The Urgent Need for Peaceful Solutions and Inclusive Action in Myanmar

Myanmar has suffered decades of political instability and conflict. The Southeast Asian country has now emerged as a top priority on the 2025 Emergency Watchlist compiled by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The reasons behind this stem from the escalating violence, political turmoil, and climate-related disasters that have placed millions of civilians in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. Since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021, the longstanding ethnic rebellions have intensified and have spread instability across the nation. Over the last four years, three million people have fled their homes, and even previously stable regions have been engulfed by the crisis. 

 

The conflict is severe, and Myanmar’s already fragile infrastructure has suffered significant blows, with hospitals, water systems, and critical services increasingly targeted in the conflict. These attacks have also exacerbated outbreaks of disease, which with the country’s shattered healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle. Simultaneously, climate disasters, such as cyclones and floods, have compounded the crisis, amplifying the vulnerability of communities already devastated by conflict.

 

Internationally, the response has been marked by criticism, particularly toward the United Nations. The Special Advisory Council on Myanmar (SAC-M), a coalition of human rights experts, has labeled the UN’s actions as “woefully inadequate.”Aid organizations face immense challenges due to violence against workers and restrictive bureaucratic barriers, hindering their ability to address growing humanitarian needs.

 

The roots of this conflict run deep, with the combination of Myanmar’s history of military rule, ethnic tensions, and horrifying poverty. In 2021, the country was ushered in with hope for possible democratic reforms; however, it only deepened the chaos. Despite the imminent humanitarian conflict, the concerns of powerful nations and institutions are worthless as they often prioritize their geopolitical interests over substantial intervention. As tension escalates, the international community faces pressure to provide more effective and coordinated support.  

 

The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar is a stark reminder of the world’s failure to protect the most vulnerable whenever they need it the most. Civilians are currently bearing the costs of a spiraling conflict that has displaced millions, destroyed families, and brought the country to the edge of collapse. Despite these horrifying images, the international response has been deeply inadequate, leaving a growing population of desperate and helpless people without the resources or the hope they need to survive. 

 

Previous solutions for the conflict have failed terribly, and one of the most obvious criticisms of the response is the persistent underfunding of humanitarian efforts. For instance, in 2024 only 34% of the required funding for the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP)was received. This shortage of funds left an estimated 1.4 million people without any support from the international community. For the few that did manage to receive some help, the assistance was often incomplete, failing to meet even the most basic needs. With poverty levels returning to those seen in 2015, millions of people are losing access to safe shelter, clean water, and essential healthcare. If this trend continues this year, the human toll will be catastrophic. The international community must act as quickly as possible and decisively to prevent further suffering, but instead, there is hesitation, disinterest, and a glaring lack of urgency. 

 

The United Nations, an organization that is seen by many as a beacon of hope during global crises, has failed to help the millions of civilians of Myanmar. A major criticism lies in its reluctance to negotiate and collaborate with Myanmar’s military regime directly. The UN is currently prioritizing a strategy they refer to as “ presence over effectiveness” and is refusing to make public stances, fearing the expulsion of international staff or the closure of their offices in Yangon and Naypyidaw. Their fear-driven approach has paralyzed any meaningful intervention or progress, allowing the military regime to act with impunity while civilians suffer. 

 

The failure of institutions to address Myanmar’s deep ethnic tensions also emphasizes the inadequacy of the response. Ethnic minorities, which make up roughly one-third of the population, have faced constant systemic discrimination, economic marginalization, and military abuses. Despite this, these issues remain on the sidelines in international discussions. Efforts to stabilize the country often center on the majority of the Bamar population, contributing to the exclusion and marginalization of minority groups while exacerbating their suffering. Ignoring the minorities not only undermines the legitimacy of the response but also risks deepening the divisions and prolonging the conflict. 

 

Overall, the pattern is clear: the international community’s hesitancy to act decisively has created a crisis of contradictions. Humanitarian efforts are underfunded and restricted, yet global powers refuse to negotiate peacefully with the military to put an end to the suffering of millions of civilians. Likewise, diplomatic engagement exists but lacks the political weight to drive change. Meanwhile, the people of Myanmar are left alone to endure unimaginable situations, while their life is overshadowed by bureaucratic inaction and geopolitical indifference. The world cannot continue to fail Myanmar and its people. It is time for a bold, united, peaceful, and uncompromising action to address this growing humanitarian tragedy. 

 

To address Myanmar’s worsening humanitarian crisis, the international community must prioritize from now on peaceful negotiations and an inclusive, people-centered approach. The conflict’s root causes, including political instability and ethnic divisions, require solutions rooted in dialogue and cooperation. As well, establishing formal relations with the National Unity Government (NUG), which represents the democratic will of the people is a first vital step. Overall, partnering with ethnic and democratic organizations can foster trust and ensure aid reaches those most in need. 

 

On the other side, the obstruction of humanitarian aid by the military junta necessitates innovative solutions. For instance, neighboring countries should be engaged to enable cross-border aid delivery into areas that are controlled by the resistance. These efforts must be accompanied by robust protections for aid workers to ensure their safety. At the same time, peaceful negotiations must focus on securing ceasefires and a pathway to inclusive political dialogue. The UN must play a stronger role by reforming its decision-making processes to suspend veto power in cases of mass atrocities and ensure accountability for human rights violations. Finally, long-term investments in climate resilience and refugee support are essential to stabilize the region. By focusing on dialogue, accountability, and inclusive humanitarian efforts, the international community can help Myanmar move toward peace and recovery.

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