The 2021 coup and subsequent conflicts in Myanmar have inflicted immense suffering and displacement upon the Chin people. It’s devastating to witness communities torn apart, forced to flee their homes, and struggling to survive. Our organization’s efforts to support Chin communities in Chin State, Sagaing Region, Magwe Region, and Rakhine State are truly commendable. Providing aid and services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) is crucial in helping them rebuild their lives.
Our focus areas include:

• Food and nutrition
• Shelter and housing
• Medical care and healthcare
• Education and vocational training
• Other essential forms of support

According to the 2019 Myanmar Census, Chin State’s population stands at 509,037. However, estimates from the Chin Association of Maryland (2020) suggest a significantly larger Chin population across Myanmar: 800,000 Chins reside outside Chin State.

• 200,000 in Rakhine State
• 280,000 in Sagaing Region
• 200,000 in Magwe Region
• 220,000 in Irrawaddy, Yangon, Mandalay, Peku, and Kachin State

These estimates indicate a total Chin population in Myanmar exceeding 1,309,037, highlighting the urgency and scope of our support efforts.

Chin State had been kept in the dark for decades throughout the rule of the Burmese military coup and as a result, about 80% of the Chin people are still living below the poverty line and harshly struggling for their survival every single day. People in Chin State are dying untimely due to poverty, poor healthcare, lack of medicines, lack of access to treatment and education, and bad communication roads.

From the last few decades, the Chins were continually facing famine and struggling to survive as farms no longer produce adequate food for them due to climate change, soil exhaustion and the lack of viable farmland. The Chin people rely on rotational, slash-and-burn farming for livelihood. Yet, no funds or aids provided by the government had not much seen for the Chin people, thus they are continually striving for their survivals.

Myanmar is one of the least developed countries in the world and the Chin state is the poorest region in the country due to a variety of political reasons. As located in a very remoted area and isolated by the government for decades, Chin state has few infrastructures, natural resources and other economic opportunities. Due to the lack of systematic government supports, most of villages in Chin state have no electricity, gas or proper water system and reliable communication system.

Because of poor communication and little access to healthcare or medical facilities, many people die on their way to hospitals in the main cities, including mothers in labour. In addition, many infants and children die from malnutrition and lack of medical supplies.