Frequently asked questions about the ICRC's work in Myanmar

We have teams in Kachin, Kayin, Rakhine, Shan, Mandalay, and Yangon. In Mandalay, where the population has highly affected by the 28 March earthquake, we focus on providing the Myanmar Red Cross, other local responders, and health authorities with the support they need to reach those in urgent need. (See more information of our earthquake response).

In the areas affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence we provide communities with their daily essentials and vital information regarding the risks of explosive hazards. Whenever possible, we also encourage communities to start livelihood initiatives. 

We also support hospitals and other health structures with medicines and medical equipment. Through our physical rehabilitation programme, people with disabilities are able to receive orthopedic footwear and mobility devices.  

We provide support to people released from their detention, allowing them to return home with dignity. We also assist in identifying the whereabouts of people's missing loved ones, and whenever possible, we work to reunite families.  

Together with the Myanmar Red Cross Society and community based civil societies, we organize first aid and pre-hospital care training sessions for those helping people in emergency situations. 

You can reach out to the ICRC by calling +95 977 666 2555  

Opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  

You can also send us a message on ICRC Facebook Myanmar 

If you are in Myanmar, contact the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) at +95 995 755 7000.  

If you are outside Myanmar, please reach out to your closest Red Cross or Red Crescent Society or the ICRC office. You can find a directory here.  

I need food, water and shelter. How can you help?  

We support the Myanmar Red Cross Society and other local relief institutions that lead the emergency response after the earthquake of 28 March 2025.   

Only trained people should do the proper and dignified recovery of the deceased. Please do not try to move or handle them before authorities or trained personnel arrive. Doing so can jeopardize the possibility of later identifying the person and giving answers to the family.  

Please know that the deceased from natural disasters do not cause epidemics, because they usually die from trauma and are not infectious. The risk to the public is negligible. As time passes the odor from the deceased will increase, but it is not harmful. 

The Myanmar Red Cross leads the emergency help for earthquakes and other natural disasters in the country. You can contact their local branches at: Myanmar Red Cross Society Facebook 

In Myanmar, the ICRC’s response consists of emergency aid and long-term assistance. During acute crises, we distribute food and household items to address urgent needs. During long-term crises, we support affected families by enhancing their ability to generate income. 

Our assistance includes improving living conditions and access to clean water and health-care facilities. Our teams work to promote respect for international humanitarian law and to spread knowledge of weapon contamination risks. 

We engage with the detaining authorities in order to secure humane treatment and adequate conditions for all detainees and restore contact between them and their loved ones.  

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastated communities across Myanmar, with reports of thousands injured, displaced and unaccounted for, as well as extensive damage to buildings, roads and other facilities. Numbers increase by the hour. Our thoughts are with the families who’ve lost everything and those still searching for loved ones. The ICRC is working with the MRCS to support relief efforts alongside civil society groups. 

This disaster impacts a population in Myanmar that’s already dealing with the impact of conflict and violence. We’re closely following the situation on the ground to determine where needs are greatest, and with the Myanmar Red Cross Society and our Red Cross Red Crescent partners to assist those affected- wherever they are.  

For latest information about our work please check our website for Myanmar.

The ICRC operates under the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. In Myanmar, we maintain direct dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure that our humanitarian work is carried out without political or military influence. We negotiate access independently, assess needs objectively, and provide assistance directly to communities affected by conflict, violence, and disasters. 

Carrying out our humanitarian work in Myanmar is complex due to ongoing armed conflicts, administrative restrictions and logistical challenges such as roadblocks and damaged infrastructure. Additionally, navigating a sensitive political environment while maintaining neutrality is an ongoing challenge. 

Challenges include damaged infrastructure, disrupted communication networks, and restricted access for aid delivery. Additionally, delays in international assistance are often due to regulatory requirements, and logistical barriers in accessing affected areas. 

The ICRC provides humanitarian assistance based on needs, regardless of political or military control of a territory. We engage with all relevant authorities to gain access and provide aid to people in need regardless of their locations. 

We are most grateful for your interest in serving those in need under the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Please contact the Myanmar Red Cross Society directly to know more about the process on how to get involved. The ICRC does not have volunteers.  

Individuals can support the ICRC’s humanitarian efforts by making financial contributions through our official donation platform. These funds help us provide essential aid, including food, medical assistance, and emergency relief, to affected communities.  

Donations can be made directly through the ICRC’s official website, ensuring that funds go directly to humanitarian operations. The ICRC does not rely on third-party crowdfunding platforms for fundraising. 

The ICRC provides technical, financial, and material support to MRCS to enhance its emergency response capacity. This includes first aid training, logistics support, and assistance in delivering aid to hard-to-reach areas. The collaboration is based on shared humanitarian goals and strict adherence to neutrality. 

Yes, the ICRC coordinates with various humanitarian organizations, including the MRCS, UN agencies, and NGOs, to ensure that aid reaches those in need effectively. However, we maintain our independent operations and do not align with any political entity. 

The ICRC provides assistance directly to affected populations whenever possible. We coordinate our activities with relevant authorities and humanitarian actors, to facilitate access and avoid duplication, but we do not operate through political or military entities. Our humanitarian response is strictly guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. 

We are in contact with the relevant authorities to follow up on the situation in the prisons following the earthquake. As usual, this engagement happens in the framework of our confidential and bilateral dialogue, and we cannot disclose its content publicly or to third parties. This includes public comment on individual detainees. 

The ICRC does not comment on individual cases but works to ensure that all detainees, regardless of their affiliation, receive humane treatment and good living conditions.  We are in contact with the relevant authorities to follow up on the situation in the prisons following the earthquake and see what support we can offer.  

The ICRC, in coordination with the MRCS and local partners, is providing emergency assistance in the hardest-hit areas. The ICRC has approximately 600 staff members in Myanmar actively engaged with the organization of aid delivery to those most in need. 

Yes, the ICRC prioritizes assistance based on humanitarian needs, focusing on the most affected and vulnerable populations. We work to reach remote and difficult-to-access areas whenever possible. 

We are committed to assisting people in need regardless of their location. However, access to certain areas, including Sagaing, depends on the access conditions and dialogue with relevant authorities. The ICRC continues to assess the situation and advocate for humanitarian access. 

The ICRC ensures that donations are used efficiently, with the majority of funds going directly to humanitarian operations. As an independent humanitarian organization, we have strict financial accountability measures in place to maximize aid delivery. 

Read more about our funding and spending.