Myanmar remains mired in a multifaceted crisis, over three years after the military coup in February 2021. The nation, now under the control of the Myanmar Under Military Junta, faces escalating violence, a deepening humanitarian emergency, and a severely crippled economy. Daily life for millions is characterized by fear, instability, and a struggle for basic necessities, far from the democratic aspirations once held by its people.
The political landscape is defined by an ongoing civil war between the Myanmar Under Military Junta (also known as the State Administration Council or SAC) and a coalition of pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). While the junta maintains control over major population centers, significant swathes of territory, particularly in border regions, have fallen under the control of anti-junta forces, creating a highly volatile and fragmented country.
Human rights violations by the military junta are rampant and continue to escalate. Reports from the UN and human rights groups detail widespread atrocities, including indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian areas, torture, arbitrary arrests, and systemic persecution. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and a devastating number, over 3.5 million people, are internally displaced, seeking refuge from the relentless violence and displacement.
The economic situation in Myanmar is catastrophic. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has significantly contracted since the coup, and projections suggest it won’t recover to pre-pandemic levels before 2028. Inflation has surged, the national currency (kyat) has lost substantial value, and over half the population now lives below the poverty line, facing severe food insecurity and soaring prices for essential goods, a direct consequence of the military junta‘s rule.
Access to basic services like healthcare and education has been severely disrupted. Hospitals are out of service in conflict zones, and school enrollment rates have plummeted. Many communities lack consistent access to electricity and communication, further isolating them. The humanitarian needs have dramatically increased, with over a third of the population, nearly 20 million people, now requiring assistance to meet their basic needs.