Global humanitarian organisation, World Vision, is
warning that children left homeless and separated from
family following the recent earthquake in Myanmar are at
increased risk of abuse and exploitation.
Last
Saturday, central Myanmar was rocked by a massive 7.7
magnitude earthquake, which shook buildings as far away as
Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China and Vietnam. The reported
death toll is currently in the thousands.
In the
hardest-hit areas of Mandalay, Sagaing, Nay Pyi Taw, and
parts of southern Shan State, many people are sleeping
outdoors and fearing aftershocks and further building
collapses. Thousands have been left homeless, while also
struggling to access clean water, sanitation, and essential
services.
The earthquake has worsened an
already severe humanitarian crisis in Myanmar where nearly
half the population were living in poverty and more than 3.5
million people were internally
displaced.
Grant Bayldon, National
Director of World Vision New Zealand, says the earthquake is
a devastating blow for struggling children and families in
Myanmar.
“This is a crisis on top of a crisis. Prior
to this earthquake children and communities in Myanmar were
already suffering greatly. After the quake, their suffering
is immense. They are in desperate need of humanitarian
assistance – not only to support them with their immediate
needs, but to ensure that they have the capacity and
capability to rebuild following the devastation this quake
has delivered.”
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World Vision Myanmar’s
National Director Dr Kyi Minn says as always children are
the most at risk when disaster
strikes.
“Children in disaster-stricken
areas are among the most vulnerable. In Myanmar, these
children were already exposed to numerous hardships. Now,
many are homeless, and some have been separated from their
families, putting them at greater risk of abuse.”
Dr
Minn says right now emergency response efforts are focused
on addressing the urgent needs of affected communities, but
child protection must also be a top
priority.
“Conflict, natural disasters and other
emergencies expose children to increased risk of violence,
exploitation, abuse and neglect. Sadly, there are some
people who will prey on this increased vulnerability and
take advantage of children at a time when they most need
support and protection.
“Children are in danger of
potential injury and even death. Girls are particularly at
risk as the threat of gender-based violence increases. As a
child-focused organisation, the safety and protection of
children is World Vision’s main priority and will be
central in our response to this emergency.”
World
Vision has launched a rapid assessment of the hardest-hit
areas in the Mandalay region and has begun distributing
essential aid, including food, clean water, and temporary
shelters. The organisation is also working to provide
healthcare, sanitation, and mental health support for
affected children and their families.
“It is
critical that children return to a sense of normalcy as soon
as possible. They need safe homes, access to education, and
protection from the risks of child labour, early marriage,
and other forms of abuse and exploitation. We must act
urgently to ensure that children are safe and have the
opportunity to rebuild their lives, so they can enjoy the
bright futures they deserve,” says Dr Minn.
World
Vision aims to support 500,000 people, including 200,000
children, with a $5 million dollar response in the most
affected areas and is urging the international community to
mobilise resources for both immediate relief and long-term
recovery efforts.
Bayldon says more funding is crucial
if we are to ensure vulnerable children and families are
supported for a sustainable recovery.
To donate to the
appeal, visit worldvision.org.nz/myanmar-give
