"I am writing this from Mandalay—where the damage is most severe—and the ground is still shaking...I’ve worked alongside our Myanmar team through COVID-19, armed conflict, recurring power outages, Cyclone Mocha, and now a devastating earthquake—and each time, their unwavering commitment reaffirms that in times of crisis, legal aid is not just support; it’s a lifeline: showing up in the hardest-hit places, listening to people, advocating fiercely, addressing underlying needs, and making sure that even in disaster, the rights of the most marginalized are not forgotten. " (fb)

This past Friday, a devastating earthquake shook #Myanmar and surrounding areas. We stand with our colleagues, partners, and clients in mourning this awful tragedy and express our deepest sympathies to all those who have been impacted. We are fortunate to report that all 42 members of our incredible team of lawyers, social workers, and support staff across Myanmar are safe and accounted for, as are their families. However, many of their homes and communities are badly damaged and access to electricity, food, and water is limited. Our Mandalay team has suffered the greatest impact from the earthquake, including our ILF office which has sustained significant structural damage. While our team faces immense personal challenges, they remain unwavering in their dedication to the ILF’s mission. Though internet and phone service are intermittent and many roads largely impassable, the ILF team has been prioritizing outreach to clients and detention centers around the impacted areas to ensure that they are safe, and their immediate needs are being met. We have already learned that one juvenile detention center in Mandalay collapsed. No injuries have been reported, and the children that were in that facility have been moved to another nearby detention center. We are concerned that this has created overcrowded conditions and placed strain on already limited food and water supplies. The ILF is working with UNICEF Myanmar and other partners to ensure aid for these children, and we are urgently beginning an assessment of detention centers and courts to ensure that the rights of people arrested and detained are not overlooked. Additionally, we are mobilizing to fight for the release of people in detention in and around the impacted areas in light of the extraordinary circumstances. If you are looking to make a difference, we invite you to make a contribution to the ILF. Your gift will help support the immediate needs and work of our amazing advocates in Myanmar and help them to reach detention centers in impacted areas and fight for the release of our clients. https://www.theilf.org/donate-crisis [photos: Damage inside the ILF's office; The street where the office is located] #MyanmarEarthquake (fb)