After the military seized power in February 2021, it became more difficult for persons with disabilities to make a living because of the scarcity of job opportunities. Due to political instability, businesses are reducing staff and stopping work, according to the person helping persons with disabilities in Mon State.
“There are no more job opportunities. If business people have to reduce the number of employees, they will only reduce the number of disabled people. After this coup, there will be more unemployment,” said a man helping the disabled.
He added that they are working in connection with vocational training institutes to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, but it is not practical. In addition, people with disabilities who have been stopped from work face difficulties in making a living.
According to the person helping people with disabilities in Mawlamyine Township, even though the military council has given loans that do not lose their capital, it will not be convenient for the disabled in the long term.
“If the SAC council only declares that they give the loan, it will take a long time to reach us. Even if the loan does come, they will not be able to get enough from each individual,” he said.
Therefore, the SAC Council wants to find employment opportunities that are more effective than loans, he added.
The number of disabled people increased after the military coup, but they consider that the data cannot be shown because there is no exact list.
According to Myanmar’s 2019 Interim Census, 12.8 percent of the country’s population are disabled.
