Skip to main content
Home International Committee of the Red Cross
Find help Donate
Back
  • Happening now
    Happening now

    Discover what’s new

    Stay updated with the latest news and ongoing initiatives of the ICRC.

    Latest operations

    Featured

    • A community kitchen in Myanmar
      Myanmar: One month on, earthquake survivors face continuing challenges
    • Red Cross Field Hospital aerial shot
      The Red Cross Field Hospital one year on: A lifeline and a stark reminder in Ga…
    • Red Cross staff at a water distribution
      Every attack on a humanitarian is an attack on the community they served. A sta…
  • Who we are
    Who we are

    We are the International Committee of the Red Cross

    Neutral, impartial, and independent. Discover our values and mission.

    Discover who we are
    • About us
      Our rich history, our mandate and mission, and our Fundamental Principles are behind the work we do to protect and save lives.
    • How we are run
      Our President and leadership, our finances and our accountability ensure the integrity of our humanitarian operations.
    • International Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement
      The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world.
  • What we do
    What we do

    Our work to protect people affected by conflict

    The ICRC responds quickly and efficiently to help people affected by armed conflict.

    All our activities

    In focus

    • ICRC working with the Myanmar Red Cross Society to support people displaced by violence in Pin Laung and Hsi Hseng, to provide emergency aid. Photographer: Thang Khan Sian Khai
      Protection: Upholding the rights of people in conflict
    • Reconnecting families: Preventing separation, searching for the missing, reunit…
    • Helping detainees: Protecting and assisting people deprived of their liberty
  • Where we work
    Where we work

    Explore our global reach

    We have offices in over 90 countries around the world, providing assistance and protection to people affected by conflict.

    ICRC around the world

    Key operations

    • Afghanistan
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Ethiopia
    • Israel and the occupied territories
    • Myanmar
    • Sudan
    • Syria
    • Ukraine
    • Yemen
  • Law & Policy
    Law & Policy

    Law & Policy

    Gain insights into the ICRC's role in developing and promoting international humanitarian law and policy.

    Discover more
    • Geneva Conventions and the law
      Even wars have rules. The Geneva Conventions are at the core of international humanitarian law.
    • Topics, debates and disarmament
      Weapons and disarmament, protected persons and other contemporary challenges for international humanitarian law.
    • Teaching IHL, research, Advisory Service and other resources
      We support the teaching, learning and implementation of humanitarian law principles.
  • Support us
    Support us

    Partner with us

    We invite organizations, institutions and philanthropists to join us in our mission to alleviate the suffering of those affected by armed conflict.

    How to partner with us

    Support us

    Find out how you as an individual can contribute to our humanitarian efforts to help people suffering because of armed conflict.

    How to support us
    • Ukraine: the crisis continues
    • Urgent: Israel-Gaza emergency appeal
    • Myanmar_Red Cross earthquake
      Urgent help needed: Myanmar earthquakes
  • Find help
  • Donate
  • Events
  • Contact us
  • Report an incident of misconduct
  • Work with us
  • FAQ
ICRC Websites
Photo gallery
15-01-2025

Myanmar: The year 2024 in pictures

In 2024, Myanmar saw escalating conflict and violence, which exacerbated the already deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the country.

  • Myanmar
  • Health
  • Reconnecting families
  • Helping detainees
  • Economic Security

Share

  • Share on X
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Facebook

Many communities continued to face significant challenges, including limited access to health care, water, food, communications, transportation, and income-generating opportunities. In addition, landmines and unexploded ordnance remained a major threat to life. The situation worsened during the rainy season, when floods swept across the country cutting off entire communities, making it tougher for humanitarian aid to reach people in need.

Amid these challenges, we at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continued to support impacted communities by focusing on basic needs such as water, food, sanitation and health care. We also provided medical supplies and expanded our physical rehabilitation services, integrating mental health and psychosocial support to help the victims of explosive devices cope with their challenges.

