Myanmar- Humanitarian Fund - OCHA 2017

March 2017 – Since the signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement in October 2015 Myanmar has taken significant strides towards peace and prosperity. However conflicts are ongoing in Kachin and Shan States and protracted displacement and continued inter-communal tensions in Rakhine State are increasing the already significant humanitarian needs. In addition the country is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters. It is estimated that 525 000 people will be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2017. With the support of GAC and other donors the Myanmar Humanitarian Fund channels resources to humanitarian partners to respond to the critical needs of people affected by the devastating humanitarian situation. Project activities include: (1) filling critical funding gaps to support life-saving activities such as shelter health or protection ; (2) promoting needs-based assistance including targeting the most vulnerable) in accordance with humanitarian principles; (3) strengthening coordination of humanitarian assistance; (4) improving the relevance and coherence of humanitarian response by strategically funding priorities as identified under the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Humanitarian Response Plan; and (5) expanding the delivery of humanitarian assistance in hard-to-reach areas by partnering with local and international non-governmental organizations.

The expected outcomes for this project are: (1) improved coordination of the humanitarian response to effectively address priority humanitarian needs; (2) improved timeliness in implementing life-saving activities; (3) increased humanitarian access by partnering more effectively with local non-governmental humanitarian organizations; and (4) increased oversight and monitoring of humanitarian assistance projects in hard-to-reach areas. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are facing acute food insecurity.