Attachments
Executive Summary
This report presents a rapid assessment of the profound impact of the 28 March 2025 earthquake on Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and persons with disabilities in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions of Myanmar. The earthquake, a significant humanitarian event affecting over 17 million people across central Myanmar and resulting in substantial casualties [1], has disproportionately impacted persons with disabilities (PWDs). Conducted through a collaborative effort between UNFPA Myanmar and the Myanmar Independent Living Initiative (MILI), this rapid survey utilized Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with 15 OPDs and special schools (including 2 organizations focused on women with disabilities), in-depth interviews with 61 individual survivors with disabilities (30 of whom were women with disabilities), and a comprehensive desk review of publicly available information. The findings underscore the critical challenges faced by OPDs in supporting their constituents amidst widespread infrastructure damage, loss of essential resources, and significant barriers to accessing humanitarian assistance. This report details the scope of the impact on OPDs and their members, assesses the multifaceted damage incurred, outlines the immediate and long-term needs identified, analyzes the current response landscape, and concludes with key recommendations for ensuring inclusive and targeted humanitarian action. The direct testimonies of affected individuals and OPD representatives, integrated throughout this report, serve to amplify their voices and underscore the urgent imperative for a disability-inclusive response.