These photos reflect the resilience and determination we witnessed throughout 2024 and offer a glimpse into the strength and courage of communities coping with these difficult circumstances.

Ma San San Maw, a landmine explosion survivor.
Kyaw Kyaw Myo/ICRC

Ma San San Maw, a landmine explosion survivor, participated in a two-week training programme organized by the Hpa-An Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Centre with the support of the ICRC. She has been working as a repairperson and providing services to those in need of minor repairs to their prostheses or orthoses. 

"I would like to call on all parties to stop the use of landmines and other explosive devices," said Ma San San Maw in a message on the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.

The ICRC team delivers a Red Cross Messages letter to a family whose loved one was detained.
Htoo Nyein Aung/ICRC

Under the rules of international humanitarian law, families have the right to know the whereabouts of their loved ones, even in times of crisis. The ICRC works with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help families reunite or stay in touch by finding out what happened to their missing loved ones after they got separated.

The ICRC team delivers a Red Cross Messages letter to a family who was aware that their loved one was detained but was unable to contact the person.

Through the Safe Return Home program, the ICRC team in Myanmar helps released detainees return home safely and with dignity.
Kyaw Kyaw Myo/ICRC

Due to the ongoing conflict in the country, most released detainees face significant challenges in returning home. Through the Safe Return Home program, the ICRC team in Myanmar helps released detainees return home safely and with dignity. 

We provide them with money for transport and allowance for food and temporary shelter. We also encourage them to adopt safe practices to avoid the dangers of explosive remnants of war.

Through the Family Visit Program, the ICRC in Myanmar helps family members of detainees visit their loved ones in places of detention.
Aye Sandar Htun/ICRC

Through the Family Visit Program, the ICRC in Myanmar helps family members of detainees visit their loved ones in places of detention by covering their travel, food and temporary accommodation expenses.

In 2024, the ICRC in Myanmar supported 1,638 families for prison visits and 4,555 detainees upon their release. The ICRC also informed the families of 1,896 people of the whereabouts of their relatives.

ICRC in Myanmar reaching displaced communities in northern Shan State with food and other aid.
Precious Thein/ICRC

In late 2023 and early 2024, clashes intensified in parts of northern Shan State, leading to the disruption of livelihood for thousands. In response, we provided food and essential household items to 14,850 displaced people from 3,656 families.

As the conflict continues to escalate throughout northern Shan State, prompting both displaced and host communities to relocate to safer areas, we are working to reach the communities with food and other aid.

Food security activities of the ICRC in Myanmar.
Zaw Hpang Daung/ICRC

In early June, we provided rice seeds, maize seeds and organic fertilizer to displaced families from communities in Kachin and Kayin states, as well as in Mandalay and Bago regions.

Through this initiative, we also provided agricultural tools and training to these communities, to help increase crop production and improve food consumption.

A mother in Rakhine State reconnects with her grandson via a phone call.
Oo Than Tin/ICRC

Under international humanitarian law, persons deprived of their liberty must be allowed to maintain contact with their loved ones.

In March 2024, we, at the International Committee of the Red Cross, helped a mother from Rakhine State identify the prison where her daughter is being held and arranged a phone call with her grandson, who is in a childcare centre, while her daughter remains detained.

Risk Awareness and Safer Behavior (RASB) sessions conducted by the ICRC in Myanmar.
Aye Sandar Htun/ICRC

In Myanmar, landmines and unexploded ordnance are a major threat to the lives and livelihoods of many communities, killing as well as injuring hundreds of people every year.

To reduce the risk they face and make communities aware of such risks, we conducted Risk Awareness and Safer Behavior (RASB) sessions, provided training of trainers for community-based volunteers, and delivered RASB materials (including leaflets, posters, comic books and coloring books) directly to communities living in hard-to-reach areas.

The ICRC team in Sittwe provided medical supplies to hospitals in January and June.
Soe Kyaw Maung/ICRC

The ongoing conflict in Rakhine State has made it difficult for communities to access basic health services and medical treatment.

