Myanmar

Protection 
DRC implements a comprehensive protection strategy to address protection risks and concerns at individual and community levels while seeking to influence and change in the wider protection environment. The main protection activities include protection monitoring, community-based protection and case management, gender-based violence and child protection.

An improved protective environment is facilitated through capacity building of community-based mechanisms (Protection Focal Points, Community Based Protection Groups, and Child Protection Groups) and community-based protection assistance (small infrastructure support). DRC also provides support and referrals through case management to specific individuals or families.

Humanitarian Mine Action
DRC/DDG conducts assessments in villages to collect information and identify areas potentially contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). Based on the assessment findings, MRE sessions are conducted in schools and the communities. During MRE sessions, Community Mapping exercises are conducted by DRC/DDG to collect information about mines, ERW, conflict, and mine accidents. Combined with trainings with duty bearers, these activities are expected to help reduce the level of risks and mine-related incidents.

In Kayah State, DRC/DDG has also been conducting Non-Technical Surveys (NTS) since 2017 to better identify areas where mines/ERW are to be found. NTS contributes to improving safe access to livelihoods in rural areas and to reducing the risk caused by mines/ERW within target communities by informing the population on the exact location, extent and nature of the threat. In addition, NTS findings provide crucial information to facilitate the planning and prioritization of future demining activities.

Livelihoods
With a strong emphasis on durable solutions, DRC’s livelihood activities focus on emergency income generation and employment, vocational training and micro-enterprise development to increase livelihood opportunities and improve the capacities of households.

Currently, DRC is providing in-depth market-driven technical skills training and business management skills training to conflict affected persons. DRC also provides restricted cash grants for conflict affected persons to kick-start their income-generating activity. In addition, DRC implements an informal apprenticeship component to provide on-the-job training through local employers. DRC is present in Rakhine, Kachin and Northern Shan states, and coordinates with other livelihood actors through monthly meetings.

DRC is working closely with community representatives, government focal points and NGO/UN agencies to ensure that blockages are addressed and IDPs receive improved services. Information on camp demographics and service provision is collected and shared regularly to inform the overall humanitarian response.

Community participation activities are essential for engaging with community groups, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, youth, people with disabilities and the elderly; facilitating two-way information sharing; and enabling social cohesion in camps. The Complaint and Response Mechanism promotes accountability to the affected population by providing an anonymous platform for communities to highlight needs. DRC provides monthly analysis on the complaints received to service providers to facilitate timely and accurate responses. 

WASH
DRC provides essential water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in two Sittwe camps and one Pauktaw camp in Rakhine with a focus on accessibility and accountability through participatory approaches to empower IDPs to identify key issues and design solutions.

The program aims to ensure equitable access to safe sanitation, hygiene items and water by ensuring hand pump monitoring and maintenance; water quality testing; camp cleaning; solid waste management; sludge treatment; treated water supply; latrines construction, maintenance and monitoring; hygiene kits distribution. Instead of traditional hygiene promotion, DRC works with behaviour change peer groups who use participatory mapping techniques to analyze problematic WASH behaviours and design appropriate interventions.