Myanmar earthquake: UN calls for urgent protection of vulnerable women and girls

As an ambulance enters women and girls who were already vulnerable because of the years of conflict, displacement and economic instability, now face even greater risks of Gender-based violence and exploitation, toward to a coalition guided without UN that responds to the crisis.

“Girls are especially vulnerable, especially when they are separated from their families or live in overcrowded shelters without adequate privacy,” warned, emphasizing the need for protection measures.

“With many carers injured or killed, Emergency efforts are needed for identification, protection and reunification of children unaccompanied and separate children. ”

The coalition is formally referred to Paul in a humanitarian action working grouphe is guided No-women and the UN reproductive health care agency (UNFPA).

Provisional fireworking reports

News report on Wednesday that Myanmar’s military military junta announced a temporary ceasefire from 2 to 22. April to facilitate emergency assistance and rescue operations.

This follows an earlier statement of the cessation of fire by armed groups that oppose Junting earlier this week.

Myanmar remains engaged in deepening the crisis of Tatmadaw – such as the military known – Leave a democratically elected government 2021. yearsClosed superior leaders, including the president defeated Myint and the State Adviser Aung San Suu Kyi.

Existing vulnerabilities

Although estimates say that up to 20 million people can influence earthquakesWomen and girls – who have already made up more than half of 10 million people in the urgent need to help before disaster – challenges to set up people.

More than The chaos is built into chaos through central Myanmar, and 12.250 is expected to be born in April.

Destruction of health institutions and damage to roads and bridges has cut off access to basic reproductive health services, jeopardizing pregnant women and survivors of gender-based violence that rely on medical support.

“Before the earthquake, Women and girls in Myanmar have already faced significant stress of mental health Due to the long conflict, political instability and economic challenges. The disaster deepened this stress, “UN agencies added.

Backnings of action

“Women, especially from the crisis affected communities, must be actively involved in designing and implementing estimates to ensure that their priorities are reflected“They emphasized the UN humanitarians.

Women and girls need a safe shelter, clean water and enough food. Shelters should have locks, lights and private spaces. IMABLE IMS SAFE TOILLETS AND BATHES, TOMING WITH SETTS OF DIGNITY AND MENSTRUAL HYGIEN PRODUCTS.

Adequate lighting near water places and toilets can reduce the risk of gender-based violence, especially after dark, and agencies also emphasize the need to include organization that women in response.

Many NGOs for women “are on earth and are willing to provide support, drawing on their deep connections and understanding of the context For efficient identification and responding to the specific needs of women and girls, “UN agencies added.

Limited funds undermine relief

The main relief UN Tom Fletcher issued an emergency attraction for greater funding to support the help efforts, warning that access to survivors is difficult to restrict.

While 5 million dollars are separated from the UN Central UN emergency fund (Cerf) The answer “interfered with lack of funding,” he said on Tuesday, with disorders in communication and transport networks.

“We are in contact with the authorities about how the international community can do more. We must have unlimited, secure access. All parties must support civilian protection obligations, “he added.

Meanwhile, Project Services Office (UNOPS) has mobilized 12 million dollars in emergency fundswhich is awarded to cash and food assistance, non-food items, shelters, water, sanitary channels, debris and health care, including mental health support.

“We provide assistance through our esteemed partners and are deeply grateful to our donors on their rapid support, enabling this faster response. We are ready to scale our support as a full scope of damage becomes clear,” said Sara Netzer in Myanmar.