Myanmar: Reckless US Aid Freeze Puts Human Rights and Lives at Risk: When the United States abruptly halted foreign aid funding, it didn’t just pause bureaucratic processes—it put thousands of lives at immediate risk. Refugees, civilians in conflict zones, and those fleeing persecution in Myanmar now face a dire humanitarian crisis, with hospitals shutting down, aid programs crumbling, and essential supplies running out.
The situation is urgent and devastating, and without immediate action—whether by reversing the decision, implementing clear exemptions, or fast-tracking waivers—innocent lives will be lost.
US Aid Freeze: A Sudden Blow at the Worst Possible Time
On January 20, 2024, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order suspending foreign aid for 90 days to reassess whether it aligns with American foreign policy. Just days later, on January 24, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed up with an immediate stop-work order affecting aid projects worldwide.
While limited exemptions were carved out for military aid to Israel and Egypt and emergency food assistance, the broader aid freeze meant that critical support for humanitarian work—including refugee assistance, medical aid, and human rights programs—was abruptly cut off.
For Myanmar, a country already reeling from a military coup, escalating violence, and mass displacement, this decision could not have come at a worse time.
The Human Cost: Lives in Limbo as Aid Dries Up
Over the years, US funding has been a lifeline for Myanmar’s most vulnerable populations, financing:
✅ Emergency shelter for human rights activists fleeing persecution
✅ Food aid for displaced communities
✅ Medical treatment for those caught in the crossfire of conflict
✅ Early-warning systems for airstrikes
✅ Education initiatives for refugees with no access to formal schooling
But with funding suddenly frozen, these life-saving programs are now shutting down overnight, leaving tens of thousands stranded.
From February 3-10, Amnesty International spoke with 12 Myanmar refugees in Thailand and 14 organizations working on Myanmar-related aid. Every single group expressed deep concern over the severe and immediate consequences of the funding halt. Not one had received official communication or confirmation of a waiver from the US government.
“The Mission is Not to Die”: Refugee Camps in Crisis
The aid freeze has hit nine refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border, home to over 100,000 people—many of whom have been displaced multiple times due to conflict.
🔴 Hospitals Shutting Down: The International Rescue Committee (IRC), which operates clinics in the camps with USAID funding, was forced to close its medical centers immediately. Some Thai hospitals stepped in, but their resources are stretched dangerously thin.
🔴 Fatal Consequences: In Umpien Camp, multiple residents reported at least four deaths due to the sudden closure of medical facilities, with people being denied oxygen and IV treatment. Reuters confirmed that Pe Kha Lau, 71, died just four days after being turned away from a US-funded healthcare facility.
🔴 Food and Water at Risk: The Thai Border Consortium (TBC), responsible for food and cooking fuel in all nine camps, warned that without immediate funding, food supplies will run out within 4-6 weeks. With 60% of its funding coming from the US, this crisis could soon turn into a full-scale famine.
🔴 Desperation Sets In: Ma Su Su, a volunteer medical worker, described the scene on the day the aid stoppage was announced:
“I told everyone, it’s only 90 days. We’ll be okay after 90 days. But I feel hopeless. The mission is not to die.”
The Bigger Picture: Productivity and Humanitarian Efforts
The consequences of this aid freeze go beyond immediate survival—it is crippling long-term productivity in humanitarian operations.
💡 Healthcare workers, already struggling under immense pressure, are now being forced to turn away patients or improvise treatments without proper supplies.
💡 Aid organizations, which rely on structured long-term funding, are now caught in a bureaucratic limbo, unable to plan ahead or maintain critical programs.
💡 Human rights defenders, who have relied on US-funded safe houses and emergency relocation, are now at risk of deportation, arrest, or worse.
A well-funded aid network doesn’t just save lives—it helps build resilience, stability, and self-sufficiency. When humanitarian workers have access to proper funding and tools, they increase their efficiency, scale operations, and create sustainable solutions rather than constantly fighting fires.
“Very Tough Days for Us”: The Crisis in Myanmar Escalates
Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for civilians. Airstrikes, artillery attacks, and mass displacement have reached new heights, with entire villages wiped out.
🚑 Healthcare under threat: Civil society groups providing frontline medical care in conflict zones are now unable to transport lifesaving equipment—including battery-powered ultrasound and X-ray machines that could serve 50,000 people.
🏥 No funds for emergency surgery: Groups that previously covered surgical costs for civilians injured in airstrikes now have no way to continue funding these critical procedures.
💊 Medicine shortages: Treatments for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and mental health services—previously supported by US aid—are now at risk of running out.
Without urgent intervention, this crisis will only deepen.
Lack of Communication, Lack of Clarity
Despite claims that life-saving humanitarian aid is exempt from the funding freeze, organizations on the ground have yet to receive confirmation or guidance.
📢 No clear messaging: Groups assisting at-risk individuals say they have been left in the dark, with no official word on whether they can resume work.
📢 No real waivers granted: While the US announced exceptions for emergency aid, not one of the Myanmar-based groups Amnesty spoke to has received approval to continue operations.
A Gift to the Myanmar Military?
By freezing aid with no clear alternative, the US is playing directly into the hands of the Myanmar military, which has spent years silencing activists, targeting journalists, and blocking humanitarian efforts.
This decision is making it easier for the military to crack down on freedom of expression while leaving those who stand against oppression without support or safety nets.
“By cutting off funding, the US is effectively giving the Myanmar military a gift in their crackdown on human rights,” said Amnesty researcher Joe Freeman.
The Path Forward: Immediate Action is Needed
The US must act immediately to:
✔ Grant and communicate waivers for life-saving humanitarian work
✔ Ensure funding for essential services like food, shelter, and medical care continues
✔ Provide long-term clarity on aid funding to allow organizations to plan ahead
Right now, lives are on the line. And unless the US government moves fast, the human cost will only grow.
What You Can Do
📢 Raise awareness by sharing this story
✍ Contact policymakers and demand action on aid waivers
💰 Support trusted humanitarian organizations working in Myanmar
Every second counts. The mission is not to die. But without urgent intervention, survival is becoming harder by the day.