ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Published purpose

October 2013 – Burma experiences frequent natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, drought and earthquakes and there has also been decades of low-intensity conflict between the Burmese army and the minority ethnic independence movements. The ongoing conflict and the regularly occurring natural disasters have created a challenging humanitarian situation in Burma. More than 650,000 people are internally displaced, having been forced to move away from their homes, due to conflict, and more than 350,000 Burmese refugees are living in neighbouring countries. With DFATD’s support, the International Committee of the Red Cross’s (ICRC) 2013 emergency operations in Burma aim to provide protection and assistance to an estimated 900,000 conflict-affected people. Some project activities include: (1) providing health and medical care; (2) distributing essential household items such as clothing; (3) improving water and sanitation services; (4) supporting people the restoration of livelihoods; (5) providing protection services to vulnerable populations; (6) assisting the wounded and disabled; and (7) promoting respect for international humanitarian law among authorities, armed forces, weapons bearers, and other stakeholders.