Reducing the vulnerability of conflict-affected people through humanitarian assistance in Magway Region The political crisis in Myanmar since February 2021 has rapidly turned the previously stable and peaceful areas of Southern Sagaing and Northern Magway Regions into a centre of armed conflict between the Tatmadaw and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). Escalating armed clashes and related reprisals against civilians, exacerbated by a collapse of public service provision – also amidst the still prevailing COVID-19-related challenges – have triggered a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in these areas since the end of 2021. In mid-November 2022, the conflict in the area escalated further, when arson destroyed numerous homes within communities of the region. 

This project will deal with urgent and unmet humanitarian needs in the Myaing Township of the Magway Region. This township is highly impacted by conflict and displacement. At the same time, the project partner Guardian Network has demonstrated necessary access to all communities in the areas and the capacity to deliver multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance. Helvetas Myanmar is long present in Magway Region to improve the skill and employment of the youth and support the IDPs under the development program through the Skill for Employment Project. Guardian Network is one of the active and good present organizations that has provided humanitarian assistance for the IDP and host community in collaboration with the local CSO network. 

In the project, Helvetas Myanmar, and Guardian Network propose a continuation of the currently pursued multi-sectoral approach of humanitarian aid delivery that includes interventions on WASH, Protection and Food Security. The selection of these sectors is based on the results of a recently completed rapid appraisal, the experience of Helvetas Myanmar and its partners and the prioritization of sectors and townships by MHF. Based on their needs, the project will mainly focusing to the improvement of hygiene awareness, provision of dignity kit, case management and promote child protection awareness and food distribution for immediate needs of the people. In addition, the project will be focusing on the response of people with disabilities with the intervention of tailored messages, distribution arrangement and assistance are match with their specific needs in each cluster response, According to the assessment result a total of 1 to 2% is PWD in Myaing township and 10.2% is elder person, the intervention will be cover for their needs. 

The project will be implemented by Helvetas Myanmar as the lead agency handling the technical management of the project in partnership with the locally well-connected and capable two CSOs with an extensive track record in the target areas: Guardian will lead the on-the-ground operations in Magway Region. Although the project is implemented with one partner, Kan Lint Yaung Chi local CSO will be support the project planning, distribution and coordination for effective implementation. Helvetas will contribute its strong institutional resources, history of delivering humanitarian projects and experience building the capacity of local organizations and will further strengthen the capacity of Guardian Network in the delivery of humanitarian assistance effectively and inclusively in line with all relevant standards. This approach will enable co-management with these established and well-connected local CSOs to effectively deliver the project on the ground and to create a sustainable foundation for local implementation and delivery capacities in the region.