～ INGO Delivers Approximately 67,000 Servings of Staple Rice for the First Time Amid Civil Conflict ～

Myanmar, October 21, 2025 —

International Non-governmental Organization PEACE. (abbreviated as ingo PEACE., Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) has successfully opened a humanitarian food transport route to Hakha, the capital of Myanmar’s Chin State, one of the regions most affected by the ongoing conflict and heightened tension. Through coordination with local religious organizations, ingo PEACE. delivered approximately 67,000 servings of staple rice (about 5 tons) along a route that had long been sealed off due to fighting and blockades.

In an area where the transport of humanitarian supplies had been completely cut off, this marks the first instance in which an INGO secured an independent, safe route with the humanitarian understanding of the relevant authorities, thereby providing life-saving support and opening a path that had been closed for years — a true lifeline for the people.

Transcending political divisions and ideological differences, ingo PEACE. has embodied its philosophy that “Peace is a state in which energy reaches every form of life” through concrete, on-the-ground actions that directly support the lives of people.

ingo PEACE. staff distributing rice to residents in Hakha — smiles of relief emerging naturally across the community.

Background: An Isolated Chin State and a Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Located in the mountainous northwestern region of Myanmar, Chin State has endured severe food and medical shortages caused by prolonged civil war and economic sanctions. Major roads, communication lines, and power grids have been cut off, leaving communities in crisis.

Especially in the state capital, Hakha, the distribution of rice — the people’s staple food — had come to a complete halt, leaving local society in an urgent need of humanitarian assistance. For several years, the state had remained in isolation, unreachable even by international aid.

Among the most affected were impoverished families, the elderly, women, and children, who faced constant hunger. For them, “the day when rice returns to our tables” had become a desperate wish and symbol of hope.

Women safeguarding their families’ lives, holding rice delivered through the new route.

That’s Why We Deliver.

Amid escalating tensions on the ground—marked by repeated reports of airstrikes, civilian casualties, and retaliatory clashes around local police stations—fear and uncertainty continue to grip the region. Yet, precisely under such circumstances, ingo PEACE. chose to take action to support lives in distress on the ground, driven by its unwavering commitment to realizing a society where every life can live in safety and dignity.

Under the coordination of Rev. Dr. Bishop Ca Kung, the Christian Church Supervisor of Chin State, the organization successfully transported approximately 67,000 servings of staple rice (about 5 tons) from Kalaymyo to Hakha, overcoming all blockades and completing distribution to more than 200 households safely and without incident.

Even a small step forward — taken together in solidarity — can open closed paths.

This action, carried out even amid airstrikes on the day of transport, represents a practice of peace by safeguarding the “life-sustaining activities” of the people living there. It embodies in concrete action the “Definition of Peace” advocated by ingo PEACE. (see below)

The trucks that reopened the long-blocked route and delivered rice to Hakha.

“From Within, Not from the Outside.”

Our solidarity is not bound by any political position. It is an act of conscience — to protect the lives of those in the most vulnerable situations by “moving society from within the field.”

This operation, focusing on delivering “food — the source of life,” was carried out carefully and collaboratively with the understanding of local partners and communities.

Comment by Dr. Peter Ngun Za Cung, Representative Director, ingo PEACE.

“What brings true change to the world is opening our hearts and understanding one another through dialogue. In walking together with quiet compassion, we nurture the true hope that is built through our shared journey.”

Comment by Hiroyuki Nakazawa, Chairperson, ingo PEACE.

“Nothing is achieved by asking whether something can or cannot be done. What matters is whether we choose to act, and to plan with care. No matter how closed the path may seem, as long as we do not close our hearts, a way will open. This rice is not merely food—it is hope itself.”

Local faith leaders and citizens cooperating with ingo PEACE. in the rice distribution efforts.

Pathway Toward Peacebuilding (Ongoing Efforts by ingo PEACE.)

The organization has consistently engaged in on-site dialogue and field-based support initiatives.

Highlights of Our Journey Toward Peace:

2024

⚫ Sept 1: First official international medical aid shipment in collaboration with the Myanmar Red Cross Society

⚫ Oct 27: Delivery of approximately 3,000 clothing items as humanitarian relief

2025

⚫ Mar 29: Emergency food aid in earthquake-affected areas of Myanmar (10,000 households over two days)

⚫ Apr 9: PEACE. International Operation to conflict-affected zones

⚫ Apr 14: Interfaith Charity Event fostering unity across denominations

⚫ Jun 24: Comprehensive Alliance Agreement signed with the Center for Peace and Reconciliation (CPR) to promote sustainable peace and livelihood security

⚫ Aug 7: Human rights pro bono project launched with Thamardi Foundation

⚫ Aug 25: First-ever visit by a civilian organization to Myanmar correctional facilities, delivering hygiene and living supplies

⚫ Aug 27: Hosting Myanmar’s first independent “Human Rights Seminar”

⚫ Aug 28–30: “Peace and Future Business Council” for Myanmar reconstruction and future planning

⚫ Sept 21: Support for the repatriation of approximately 90,000 displaced residents to Loikaw, Kayah State (in collaboration with MCPSCC)

▼《ingo PEACE.》 Activity Timeline Movie

⚫ Oct 21: Opening of the humanitarian food transport route to Chin State — INGO delivers rice for the first time under wartime conditions

All of these initiatives share one consistent philosophy:

“Not to speak from outside, but to step inside and act together.”

ingo PEACE. is committed not only to advocating ideals but also to realizing them through persistent, practical engagement on the ground.

Precious rice being delivered to each region — sustaining lives and hope.

Practicing the Definition of Peace

At ingo PEACE., we define peace as follows:

“Peace is a state in which energy — in all its forms such as food, education, healthcare, livelihood, and culture — reaches every living being, leaving no zero point of deprivation anywhere on Earth.”

This philosophy was reaffirmed in a speech delivered at the “Myanmar Human Rights Seminar 2025 (Universal Values of Humanity Seminar)” hosted by the organization in Yangon on August 27, 2025, where ingo PEACE. shared its message of renewal:

“We must not live bound by the past, but direct our strength and energy toward a promise with the future — dedicating our finite lives to that choice.”

Today, this path — one that protects the dignity of life — has indeed been opened.

Future Outlook: Toward a “Coexistent Peace” Through Law and Humanity

ingo PEACE., in collaboration with the legal community, religious institutions, and civil society, will continue to put into practice the principles of social justice under the law and coexistence through on-the-ground “actions to protect life.”

Guided by the belief that “no one should be left behind,” we will continue to build, step by step, a living stream of coexistence and peace.