Read this statement in Myanmar language.
International IDEA stands in solidarity with the resilient people of Myanmar in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck on 28 March 2025. This natural disaster has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis, caused by the military junta’s actions since the 2021 coup. Even before the earthquake, the United Nations estimated that 20 million people would require humanitarian aid this year. The consequences of this earthquake will deepen the vulnerabilities faced by countless individuals and families who are in desperate need of support.
We condemn the continued airstrikes by the military in Sagaing, Magway, Shan and Kachin as part of its campaign against anti-junta forces in the aftermath of the earthquake. The persistence of such brutality, which has caused innocent civilians to endure further violence, demonstrates a flagrant disregard for human life during a time of crisis.
It is crucial that disaster relief and humanitarian aid reaches all areas of Myanmar, including those not controlled by the junta. We emphasize that such aid must not be diverted to the junta, which continues to demonstrate a disregard for the welfare of the people by prioritizing military spending over disaster relief, and by delaying, obstructing and controlling aid distribution, as it has done since the military coup and after Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The junta’s history of neglect highlights the urgent need for transparent mechanisms that ensure aid is delivered to communities in need.
We commend Myanmar’s National Unity Government for their commitment to providing disaster relief and their announcement of a pause in offensive military operations to facilitate earthquake response efforts. This compassionate step reflects a prioritization of the needs of the people over the agenda of conflict, embodying the principles of solidarity that are crucial in times of disaster. We urge all parties to adopt a total ceasefire to facilitate uninterrupted humanitarian aid.
We call upon the international community to uphold its commitment to humanitarian principles and to ensure that relief efforts prioritize the needs of Myanmar’s people, avoiding further legitimization of the junta. Only by supporting the affected communities directly, can we begin to alleviate their suffering and foster a path towards recovery.
Our thoughts remain with those impacted by this tragedy, and we reaffirm our commitment to Myanmar’s people in their democratic aspirations, advocating for their rights and well-being.
Read more about Building Federal Democracy in Myanmar on our website.
