UNDP: Area-based Support to Strengthen Resilience in Myanmar


Myanmar is in a protracted crisis situation; this project adopts a nexus approach combining humanitarian, development and peace interventions to address long-term challenges and achieve sustainable results. Through its partnership with UNDP, Switzerland will strengthen the capacities of vulnerable communities, enabling them to meet their basic needs, recover from external shocks, and promote their resilience.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Myanmar
Governance
Agriculture & food security
Humanitarian Assistance & DRR
Democratic participation and civil society
Household food security
Protection, access & security
01.01.2023 - 31.12.2025
CHF  8’550’000
Background Conflict, insecurity and displacement are severely affecting civilians in Myanmar. The conflict has intensified, and led to numerous violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law. The economic situation has worsened, as 46% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2022. Women have been disproportionately affected by job and income losses. The agricultural sector, a crucial component of the economy, has suffered due to conflict, displacement, land contamination and soaring input prices. As a consequence, food insecurity has risen (expected 15.2 million food insecure people in 2023). Myanmar is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change, with cyclones, floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures becoming more frequent and severe. Cyclone MOCHA, which struck in May 2023, affected an estimated 5.4 million people across the country, compounding the existing impacts of the armed conflict. Since the coup, UNDP has developed and tested new methodologies to operate in this drastically changed context maintaining solid participatory and inclusive local governance approaches. UNDP is operating according to the UN principles of engagement and does not provide any financial or technical assistance to the Military Authorities. UNDP is well positioned to implement this new area-based programme building upon its expertise and experience in the country. Switzerland brings added value by showing commitment to a comprehensive nexus approach combining development, humanitarian and peace interventions to enhance resilience of communities, including displaced people.
Objectives

Vulnerable communities, including displaced and conflict affected populations, have better skills and means to meet their basic needs, are safer in their communities and are able to adapt and recover from natural disasters and climate shocks.

Geographically, the Swiss contribution will focus mainly on Rakhine and Kachin States, including communities affected by the cyclone Mocha.

Target groups Vulnerable communities in 67 townships, including people affected by conflict, natural disaster or displacement, women and youth and civil society groups.
Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1)    Vulnerable communities, displaced and conflict affected populations have improved access to diversified livelihoods and income generating opportunities.

Outcome 2)    Communities have improved standard of living and better access to essential services, such as clean drinking water, community access roads and basic infrastructures, including preparedness against external shocks (including natural disasters and climate risks).

Outcome 3)    Vulnerable populations, including displaced and stateless populations, have improved access to legal services, protection, and fundamental rights.

Outcome 4)    Civil society, community structures, women and youth groups are strengthened and empowered to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities and promote social cohesion and inclusive development.

Results

Expected results:  

1.1)    Enhanced and diversified local food production;

1.2)    Improved agricultural infrastructures;

1.3)    Women and youth have improved employment opportunities.

2.1)    Access to improved basic services (health, WASH);

2.2)    Preparedness and capacity to mitigate natural disasters and climate risks;

2.3)    Common community infrastructures rehabilitated.

3.1)    Access to legal services, protection, and fundamental rights.

4.1)    Capacity building of CSOs, CBOs and private sector to enhance service provision to vulnerable communities and civic space;

4.2)    Community-level trust and social cohesion strengthened.


Results from previous phases:  

The UNDP Township Democratic Local Governance Programme (TDLG), co-funded by FCDO and Switzerland, has laid the foundation for this proposed intervention. From 2017 to early 2021, the program successfully completed three cycles of participatory planning processes in Mon State and Bago Region. This resulted in the implementation of 110 local priority projects, including infrastructure and health facilities, benefiting over 600’000 individuals. It also introduced social accountability mechanisms and public hearings to foster transparency and accountability. These efforts influenced a significant local governance reform under the civilian government.

Following the military coup, the project pivoted its approach based on the UN and Swiss Principles of Engagement and implemented several local governance pilot projects in 2021 and 2022 based on direct community engagement, which directly and indirectly reached over 130’000 households in crisisaffected areas across 25 townships. The insights gained from this experience have informed the design of our propos project, building upon lessons learned.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Development Programme


Other partners
Contribution to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Myanmar. UNDP is committed to respect the UN and the Swiss Principles of Engagement and does not provide any technical or financial assistance to the military authorities.
Coordination with other projects and actors Synergies with other projects in the Governance portfolio (Civil Society, Land Governance), Women and Girls First (WGF), with Swiss bilateral projects in Rakhine (CDNH, CSI, Meikswe); and with other Swiss multilateral contributions (LIFT, WFP, UNHCR).
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    8’550’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    3’750’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.01.2023 - 31.12.2025   (Current phase)