UNHCR Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific: Myanmar Situation Update (Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand) January – March 2026

KEY FIGURES

5.3 million Forcibly displaced within Myanmar situation as of end-March 2026

3.7 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Myanmar as of endMarch 2026

1.6 million Refugees and AsylumSeekers from Myanmar as of end-March 2026

1.85 million Rohingya Stateless within the Myanmar situation

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT

The crisis in the Middle East has further strained an already underfunded response, diverting global attention and resources at a time of rising needs in Myanmar and across the region.

In Myanmar, the humanitarian situation remained severe, driven by ongoing conflict, human rights violations, and entrenched discrimination. Displacement increased across all regions with an estimated 3.7 million people internally displaced as of end-March. Political developments, including the formation of new authority structures following the election process, coincided with heightened operational constraints. Fuel shortages and conservation measures disrupted staff movement, supply chains and programme delivery. Humanitarian access remained restricted due to insecurity, road blockages and movement controls. Despite these constraints, UNHCR and partners continue to prioritize life-saving assistance and protection for forcibly displaced and stateless populations in an increasingly volatile environment.

The humanitarian response in Bangladesh continued to face mounting pressure. Persistent underfunding, limited livelihood opportunities and the arrival of approximately 147,000 Rohingya in camps since 2024 have increased needs and further stretched essential services. Against this backdrop, a prioritized Joint Response Plan was advanced, focusing on life-saving interventions – including food, health, WASH, education, and protection – while seeking cost efficiencies. Vulnerabilities remained high with impacts observed across protection and safety, health and well-being, environmental conditions and social cohesion between refugee and host communities.

At the same time, global economic pressures, including those linked to the Middle East situation, contributed to rising fuel and energy costs during the reporting period. A new Government was formed in Bangladesh in February following national elections. UNHCR continued engagement with counterparts on key advocacy priorities, including safety and security, access to territory, and expanded opportunities for self-reliance.

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