‘Trust And Access Still Make All The Difference‘…

February 2025 marked the fourth year since Burma’s military coup. The following reflection comes from a long-time partner working inside the country, shared anonymously due to security risks. They describe how local organizations meet emergency needs while providing education and documenting human rights violations, and how this work is integral to the country’s future.

How would you describe the humanitarian crisis in Burma?

Looking at the numbers of human rights violations, Burma has broken the scale. The conflict has touched every corner of the country. More than 22,000 people are imprisoned. We have recorded over 6,800 armed clashes and more than 2,600 military air strikes; health facilities and schools are frequently targeted. Overall, at least 7,000 people have been killed. Some 3.8 million people are displaced inside the country. There are so many difficulties to manage on the ground.

Amid the ongoing war and continued repression, what work are community-based organizations still able to do?

We deliver food, aid, and healthcare in areas that big aid agencies cannot reach. Trust and access still make all the difference. Alongside the emergency aid, we are building stability however we can by supporting community agriculture and providing psychosocial support. We teach human rights. We bring women and youth into decision-making. We document abuses carefully, for the future pursuit of justice.

What support do you need?

What we need most is direct support through fast, flexible grants that are simple to manage and take our security into account. We especially need help keeping health services alive in conflict areas and making these services safe for the people who depend on them. But emergency aid alone is not enough. It must be paired with support for livelihoods, education, health, and local governance so communities can withstand crises and begin building the foundations of a bottom-up, people-centered democracy. This means helping those who keep communities together during conflict: youth groups, women’s organizations, LGBTQI+ networks, and local organizations that are trying to sustain their work amid violence. Helping communities solve problems together and rebuild trust is essential if we want any hope of peace in the long term. Your support offers us a chance to survive, rebuild, and imagine a better future.