The United Nations has sounded the alarm over Myanmar’s escalating food security crisis, with an estimated one-third of the population facing acute hunger. UN human rights experts described the situation as “unprecedented,” warning that more than 19.9 million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance due to the worsening conflict and economic collapse since the 2021 military coup.
According to the UN, the intensification of fighting between the military junta and armed resistance groups has significantly hampered food production and distribution. The Myanmar military’s tactics—such as restricting humanitarian aid, blockading trade routes, and targeting aid workers—have further compounded the crisis. Reports indicate that more than 15.2 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity in 2025.
Conflict, Displacement, and a Collapsing Economy
The armed conflict has led to the displacement of 3.5 million people, a staggering 72% increase in just one year. Many of the displaced are living in overcrowded camps with little access to food, healthcare, and clean water. UN officials warn that these camps have become areas of extreme vulnerability, with families struggling to secure even the most basic sustenance.
Agriculture has been devastated by the ongoing conflict, with farmland contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance. Shortages of agricultural workers due to mass displacement and forced military conscription have further crippled food production. The impact on Myanmar’s economy has been severe, with sharp declines in crop yields and an expected 30% rise in food prices in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Rakhine State on the Brink of Famine
The situation in Rakhine State, home to the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities, is particularly dire. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that the region is on the verge of famine, with two million people at risk of starvation. The military’s blockade of humanitarian aid since 2023 has exacerbated food shortages, violating international humanitarian law. The ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army has further devastated the region, leading to mass displacement, the destruction of rice crops, and a lack of access to essential farming supplies.
Women and children are among the hardest hit. In displacement camps, women struggle to feed their families while shouldering unpaid care responsibilities. Reports from northern Rakhine State indicate that some displaced persons have resorted to eating rice bran, typically used as animal feed. Meanwhile, over 40% of children aged 6–23 months lack access to nutritious meals, putting them at severe risk of malnutrition and developmental issues.
International Aid and Calls for Action
The crisis has been exacerbated by international political decisions, including a recent U.S. presidential executive order suspending foreign aid, which will have severe repercussions for Myanmar and neighboring countries hosting refugees. Aid restrictions, coupled with frequent internet shutdowns imposed by the junta, have hindered data collection and emergency assistance efforts.
UN experts have urged the international community to take decisive action, calling on global leaders to ensure that life-saving food aid reaches those in need. They stressed the importance of engaging with Myanmar’s opposition forces, including the National Unity Government, and working with trusted local humanitarian organizations to bypass the military’s blockade. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has also been urged to prioritize humanitarian assistance and facilitate cross-border aid to affected populations.
“With large swathes of the country now resembling conflict-ravaged wastelands, civilians are struggling for survival. The international community must move beyond political rhetoric and take immediate action to prevent a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe,” the UN experts concluded.
