Burma has the highest number of landmine casualties in the world, but there are no international demining operations in the country.

In Karenni State in eastern Burma, in areas freed from Burmese military rule, a pilot project run by local people is proving that demining can happen despite conflict and other challenges, enabling people to return home safely.

But they can't demine without clearing the ground first, and for that they need backhoe diggers. We need to raise £70,000 ($90,000) to buy two backhoe diggers to enable demining to happen.

Please help us buy a backhoe digger.

The people of Karenni State in eastern Myanmar are living through one of the world’s least reported humanitarian crises. Entire towns have been emptied, families have been displaced again and again, and landmines now contaminate farmland, footpaths, and the very ground where children once played.

The Karenni Interim Executive Council is the interim government of Karenni State, managing areas freed from Burmese military occupation. They are working every day to protect communities and provide basic services such as health and education. But they are doing this with almost no resources.

They need backhoe diggers.

With airstrikes and attacks every day by the Burmese military, why are backhoe diggers a priority?

Landmines.

Backhoe diggers are as essential to demining in Myanmar as mine detectors. They do the first clearing of the ground, reaching further down into the earth than other machines can.

Advance Myanmar is a registered UK charity. We are funding a unique pilot landmine clearance project being run by Free Burma Rangers and the Karenni Interim Executive Council. But backhoe diggers are expensive, and we don’t have the resources yet to buy them. That’s why we are asking for your support.

We need £70,000 to purchase two backhoe diggers.

It may sound surprising, but these machines could transform what the Karenni Interim Executive Council could do:

• Make land safe again by supporting community-led demining teams to uncover and remove explosive devices.

• Reopen roads so displaced families can return home and humanitarian aid can reach remote villages.

• Rebuild essential infrastructure — from drainage systems to temporary shelters to community water points.

• Support long-term recovery, allowing farmland to be cleared and prepared for planting.

No major international demining organisations are doing demining in Myanmar. This project is proving that despite conflict and a hostile environment, demining by local community teams can be scaled up, with the right support.

Backhoe diggers will save time, save limbs, and save lives.

Your support can help a community reclaim its land, its safety, and its future.

With landmines cleared farmers can grow food instead of needing food aid. Children can return to their homes and their schools.

Please donate if you can, and share this appeal widely. Together, we can help the Karenni people rebuild — one safe metre of ground at a time.