Migration patterns & their associations with health and human rights in eastern Myanmar after political transition: results of a population-based survey usingmultistaged household cluster sampling

Following Myanmar’s political transition in 2011, migration out of eastern regions far exceeded migration into them, with international departures—mainly to Thailand—outnumbering returns by 29 to 1. A 2013 survey of over 6,600 households found that most people left for education or work, while returns were primarily driven by family ties. Out-migration was linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms among remaining household members, while in-migration was associated with increased malnutrition and unmet contraceptive needs among women. These findings highlight the complex relationship between migration, health, and human rights in post-transition Myanmar.