need.

How can I help children and their families impacted by the Myanmar coup?

Your donation today to the Children's Emergency Fund can help help children and families in Myanmar and around the world who are suffering.

Updated December 28, 2021

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