INTERNATIONAL
Emergency appeal for children in Myanmar
UNICEF Malaysia launch fundraising campaign to raise RM1 million in response to the deadly earthquake that hit Myanmar.
UNICEF in Malaysia is appealing for RM1 million in response to the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, compounding an already dire humanitarian situation.
UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Myanmar, Julia Rees said in a Geneva Palais briefing note:
“Entire communities have been flattened. Children and families are sleeping in the open, with no homes to return to. I met children who were in shock after witnessing their homes collapse or the death of family members. Some have been separated from their parents. Others are still unaccounted for.
“The destruction is immense. Homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure—such as bridges and power lines—have been damaged or destroyed, leaving the population without electricity and telecommunications. Entire communities are without water, food, shelter, medicines and money.
“The psychological trauma is immense. For children who were already living through conflict and displacement, this disaster has added yet another layer of fear and loss.
“From our pre-positioned stocks, UNICEF and partners have begun delivering emergency water, sanitation and hygiene kits, medical kits and nutrition supplies. We are working in incredibly challenging conditions—without electricity or running water and with no sanitation - often sleeping outside - like the communities we serve.
“Children with serious injuries need urgent care. Many are deeply traumatized, having lost loved ones or been pulled from the rubble themselves. The longer we wait, the deeper the impact on children’s lives and futures.”
This earthquake comes on top of an already worsening crisis for children in the country with intensifying conflict and a record of 6.5m children in need of humanitarian assistance. Many families already surviving in fragile conditions now face even greater hardship, with limited access to safe water, healthcare, and shelter.
UNICEF teams are on the ground in the hardest-hit areas, working with partners and local responders to assess needs and deliver emergency assistance. UNICEF has delivered pre-positioned WASH supplies for at least 15,000 households, and Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kits covering 1.4 million people, including children under five and pregnant women, for a period of three months. Children are among the most affected—facing heightened risks of injury, trauma, separation from their families, and further disruption to what little stability they had.
UNICEF is calling for urgent funding to scale up the delivery of life-saving support to children and families affected by the earthquake—including clean water, medical care, protection, psychosocial support, and emergency education.
The Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal receives contributions by bank transfer or online donations. To donate:
a) Online Donation:
Donation Site (English): https://help.unicef.org/malaysia/myanmar-earthquake-emergency-appeal-org
b) Bank transfer:
Payee Name: UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND-EMERGENCY
Bank: MALAYAN BANKING BERHAD / Account No: 5143 2960 2449
c) Corporates
For enquiries or corporate donation please contact: mly-partnerships@unicef.org
The press statement is issued by UNICEF Malaysia
