ICRC president: Rising humanitarian needs in Myanmar demand urgent action

INTERNATIONAL Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric visited Myanmar from September 5 to 9 amid escalating conflict and violence, and deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

Communities in conflict-affected areas faced severe challenges accessing health care, sanitation, clean water, food and shelter. The breakdown of health care services was leading to a rise in preventable diseases while a lack of medical supplies has been worsening the suffering of the wounded and chronically ill. The ongoing violence forced thousands of families to flee their homes, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs.