42 million people in Myanmar suffering from poverty: UNDP 

By Admin 24 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 June 2024, Sittwe

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said in a report this month that 42 million people in Myanmar are suffering from poverty, and 13.3 million of them are suffering from food shortages.

Myanmar has a population of more than 51 million people, according to the 2014 national population census, with 42 million representing more than three-quarters of that total. 

Myanmar’s economy has shrunk since the pandemic, but greater economic chaos was caused by the 2021 coup and exacerbated by frequent policy changes, said business owners.

“This has happened because of the mismanagement of the military council. Travel restrictions have halted trade. Armed conflicts are also responsible. Foreign investments have left the country partly because the exchange rate is unstable. This has resulted in high unemployment,” said a businessman from Arakan State.

UNDP said it has been providing food supplies and funding urban and rural development projects in Myanmar.

But according to the UNDP report, UN assistance declined by more than 40 percent in the three years from 2020 to 2022. Humanitarian programmes have also suffered funding shortfalls.

UNDP said it has helped more than 2 million people this year, and hopes to help up to 8 million people by the end of 2025.

UNDP acknowledged that there are challenges due to the complicated political situation in Myanmar. The UNDP said it seeks to help farmers and provide funds for reconstruction works.

Many civilians have been forced to flee armed conflict in many parts of the country, contributing to high unemployment.

A resident who fled the Arakan State capital Sittwe said: “I have been forced to sell my jewellery to feed my family. Food prices are extremely high. We will be in trouble after we sell the  valuables we have brought along.”

More than 500,00 people have been displaced in Arakan State since fighting between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakkha Army (AA) broke out in November. Many displaced people are going hungry as they cannot work and receive little assistance from international humanitarian agencies and local charities due partly to the junta’s travel restrictions. Meanwhile, the prices of consumer goods have soared.

“We are a five-member family,” said Daw Khin Than Aye, a displaced woman from Ponnagyun Township. “We need 20,000 kyats per day to survive. The cost does not include snacks.”

Agriculture, manufacturing and service industries are all in decline due to armed conflict and power outages, said business owners.