One year ago, Burma’s military launched a coup d’état that derailed Burma’s long struggle for peace, democracy, and freedom and closed the door on its recent democratic opening. Since then, the regime has killed at least 1,400 innocent civilians, among them children, journalists, and aid workers; slowed the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and expanded its use of brutal violence against the people of Burma, including peaceful protestors and human rights activists. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, and hunger is on the rise across the country. The people of Burma deserve to live in peace and harmony, just as they deserve an inclusive path to democracy.
Since the coup, the people of Burma have faced political instability and ethnic and religious persecution. The regime’s actions have led the World Bank to estimate that the country’s economy will contract by more than 18 percent in 2022, doubling the number of people living below the poverty line.
USAID re-opened its Burma mission in 2012 in a more hopeful time and immediately supported humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict; expanded livelihoods and economic growth; enhanced food security, fought infectious diseases, boosted maternal and child survival; and strengthened democratic institutions and civic participation. After the coup, USAID froze assistance that could have benefitted the military regime and realigned $42.4 million in assistance to increase our support to the people of Burma. USAID continues to support the population’s health, livelihoods, and drive for peace, democracy, and human rights.