In just over a week, our team at the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Institute will set out for the Thai-Myanmar border. This mission takes place amidst one of Southeast Asia’s most complex crises. Myanmar’s Kayin (Karen) and Shan States have been struggling with protracted conflict, displacement, and severe restrictions on access to essential services. Then, Typhoon Yagi struck, worsening an already critical situation.

Thousands of people across these regions now face even greater challenges as roads wash out, homes are destroyed, and vital services remain blocked. With millions in need of humanitarian assistance, we know that our mission alone can’t solve the crisis—but it’s a step toward making a difference.

We are well aware that our efforts will only scratch the surface of the vast needs in Myanmar. As a relatively new organisation in this space, we approach this mission with humility, ready to listen, learn, and engage with those already working on the ground. Our goal is to support communities across both Myanmar and Thailand, focusing on humanitarian access in Myanmar, while remaining on the Thai side of the border and delivering WASH aid for community based organisations.

What We’re Doing: Our Two-Fold Mission

1. Providing WASH Supplies: Our Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) aid supplies have been secured and are ready for transport to the border. This aid will provide immediate relief, ensuring that communities have access to basic needs that are crucial for health and wellbeing.

2. Enhancing Humanitarian Access: Our analytical team has completed most of the remote data collection for Kayin and Shan States, now undergoing quality assurance. We’re developing interview questions and surveys to use on the ground, aiming to gain contextualised insights into the obstacles that are blocking aid delivery.

Engaging with Local Communities and Partners

We have locked in our participation in WASH training at the border for our deployees. This provides a valuable opportunity to engage with local community-based groups, listen to their experiences, and learn about the specific challenges they face. By collaborating closely with those already operating in the region, we aim to strengthen our partnerships and better understand how to support ongoing efforts.

Why Data Collection Matters

Data is more than just information; it’s the foundation for effective humanitarian action. Accurate, timely data helps us identify the most pressing needs, navigate barriers, and support coordination among various organisations. Our remote data collection has already started providing insights into the situation in Kayin and Shan, but it’s the on-the-ground engagement that will deepen our understanding and shape our future actions.

We also view data collection as an educational opportunity. We ensure that our assessments are quantified so they can be communicated visually, and that each assessment includes an evaluation of the reliability of sources used and credibility of information reported. This enables us to determine the level of confidence in our assessments, and if that level is low we can seek other methods to further corroborate our analysis. The methodologies we use, such as source evaluation, open source intelligence (OSINT), developing robust assessments and geospatial analysis, are covered in our Intelligence Essentials Course. By teaching these skills, we aim to build a network of informed professionals ready to contribute to humanitarian operations around the world.

A Call for Support

While we have made significant progress in preparing for this mission, we still need further funding. Currently, Airlink is our primary support enabling travel for our mission and we have had a handful of individual donors but we remain short of the funding needed to cover all aspects of our operation which impacts sustainability. You can support us and learn more here. We estimate that with our program every $1 can support up to 14 affected people enhance access to critical services and protection. If you want to learn how you can support or to get an information pack by contacting admin@hadrinstitute.org.

Your support can help us:

• Deliver Aid: Provide essential WASH supplies to the communities most in need.

• Conduct Field and Remote Assessments: Gather valuable data to improve access and aid delivery.

• Enhance access and localisation: Strengthen community-based organisations and enhance their ability to deliver impacts.

Developing Future Humanitarian Leaders

We’re also setting up mentorship and intern programs to support future operations. Our Intelligence Essentials Course equips candidates with the skills needed to participate in missions like this one. By enrolling in the course, participants join a growing network of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in humanitarian contexts.

Thank You for Your Support

Your involvement—whether through donations, enrolling in our courses, or simply sharing our story—helps us take meaningful steps toward improving the lives of those affected by this crisis. Together, we can navigate these complexities and work towards a future where aid reaches those who need it most.

About the HADR Institute

The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Institute specialises in supporting humanitarian operations through data-driven analysis, training, and on-the-ground assessments. Founded to enhance aid delivery in crisis-affected regions, we work collaboratively to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.