Op-ed: Myanmar in Crisis - A Nation Burdened by Conflict and Natural Disaster

Myanmar, a country already grappling with a devastating military coup, escalating ethnic conflicts, and deep economic hardship, now faces another catastrophe—a powerful earthquake. This natural disaster has only intensified the suffering of millions, adding to the already dire humanitarian crisis.

Since the military seized power in February 2021, Myanmar has been in a state of turmoil. The coup not only dismantled democratic institutions but also ignited widespread violence. Ethnic conflicts, which have long plagued the nation, have reached new levels of intensity as resistance groups fight against military oppression. Meanwhile, the economy has collapsed, inflation is soaring, and millions of people have been displaced from their homes.

Now, an earthquake has struck, further devastating communities that were already struggling to survive. Families who had lost everything due to armed conflict now face the destruction of what little they had left. Food shortages, lack of medical aid, and unsafe living conditions have only worsened. The need for humanitarian assistance is more urgent than ever.

However, one crucial concern must be addressed: ensuring that international aid does not fall into the hands of the military regime. The military has a history of manipulating humanitarian assistance for its own benefit, redirecting aid to loyalists while depriving those who resist its rule. In past crises, such as Cyclone Nargis in 2008, the junta blocked aid and controlled distribution, leaving countless victims without relief. This must not happen again.

World leaders and the international community must be vigilant. Any aid provided to Myanmar must be carefully monitored and delivered through trusted humanitarian organizations, local resistance networks, and community groups that prioritize the needs of the people, not the military’s interests. Countries and donor agencies must enforce strict conditions to prevent misappropriation and ensure transparency in distribution.

Myanmar’s people are resilient, but they cannot endure this crisis alone. They need urgent assistance, free from the grip of an oppressive regime. It is the responsibility of the global community to stand with them, to ensure that aid reaches those in need, and to support efforts to restore peace and democracy in Myanmar.

The time for action is now. The world cannot afford to make the mistake of empowering the military junta at the cost of innocent lives. Instead, it must uphold its moral duty to stand with the people of Myanmar, ensuring that help reaches the right hands and hope is not lost.

Author:

Go Suan Pau is a Peer Support Officer at the University of South Australia. He holds a Bachelor of International Relations from the University of Adelaide (2023) and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from UniSA (2024), where his thesis examined human rights abuses against the Rohingya Muslims. As a South Australian Parliamentary Intern, he authored a report on the challenges faced by the Myanmar diaspora community in South Australia. Since 2021, Go has served as the Director of the Australia Myanmar Institute for Democracy, Human Rights, and Peace, leading educational workshops and policy advocacy efforts. He has also published articles on Myanmar’s political issues in various platforms such as OnDit, Refugee Research Online and online magazine. Additionally, he is the Secretary of Zomi Innkuan Adelaide and a member of the Refugee Council of Australia, contributing to refugee research and advocacy. His work has been featured on various platforms, providing critical insights into Myanmar’s political landscape, international affairs, and human rights issues