Internal displacement in Myanmar
The forced movement of people within Myanmar who flee conflict, violence, or persecution without crossing an internationally recognized border.
Myanmar civil war: An armed conflict between Myanmar’s military and a range of ethnic armed organizations and resistance forces. Fighting between the military and armed opponents is a major driver of displacement.
1962 Burmese coup d'état: The military coup that ended civilian rule in Burma and began decades of military-dominated government. Military rule and ethnic insurgencies established longstanding conditions for forced movement.
Rohingya people: A predominantly Muslim ethnic group originating in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, many of whom are denied citizenship there. Rohingya face confinement and repeated displacement, including within Rakhine State.
Humanitarian aid in Myanmar: Emergency assistance delivered in Myanmar during conflict and disasters, including food, shelter, health care, and protection. Conflict, access restrictions, and funding gaps constrain aid to displaced communities.
Internal displacement monitoring: The collection and analysis of data about people forced from their homes within their own countries. Changing front lines and limited access make displacement estimates in Myanmar uncertain.
Tatmadaw: The armed forces of Myanmar, historically dominated by the Bamar majority and central to national politics. Military operations and abuses have forced civilians from homes across several regions.
Karen conflict: An armed conflict between the Karen National Union and successive Burmese governments, beginning in 1949. Decades of fighting in Karen areas produced repeated civilian displacement.
Karen people: An ethnic group concentrated in southeastern Myanmar, with diverse languages, religions, and political organizations. Karen communities have endured prolonged displacement from conflict and military operations.
Internally displaced persons camps: Temporary or long-term settlements housing people forced from their homes within their own country. Camps and camp-like sites shelter some displaced people, often with limited services and security.
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre: An organization that tracks and analyzes internal displacement worldwide, including through annual displacement estimates. Its reporting offers comparable estimates while documenting limits in available Myanmar data.