Enduring Through Adversity

As the conflict in Myanmar drags on, it is deeply disheartening—though not entirely surprising—to witness the waning support and attention from the international community. Unfortunately, this is a familiar pattern with crises of this scale: as time passes, the world’s focus inevitably shifts, and the plight of those suffering fades from the global conversation. Over three years since the military coup, Myanmar’s struggle is no exception. But let us be clear—this diminishing attention should not be mistaken for a resolution or de-escalation of the crisis. In fact, the atrocities perpetrated by the military have only escalated, unchecked by international scrutiny.

At Better Burma, we find this growing indifference particularly alarming. Our work, which has been so vital in delivering aid, supporting education initiatives, and advocating for the Burmese people's rights, has had struggles continuing to stay afloat. The dwindling donation fund has left us scrambling to sustain our operations at a time when our assistance is needed more than ever. The stark reality is that, as the world turns its gaze elsewhere, Myanmar’s military feels increasingly emboldened. The reduction in international pressure has granted them a dangerous sense of impunity, allowing them to act with little fear of consequence.

Historically, this is a well-worn tactic of military juntas—waiting for the inevitable shift in global attention before carrying out their worst abuses under the radar. But today’s crisis has seen a somewhat different dynamic. The rise of social media has made it harder for the international community to entirely disengage. Young activists, especially from Gen Z, have been pivotal in keeping the conversation alive. In the early days of the coup, movements like the Milk Tea Alliance, born in solidarity across Asia’s protest movements, brought renewed global awareness to Myanmar’s plight. From Yangon’s streets to the townships of Mandalay, these activists captured the world's attention, rallying support and shining a light on the violence that unfolded.

Despite these efforts, however, we are now entering a new, more perilous phase. Global fatigue is setting in, and international disengagement is becoming more pronounced. Over the past year, the situation has deteriorated even further. Airstrikes on civilian areas have become more frequent and more devastating. Entire villages are being razed to the ground as part of a calculated scorched-earth campaign. Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, meant to provide refuge, have increasingly become targets for attack, even as more than 3 million people have been made homeless by military atrocities. This horrific violence is accompanied by a litany of human rights abuses, including rape, torture, abduction, and the systematic murder of civilians—all carried out with a chilling precision and cruelty.

For those on the ground, life has become a day-to-day struggle for survival. The humanitarian needs are overwhelming, with many displaced families lacking basic necessities like food, medicine, and shelter. As Better Burma, we have made every effort to respond to these needs. Our partners have been on the front lines, offering aid and protection to those most at risk. But our capacity to continue this work is being severely strained by the drop in financial support.

To all those who have donated in the past, we offer our deepest thanks. Your generosity has allowed us to provide life-saving support to so many over the past two years. Without it, countless lives would have been lost or further devastated. Yet, we must now implore you not to turn away from the people of Myanmar at this critical juncture. They continue to resist a brutal military regime, fighting valiantly for their freedom, democracy, and a future that is rooted in human rights and justice. This fight is far from over, and their need for solidarity is greater than ever.

We humbly ask that you consider contributing whatever you can to help us sustain our mission. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an enormous difference. With your support, we can continue to provide humanitarian aid, support grassroots resistance, and advocate for the rights of Myanmar’s people. Together, we can help keep the flame of resistance alive and make a tangible, lasting impact in their struggle for a brighter future. In doing so, we can play a part in shaping a future where tyranny has no place, and the people of Myanmar can finally realize the democracy they have so long deserved.