UNDP: Area-based Support to Strengthen Resilience in Myanmar

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.

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.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

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.

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

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.