Children in Myanmar at risk of abuse, exploitation following devastating earthquake, World Vision warns

MANDALAY (April 1, 2025) – Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has issued an urgent warning that children in Myanmar face an increased risk of abuse and exploitation after being displaced from their homes and schools by the recent earthquake. 

“As we have seen in previous emergencies, children in disaster-stricken areas are among the most vulnerable,” said Dr. Kyi Minn, World Vision’s national director in Myanmar. “In Myanmar, these children were already exposed to numerous hardships. Now, many are homeless, and some have been separated from their families, putting them at even greater risk of abuse.”

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, emergency response efforts are primarily focused on lifesaving interventions. However, Dr. Minn emphasized that child protection must remain a top priority.

“Conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies expose children to increased risk of violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect. Sadly, there are some people who will prey on increased vulnerability and will take advantage of these children at a time when they most need support and protection. As a child-focused organization, the safety and protection of children is World Vision’s main priority and will be central in our response to this emergency.” 

The earthquake compounds an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar, where nearly 20 million people already required humanitarian assistance across the country, including more than 3.5 million people displaced from their homes.  

“Even before this earthquake, the situation for children in Myanmar was dire,” Dr. Minn said.   

“Now, widespread displacement and the destruction of essential services have compounded the suffering. During emergencies like this some children are forced to flee, separated from their families and increasingly exposed to exploitation and abuse along the way. They are in danger of potential injury and even death. Girls are particularly at risk.” 

World Vision, which has worked in Myanmar since 1991, has launched a rapid assessment of the hardest-hit areas in the Mandalay region and has begun distributing essential aid, including food, clean water and shelter materials.  

The organization is also working to ensure access to healthcare, sanitation and psychosocial support for affected children and their families. 

“Roads have been severely damaged, making it difficult for us to get aid to those who need it,” continued Dr. Minn. “Families are struggling to survive soaring temperatures without shelter, food, or medical care while enduring immense physical and emotional trauma.”  

World Vision aims to support approximately 500,000 people, including 200,000 children, with essentials like food, water, hygiene kits, and child protection programs.  “It is critical that children can return to a sense of normalcy as soon as possible,” says Dr. Minn. “They need safe homes, access to education, and protection from the risks of child labor, [child] marriage, and other forms of abuse and exploitation. We must act urgently to ensure these children are safe and can rebuild their lives, so that they can enjoy the bright future that all children deserve.”  

About World Vision: 
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.