UNHCR Chief Urges Aid Boost for Myanmar’s Displaced Millions

© UNHCR/Pan Pwint

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has called for urgent international support to address Myanmar’s deepening humanitarian crisis, following a three-day visit to the country. Speaking from Geneva on Thursday, Grandi described the scale of suffering as “immense,” with millions displaced by conflict, aerial bombardments, and forced recruitment.

“Men, women and children live in daily fear,” he said, urging all parties to protect civilians and create conditions for safe, dignified returns. His remarks come ahead of a high-level conference in New York later this month, focused on the plight of the Rohingya and other persecuted minorities.

Grandi visited communities affected by the March earthquake and met with internally displaced and stateless people. In Nay Pyi Taw, he pressed for broader humanitarian access and long-term solutions for those forced to flee. He emphasised that displaced populations across Myanmar and the region “want nothing more than to return home in peace.”

UNHCR’s operations in Myanmar remain severely underfunded. Of the $88.3 million needed for 2025, only 33% has been received. The broader UN Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan, which includes earthquake relief, is funded at just 22% of its $1.4 billion target.

Access to affected communities remains restricted, cutting off vital aid. UNHCR continues to work with UN agencies, NGOs and local partners to provide shelter, safety and basic services, but the scale of need far outpaces current resources.

Grandi’s appeal underscores the urgency of renewed international engagement. With Myanmar still reeling from civil conflict and natural disasters, humanitarian actors warn that without increased funding and access, the crisis will only deepen. 

-2025-09-12