To ensure that people affected by the conflict have access to basic health care and to alleviate the challenges faced by communities, the ICRC team in Sittwe provided medical supplies to Thet Kal Pyin Hospital in January and to Sittwe Hospital in June.

The ICRC works with the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) to deliver assistance to remote areas.
Zaw Hpang Daung/ICRC

In Myanmar, we work with the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) to deliver assistance to remote areas. Together, we respond to urgent emergencies and help communities mitigate risks by conducting Risk Awareness and Safer Behaviors (RASB) sessions and sharing health information to prevent diseases. The Hpa-An Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Centre (HORC), operated by MRCS in Kayin State with the support of ICRC, provides essential physical rehabilitation services to people with disabilities.

The ICRC's helps the displaced families in the Myaing Gyi Ngu area of Kayin State with their water and habitat needs.
Mya Mya Soe/ICRC

In the Myaing Gyi Ngu area of Kayin State, Myanmar, many displaced families are struggling to meet their basic needs. To address this, we renovated hand-dug wells, constructed new hand-dug wells with four-angle roofs, and built concrete platforms with proper drainage systems to ensure access to safe water.

ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric visited Myanmar and Rakhine State to learn first-hand about the humanitarian situation in the country.
Kyaw Kyaw Myo/ICRC

In September, ICRC president, Mirjana Spoljaric, visited Myanmar and Rakhine State to learn first-hand about the humanitarian situation in the country and to advocate for greater humanitarian assistance.

“The ICRC’s determination to assist the people of Myanmar is unwavering,” said President Spoljaric, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to addressing the most urgent humanitarian needs in the country. “We are engaging in a bilateral and confidential dialogue with all actors to the conflict to remind them of their obligation to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian actors,” she added.

The ICRC trained 20 ambulance service providers from civil society organizations in the Magway region.
Aye Sandar Htun/ICRC

Ambulance service providers are vital first responders during disasters and emergencies. Proper prehospital care provided by them can save lives and alleviate suffering.

To enhance their skills, the ICRC trained 20 ambulance service providers from civil society organizations in the Magway region, strengthening their ability to respond effectively to community needs during emergencies.

The ICRC in Myanmar held a photo exhibition in Yangon to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
Khaing Wai Aung/ICRC

In November 2024, the ICRC in Myanmar held a photo exhibition in Yangon to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.

The exhibition featured powerful photos and videos depicting the historical journey and evolution of international humanitarian law (IHL), highlighting its role in protecting human dignity and alleviating suffering in armed conflicts around the world.

To learn more about our work in Myanmar, check the links below:

  • ICRC President: Rising humanitarian needs in Myanmar demand urgent action
  • Myanmar: Our impact on the ground (January to June 2024)
  • Myanmar: A repairperson fixing her life and helping others
  • Myanmar: One priceless phone call keeps hope alive
  • Myanmar: Displaced people set up small businesses, trade anxiety for smiles
  • ICRC Global Campaign: Respect the Rules of War

Related articles

Des équipes chirurgicales débordées
Photo gallery
17-03-2025

DRC: Goma surgical teams overwhelmed

The ICRC team pitcured with community of Gulbahar, Kapisa
Photo gallery
31-12-2024

Afghanistan: A year of responding to numerous humanitarian challenges

A farmer herding his cattle in Xaaro village
Photo gallery
18-12-2024

Delivering Hope: Mobile Health Teams Deployed in Remote Somalia

More photo galleries

Topic-dedicated ICRC websites

Explore our blogs, apps, reviews and other resources dedicated to humanitarian impact, insight, law and policy.

ICRC Websites

Direct access

  • Find help
  • Donate
  • Events
  • Contact us
  • Report an incident of misconduct
  • Work with us
  • FAQ

Newsletter

Fields marked with * are required
To learn how we process your data, visit our Privacy Notice.
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Privacy policy
  • Tax deduction
  • Privacy Settings
  • Community guidelines

Terms and conditions - ICRC ©2025 - All right reserved