CARE is gravely concerned about the safety, rights and wellbeing of the people of Myanmar in light of the current unfolding crisis.

We call on security forces to immediately cease the use of violence and respect all rights of civilians. CARE has worked in Myanmar since 1995, partnering with local communities to reduce poverty and fulfil their human rights. We are deeply concerned that recent events will undo decades of hard-won progress by the people of Myanmar in overcoming poverty and promoting human rights.

CARE condemns any use of force to overthrow an elected government, or to suppress protests. In particular, we are deeply concerned about the reported use of inappropriate levels of force against demonstrators around the country.

We call on countries surrounding Myanmar to grant refuge to those escaping violence and refrain from pushing back people in need of protection. Those fleeing across international borders must be offered a safe refuge.

CARE is working closely with some of the country’s most affected women and girls and their communities to help provide tools for sustainable change.

Fast Facts

Population: 55.1 million (July 2017 est.)
Life expectancy: 68.2 years (66.6 years male, 69.9 years female) (2017 est.)
Infant mortality: 35.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
Under-5 mortality*: 50 deaths/1,000 live births (2015 est.)
Maternal mortality: 178 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
Adult literacy rate: 75.6% (80% male, 71.8% female) (2016 est.)
Access to improved drinking water: 80.6% (92.7% urban, 74.4% rural)
Access to improved sanitation: 77.4% (84.3% urban, 73.9% rural)
Labour force participation rate^: 82% male, 75% female (2014 est.)
Percentage of seats held by women in national parliament^: 10%
GDP per capita: $5,500 (2015 est.)

Source: CIA World Factbook, *UNICEF, ^World Bank

More than 20 years of CARE in Myanmar

CARE has worked in Myanmar since 1995 with the aim of improving people’s lives through the empowerment of women and girls and their communities. Originally focusing on health-related activities, the scope of CARE’s work has since increased to cover five priority sectors; Food Security and Livelihoods, Maternal and Sexual Reproductive Health, Gender-Based Violence, Disaster Risk Reduction, Peace-Building and Policy and Law Reform.

CARE currently focuses on supporting particularly vulnerable and marginalised groups. We recognise that the key to achieving equitable development outcomes lies in shifting deeply rooted, structural underlying causes of poverty and social and gender injustice which contribute to increasing the exclusion and vulnerability of marginalised groups in society. Putting women at the centre of our work, CARE Myanmar’s long-term programs focus on significant and lasting change for two impact groups: Women and Girls in Remote, Rural and Conflict-affected Areas; and Women and Girls in Urban Areas.

Women and Girls in Remote, Rural and Conflict-affected Areas

CARE Myanmar works to bring about lasting impact for women and girls who experience socio-economic injustice in remote, rural and conflict-affected areas. The priority impact sub-groups are women and girls who are denied their rights and protection; those who do not have equitable access and control over productive resources and services; and those who are excluded due to social norms and stigma.

Women and Girls in Urban Areas

CARE Myanmar works to bring about lasting impact for women and girls who are denied their rights in urban areas. The priority impact sub-groups are women and girls who are women migrants; those who are dependent on low income and insecure employment; and those who are socially excluded due to social norms and stigma.

Humanitarian and Emergency Response

In addition to the rural and urban programs, we also provide emergency and humanitarian response in times of crisis. CARE typically responds in geographic areas where we have an operational presence or elsewhere when there is a shortage in capacity. Key areas include water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), shelter, food security and prevention and response to gender based violence.

Donate now

Give now to support women to defeat poverty.

Your donation can help end extreme poverty and give people the means to build a better future for themselves in countries like Myanmar.

For those living in extreme poverty, your support brings education and training, healthcare and clean water, nutritious food, and new ways to earn an income. And in times of crisis, you help us deliver emergency relief. Please donate today.

Learn more about our ongoing impact in Myanmar:

– More CARE evaluation reports from Bangladesh and other countries are available at CARE’s Electronic Evaluation Library.

The on-going work we do in Myanmar is in partnership with these local organisations: Business Kind Myanmar, Kayah State Women’s Network, Legal Clinic Myanmar, Marie Stopes, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Myanmar Nurses and Midwives Association, Myanmar Rubber Producers and Planters Association, My Jobs, Pyoe Pyin, and Sex Worker in Myanmar Network.

Banner image ©Tom Greenwood/CARE
[1] 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census: Thematic Report on Population Dynamics,
Department of Population Ministry of Immigration and Population of Myanmar, 2016.