Burma Regime Failing To Help Cyclone Victims

The Burma Campaign UK today condemned the regime in Burma for failing to give adequate warnings to the population about the cyclone that hit Burma on Saturday, and failing to adequately help victims.

“This is yet another example of how the regime ignores the welfare of the people of Burma,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of the Burma Campaign UK. “Instead of warning people about the potential danger, state-owned newspapers were full of propaganda telling people that they must vote for a sham constitution that will keep the military in power.” The regime is holding a referendum on Saturday 10th May on a constitution that the military has designed to give a civilian face to continued military rule.

Burma Campaign UK sources report devastation in Rangoon, with roofs torn from buildings and widespread damage. What little communications infrastructure that exists has been severely damaged, making contact in the low lying Irrawaddy Delta around Rangoon difficult. It is this area where the worst devastation is likely to have occurred, with most people living in homes made of bamboo that would struggle to survive torrential rains and winds of 120km an hour. Sea levels could also have risen by up to 3.5 metres in coastal areas, causing severe flooding.  In addition to potential loss of life, livestock, food stocks and crops are likely to have been severely damaged.

The regime ruling Burma places severe restrictions on the United Nations and international aid agencies delivering humanitarian assistance in the country. Aid to states with ethnic minorities face even more restrictions, especially in the east of Burma where the regime is engaged in a war against ethnic Karen, Karenni and Shan populations. Until now the United Nations and international community has done little to challenge the regimes restrictions on delivery of aid.

“Initial indications are that this cyclone has caused severe damage and that many thousands of people will need assistance,” said Mark Farmaner. “We know the regime won’t look after people, and instead is likely to block delivery of aid.  The international community must stand up to the regime and insist that aid is allowed to be delivered to those in need.”

Over 90 percent of the population of Burma are believed to live in poverty, while the regime spends around half of its income on the military. Aid agencies are not allowed to operate freely in the country. Several agencies have been forced out of Burma, including the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria, which was forced to withdraw from the country because of unacceptable conditions by the military. The regime also restricted humanitarian access following the 2004 tsunami, and does not allow aid in areas of Eastern Burma where it is engaged in a war of ethnic cleansing.

For more information contact Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK, on 02073244713.

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