United Nations Report Reveals Over 37 Million People in Myanmar at Risk of Poverty

A United Nations report has revealed that a staggering majority of Myanmar's population is struggling to make ends meet, with over two-thirds living in poverty or at risk of falling into it.

The report, published on Thursday, highlights the dire economic situation in the country, where conflict, limited access to basic services, and instability have pushed millions into deprivation. The data shows that nearly 18 million people, representing around 32.6% of the population, are currently living in poverty.

Furthermore, a significant number of individuals - approximately 19.5 million - are vulnerable to falling into poverty due to various factors such as limited economic opportunities and lack of access to essential services. This brings the total number of people in or at risk of poverty to over 37 million, accounting for around 68% of Myanmar's population.

The report underscores the devastating impact of ongoing conflict and instability on the country's economy and its citizens. The situation has been exacerbated by the military's seizure of power from the elected government in 2021, followed by the suppression of peaceful protests and subsequent armed resistance.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has released a disturbing report on the state of poverty in Myanmar. According to the report, a nationwide telephone survey of 7,463 households revealed a staggering depth of poverty that is eroding human development.

The report uses an adapted Multidimensional Poverty Index that goes beyond income to capture deprivation in areas such as health, education, and living standards. It found that deficits in these areas account for over 80% of measured poverty, with people struggling to access basic services like healthcare, adequate housing, clean water, and sanitation.

The situation is particularly dire in conflict zones where residents face restricted access to essential services. States such as Rakhine in the west and Kayah in the east are among those hardest hit by poverty, with widespread insecurity and limited access to resources exacerbating the problem.

Low levels of education, insecure employment, and low incomes are compounding the pressures faced by people in Myanmar, driving deprivation across the country. The report highlights the devastating impact of conflict on human development, leaving behind a trail of poverty and inequality that will be difficult to overcome.

The economic struggles in Myanmar are expected to worsen due to repeated shocks from natural hazards and climate patterns like El Niño, which can disrupt rainfall and increase global temperatures.

According to a UN report, the country is experiencing a significant loss of human capital, with at least 1 million young people estimated to have left since 2021 in search of better opportunities. This brain drain is attributed to a lack of economic prospects and growing uncertainty that limits access to education, jobs, and mobility for future generations.

The military-backed government has acknowledged the country's economic slowdown, attributing it to factors such as political instability, international sanctions, limited financial assistance, restricted trade, and increased worker migration.