On the frontlines of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar: Children, resilience, and hope

I was appointed to Myanmar in June 2025. The images that first came to mind were those of a country that has faced decades of conflict, one that had also been struck by  a devastating earthquake earlier that year. From my very first day, the occasional power outages made it feel all too real that I had arrived in Myanmar.

Amid ongoing humanitarian challenges further exacerbated by the major earthquake last March, I felt a deep responsibility to stand with those affected and find ways to help. The humanitarian crisis faced by innocent children, whose childhoods have been disrupted, was especially heartbreaking.

In cooperation with UNICEF Myanmar, I decided to travel from Yangon to Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, the northernmost region of the country, to visit UNICEF’s project sites and see firsthand how Korea’s partnership with UNICEF was reaching children and families in some of the most difficult conditions.

The day of departure, 18 August, finally arrived. Korea has provided various forms of humanitarian assistance to support the people of Myanmar through partners, including UNICEF. The main purpose of this visit was to observe UNICEF project sites supported by the government of the Republic of Korea and to exchange views with UNICEF field staff on how to further strengthen the impact of these projects.

After roughly an hour and a half in the air, the plane landed briefly in Mandalay, where some passengers disembarked and others bound for Myitkyina boarded. Through the window, wide plains of rice filed and farmland stretched into the distance. I found myself reflecting on Myanmar’s rich landscape and on Korea’s own journey from hardship to development. A kind young Myanmar passenger offered help with refreshments, and I thanked him in my limited Burmese, “che zu tin ba deh.” His shy smile, framed by the soft evening sunset, left a gentle impression. By the time we arrived in Myitkyina, the light was fading, and we headed straight to rest ahead of the next day’s programme.

The following morning, we received a briefing at the UNICEF Myitkyina office on the situation in Kachin State and UNICEF’s ongoing activities. I was told that it had been a long time since a head of mission had visited UNICEF’s humanitarian sites in Kachin, and the team expressed their warm appreciation. We then visited a school supported by Korea through a WASH project. Seeing the Republic of Korea’s logo on a water tank stirred a deep sense of pride and purpose. Children washed their hands to a song adapted from “Happy Birthday,” visited clean new toilet facilities, and parents expressed their heartfelt thanks. 

As we travelled onward, plans to visit an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp were halted at a checkpoint due to security concerns. UNICEF staff adjusted without hesitation. Witnessing the security constraints and delays underscored the realities humanitarian workers face daily.

Back at the office, discussions continued on the Korea-supported mine action project. Seeing children injured by landmines was profoundly painful. One boy made his way on crutches, having lost a leg, and even a brief glimpse of his condition was deeply moving. His mother calmly explained what had happened and expressed gratitude for Korea’s support, which had covered initial medical care, hospital coordination, and transportation. She also shared her hopes for continued assistance, including prosthetics and psychological counseling. Witnessing their resilience and the challenges they face was a powerful reminder of why sustained humanitarian support is not just important, but essential.

The next day, we visited an IDP camp arriving at a multipurpose hall where children were receiving explosive ordnance risk education (EORE). Teachers used pictures to explain the dangers and instructed the children never to touch such devices and to immediately alert a nearby adult if they came across one.

A mobile clinic operated alongside the hall, providing health checks and treatment to children and families. Families expressed relief and gratitude for the regular support, which helped ensure children’s health in difficult conditions. We also observed the camp’s housing, where several families shared cramped spaces and limited facilities. Despite the sweltering heat and scarcity of resources, children gathered outdoors for activities during exercise and singing. At the camp school, young students who had been displaced by conflict participated eagerly in English lessons, reflecting remarkable resilience even in the most challenging circumstances.

As I flew back to Yangon, the past two days replayed vividly in my mind. Korea’s humanitarian assistance is rooted in compassion, diplomacy, realism, and lived history. My generation witnessed Korea’s transformation from extreme poverty to prosperity, a journey made possible only through the generosity of the international community. Myanmar, too, stands as part of the shared history, having supported Korea during the Korean War with its rice donation.

At a time when humanitarian aid is declining globally, Korea’s continued commitment draws genuine appreciation. Whenever I hear such gratitude, I find myself explaining that Koreans have not forgotten the help we once received. As the plane descended into the glittering evening lights of Yangon, the song “It’s a Small World” quietly came to mind:

“It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears, it’s a world of hopes and a world of fears. There’s so much that we share, that it’s time we’re aware, It’s a small world after all.”

This visit was a powerful reminder that the true essence of humanitarian assistance lies in sharing others’ pain as our own and extending a helping hand in times of need, never forgetting the many kind hands that once lifted us when we, too, were in need.