Published by Zomi Press — Beyond News and Views
December 2025
The crisis in Myanmar continues to deepen as new reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) confirm a sharp rise in displacement, humanitarian needs, and protection risks across the country and the region. The latest UNHCR Regional Situation Update (September–October 2025) highlights the continued instability caused by armed conflict, natural disasters, and systemic human rights violations that have uprooted millions since 2021.
For the Zomi people and other ethnic nationalities, the situation remains deeply concerning — with entire communities displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and humanitarian access increasingly restricted.
Rising Displacement Amid Worsening Conflict
According to UNHCR assessments, millions remain displaced inside Myanmar, with new waves of forced movement reported throughout 2025 as fighting intensifies between the junta forces and resistance groups.
Among the key findings:
- Civilians continue to face indiscriminate shelling, airstrikes, and village raids.
- Communities in Chin, Sagaing, Magway, Kachin, Shan, Kayah, and Rakhine states remain among the most affected.
- Protection risks — including forced recruitment, extortion, restrictions on movement, and targeted abuses — are escalating.
These developments reaffirm that the humanitarian landscape is not improving; instead, it is entering a more complex and volatile phase.
Humanitarian Needs Outpace Resources
UNHCR’s latest appeal for the Myanmar emergency response in 2025 totals US$383.1 million, yet funding remains drastically below requirements.
This shortfall affects:
- Emergency shelter for displaced families
- Access to clean water and sanitation
- Medical care and trauma support
- Protection services for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly
The funding gap threatens to leave hundreds of thousands without adequate support, especially those in remote areas or conflict frontlines.
Natural Disasters Exacerbate Vulnerability
On top of conflict-driven displacement, Myanmar continues to face severe natural disasters. The August 2025 earthquake left tens of thousands without shelter, compounding the needs of already displaced populations.
UNHCR’s flash update documented widespread damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure, further straining the country’s fragile humanitarian system.
For many families, especially in the highlands and rural areas, recovery remains far out of reach without sustained international assistance.
Regional Implications: Refugee Movements Persist
Throughout 2024–2025, more than 136,000 Rohingya crossed borders in search of safety. Many traveled over dangerous land routes or attempted perilous sea journeys to Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Host nations — particularly Bangladesh — continue to shoulder immense pressure as capacity, land availability, and funding grow increasingly strained.
Tragically, refugee boat disasters remain common, revealing the desperate choices faced by those fleeing persecution and violence.
UNHCR Calls for Durable, Long-Term Solutions
UNHCR leadership has emphasized that the root solution to Myanmar’s displacement crisis lies within Myanmar itself.
Sustainable peace, restoration of rights, and a political resolution are essential to ensuring safe and voluntary return for IDPs and refugees.
International agencies stress that humanitarian aid alone cannot solve the crisis — political commitment and accountability are needed to end the cycle of displacement.
Zomi Communities: A Voice in the Crisis
For the Zomi people — one of the ethnic groups most impacted by conflict in Chin State and surrounding regions — the humanitarian crisis intersects with issues of identity, dignity, and survival.
Families continue to face:
- Displacement from ancestral lands
- Disruption of education and livelihoods
- Threats to religious freedom and cultural heritage
- Hardship in accessing humanitarian relief due to remoteness or military blockades
Zomi diaspora communities worldwide remain deeply concerned and actively engaged in advocacy, fundraising, and information sharing.
Zomi Press will continue to amplify these voices, provide accurate updates, and highlight the resilience of our people in the face of injustice.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Myanmar situation updates make one message clear:
The crisis is far from over.
Displacement is rising, humanitarian needs are unmet, and regional stability is increasingly at risk.
As the world enters a new year, the call for action — from governments, international organizations, and civil society — must grow louder and more urgent.
The Zomi community, both at home and abroad, continues to stand for justice, dignity, and long-lasting peace in Myanmar and across the region.
Zomi Press remains committed to informing, empowering, and advocating for all who seek freedom and hope.