UNICEF in Myanmar has reported a devastating toll on children in the country through 2024, with over 750 children killed or injured due to the escalating armed conflict. This staggering figure reflects a year of extreme hardship for children as the humanitarian crisis in the country deepens.

The conflict, which has intensified since the military coup in 2021, continues to have catastrophic effects on civilians, particularly children, and the overall situation shows no signs of improvement. The year 2024 has been described by UNICEF as a particularly harrowing time for children, with increasing violence and worsening humanitarian conditions.

UNICEF’s report reveals that around 6mn children in Myanmar are now facing severe challenges, with many living in fear, uncertainty, and extreme poverty. The ongoing conflict has displaced more than 3.5mn people, with children accounting for over a third of this displaced population. The displacement of children and families has led to a dire situation, leaving many without access to basic needs like food, shelter, and clean water, further exacerbating their vulnerability to exploitation and violence.

The report shows that in 2024, more than 750 children were either killed or injured as a result of intensified fighting, including bombings and airstrikes. This averages more than two children killed or wounded every day, underscoring the brutal nature of the conflict and its disproportionate impact on children. Between January and September 2024, at least 250 children were harmed by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs), a terrifying consequence of ongoing battles that has made Myanmar the country with the highest number of such incidents worldwide.

These devices continue to pose significant risks, particularly in areas where fighting is most intense, such as in ethnic minority regions. Almost every state and region in Myanmar is contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance, creating an ongoing hazard for children. These devices often lie undetected, leaving children and families at risk of stepping on them while they go about their daily routines. In many areas, children have been killed or severely injured when they inadvertently come into contact with these hidden dangers.

UNICEF also reported that some children have been used in armed conflict, with children being forced into the military ranks or recruited by various armed groups, further exposing them to grave harm. In addition to the direct physical risks posed by conflict, the collapse of essential services has had a devastating impact on children’s health and education.

According to UNICEF, more than 1mn children in Myanmar have missed critical vaccinations due to the breakdown of healthcare services, placing the country among the most vulnerable regions globally for children lacking access to immunization. This puts children at risk for preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and pneumonia, which could result in further suffering and death.

The lack of healthcare facilities, combined with insecurity and limited access, has left many children without the care they desperately need. Furthermore, the crisis has disrupted education for over 5mn children, denying them the opportunity to attend school. This educational deprivation has long-term consequences for the children and for the country’s future. Children who are unable to attend school are more likely to face poverty, exploitation, and recruitment into armed groups.

The loss of education also increases their vulnerability to early and forced marriages, sexual exploitation, and abuse. The lack of safe spaces for children and the destruction of schools further undermine their prospects for a better life and their ability to rebuild their communities after the conflict. On top of the human toll, the ongoing violence continues to target civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and religious buildings.

Military forces have been reported to bomb these essential sites, further depriving children and their families of the vital resources they need to survive. The bombing of schools and hospitals disrupts not only education and healthcare but also exacerbates the trauma experienced by children who are directly affected by these attacks. Despite the overwhelming challenges, UNICEF and other humanitarian organisations are doing what they can to provide support to affected children.

However, the scale of the crisis and the persistent insecurity make it increasingly difficult to reach those in need. The urgency for international support has never been greater, as the situation for children in Myanmar becomes more dire each day. As Myanmar moves into 2025, UNICEF Myanmar is calling for immediate emergency relief to address the growing needs of children affected by conflict. The organisation urges all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of children. There is an urgent need for a collective effort to ensure the survival, protection, and future of Myanmar’s children.

UNICEF has emphasised that stronger, united efforts are required to address this crisis and help mitigate the long-term damage caused to an entire generation of children who continue to endure the devastating effects of conflict. Without sustained intervention and a focus on the needs of children, the consequences of this crisis will be felt for years to come, leaving a legacy of trauma and instability in the region.