Download full report here.
2017 was the final year of the 2011-2017 Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Myanmar and UNICEF. During the year, a new Country Programme of Cooperation for 2018-2022 was prepared.
Despite the many challenges, particularly as a result of the escalation of conflict in Rakhine State, significant results for children were achieved over the course of the year.
UNICEF and its partners strived to improve the lives of children in their communities, by continuing to support the delivery of services with a focus on expanding further into areas that are hard to reach, filling critical capacity gaps and demonstrating sustainable models. Here are some of our key results:
Rising to humanitarian challenges
In 20017, UNICEF reached over 130,000 children through its humanitarian response in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan states. However, ensuring access to basic health, education and protection for all children proved challenging due to increased insecurity, restricted access and limited funding. Here are some highlights:
Policy reforms and strengthening government systems
UNICEF has supported major policy initiatives that have reached important milestones in 2017. These include the launch of the Vital Registration Manual to support making birth registration available to all children in the country.
Guidelines on the minimum Standard of Care and Protection for Children in Residential Facilities were launched in November 2017. Also, during the year the National Education Strategic Plan was launched and the Early Childhood Intervention Strategic Plan adopted.
Understanding that strong systems are needed to deliver quality services, UNICEF worked with the Government to boost education, social and health care systems and continued to advocate for evidence-based policy solutions.
Promoting a culture of child rights
UNICEF partnerships with Parliaments, Youth, the Interfaith for children platform and national media were strengthened. Key influencers in Myanmar society were mobilised as champions for child rights taking action to support UNICEF’s advocacy priorities.
Thank you
All this work would not have been possible without the partnership UNICEF Myanmar continues to enjoy with the international development community and the array of donors who have supported us so generously.
Download the full report here and stay tuned for many more achievements to come in 2018 and beyond.