The people of Myanmar have suffered the longest-running civil war in history and are experiencing the devastating triple effects of coup, COVID, and climate crisis. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or displaced. Deadly landmines threaten lives, stop farmers from cultivating their land and families from returning home. As IDP figures surpass 1 million, HALO's provision of safe passage through risk education, and provision of sanitation items to tackle COVID, is critical.
Myanmar is densely contaminated with landmines and other explosives. Casualty rates from landmines are the fifth highest in the world. Internally displaced people (IDPs) are especially at risk as they shelter and forage in unfamiliar areas. Living conditions for families are hard, with many in temporary, overcrowded camps that are vulnerable to COVID. An estimated 14.4 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, but funding for this is dire.
The HALO Trust has been working in Myanmar since 2012, employing local staff and collaborating with local partners. We are delivering aid and supplies to displacement camps, including hygiene items, cooking supplies, COVID kits, WASH facilities, and other essential supplies. We are teaching people how to stay safe from landmines and other explosives. We are also supporting accident survivors who have suffered life-changing injuries and disabilities with medical referral and cash assistance.
For families in Myanmar, risk education is a matter of life and death, and will help them stay safe for years to come. By supporting this project you are protecting lives, giving families in displacement camps critical supplies, supporting victims of landmines, reducing the spread of COVID, and providing valuable employment for local people. HALO will continue to explore new and creative ways of supporting the people of Myanmar in this political, health, human rights, and humanitarian crisis.
