#StopWeaponizationOfAid

Why This Campaign Matters

Background

The Stop Weaponization of Aid (STOP WoA) campaign was launched in response to the Myanmar military junta’s deliberate misuse of humanitarian assistance following the 7.7-magnitude Sagaing earthquake on 28 March 2025.

In the critical days after the disaster—when rescue and relief efforts were most needed—the junta imposed internet shutdowns, restricted access to affected areas, blocked information flows, and intimidated local responders. At the same time, it continued carrying out airstrikes across the country, including in earthquake-affected regions, rather than using its resources to save lives.

Despite receiving substantial international donations for earthquake relief, evidence indicates that much of the aid was not distributed transparently or equitably. Large portions of funds and supplies were diverted, withheld, or left unaccounted for, while civilians reported that assistance failed to reach many communities in need. This mirrors a long-standing pattern in Myanmar, where humanitarian aid has been repeatedly exploited for political and military purposes during past disasters.

STOP WoA calls on international governments, organizations, and donors to recognize these risks and take action to prevent humanitarian assistance from being weaponized. The campaign advocates for aid to be delivered through transparent, accountable, and people-centered channels that bypass military control—so that aid saves lives, rather than enabling violence and repression.

Aid through the junta = No aid for the people

The campaign aims:

To prevent a repeat of incidents like Cyclone Nargis (2008), Cyclone Mocha (2023), and Cyclone Yagi (2024), when the Myanmar junta
manipulated and weaponized humanitarian aid during natural disasters
for political and military gain.
To reach aid to the people directly and protect from becoming Weaponization Of Aid
The international community must ensure that the aid provided to help Myanmar through its government, out of humanitarian concern, do not end up in the hands of the military junta and become blood money

Objectives of the Campaign

To publicly denounce the terrorist military junta’s manipulation and exploitation of relief supplies for the 2025 Sagaing earthquake disaster, using them as political and military weapons.
To mobilize and urge affiliated organizations, governments, and private actors to immediately end their complicity in these acts.
To prevent the repetition of the military junta’s exploitation of humanitarian aid for profit from the suffering of the people, as they did during the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis (2008), Cyclone Mocha (2023), and Typhoon Yagi (2024).
Raise global awareness and mobilize grassroots action against these unethical practices.
Foster international solidarity by bringing together human rights organizations and advocacy groups to form a united response.