(28 June 2008, ASEAN Secretariat) ASEAN does not have a discriminatory policy toward the media or in any other matters. The report in The Irrawaddy titled “Burmese journalists banned from ASEAN Press Conference” dated 25 June 2008 erroneously pointed out that a media conference was held on 24 June 2008 by the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan. Dr Surin did not hold a media conference, even with the ASEAN media.
Dr Surin said, “Myanmar was persuaded into inviting the ASEAN media in time to cover the ASEAN Roundtable on the Post Nargis Joint Assessment preliminary report and for the field trip to inspect the extent of the damage and destruction wrought by Cyclone Nargis on the Irrawaddy Delta.”
The Secretary-General of ASEAN said, “The world is still very sceptical of our joint efforts. The international community is very critical of ASEAN and UN engagement with Myanmar even on humanitarian grounds. This has to be balanced; the view cannot be left uncorrected.”
Dr Surin added, “We all share a common concern – to help the Nargis victims. The ASEAN media could play an important role here and indeed, they did play such a role, reporting on the extent of the damage to the Irrawaddy Delta and the needs of the people.”
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Press Release: ASEAN S-G views cyclone damaged areas
(ASEAN Secretariat, 26 June 2008) The Secretary-General of ASEAN and Chair of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, today saw first hand the extent of the damage wrought by Cyclone Nargis on Myanmar. Dr Surin traveled by helicopter to visit the township of Bogale, Set San village and Kyein Chaung Gyi village in the Irrawady Delta.
In Bogale, he was briefed on the extent of the damage to the township and the recovery efforts underway there. He also visited a high school and a hospital. Dr Surin also saw the temporary shelters set up in Set San and Kyein Chaung Gyi to house the victims of Cyclone Nargis as well as the temporary schools set up there.
Dr Surin said, “To see how they suffer is a heartbreak. To observe how they refuse to surrender and their determination to rebuild their lives is certainly an inspiration.”
Dr Surin added, “What ASEAN can do is to help these unfortunate people of the Irrawady Delta get back on their feet quickly. Township-focused, village-based approaches could be appropriate. For reconstruction and long-term integrated planning for the entire Delta, that will have to wait for the international community to come together and decide together.”
The visit was held a day after the 3rd meeting of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force in Yangon to review the work of the Tripartite Core Group and the next steps forward following the ASEAN Roundtable on Post Nargis Joint Assessment on 24 June 2008. Accompanying Dr Surin during today’s visit were the ASEAN media, who had been invited to cover the meetings and field trip.
In Bogale, he was briefed on the extent of the damage to the township and the recovery efforts underway there. He also visited a high school and a hospital. Dr Surin also saw the temporary shelters set up in Set San and Kyein Chaung Gyi to house the victims of Cyclone Nargis as well as the temporary schools set up there.
Dr Surin said, “To see how they suffer is a heartbreak. To observe how they refuse to surrender and their determination to rebuild their lives is certainly an inspiration.”
Dr Surin added, “What ASEAN can do is to help these unfortunate people of the Irrawady Delta get back on their feet quickly. Township-focused, village-based approaches could be appropriate. For reconstruction and long-term integrated planning for the entire Delta, that will have to wait for the international community to come together and decide together.”
The visit was held a day after the 3rd meeting of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force in Yangon to review the work of the Tripartite Core Group and the next steps forward following the ASEAN Roundtable on Post Nargis Joint Assessment on 24 June 2008. Accompanying Dr Surin during today’s visit were the ASEAN media, who had been invited to cover the meetings and field trip.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Updated Fact Sheet available from USAID/OFDA
The USAID/OCHA Burma Cyclone Fact Sheet #22 is now available to download by clicking here.
To download the accompanying Program Map click here.
Both documents are dated 25th June 2008.
To download the accompanying Program Map click here.
Both documents are dated 25th June 2008.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tripartie Core Group press release available
The Tripartite Core Group (TCG) was formed after the 19 May 2008 ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Singapore, and the 25 May 2008 ASEAN-United Nations International Pledging Conference in Yangon, Myanmar. The TCG aimed to act as an ASEAN-led mechanism to facilitate trust, confidence and cooperation between Myanmar and the international community in the urgent humanitarian relief and recovery work after Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar (2 to 3 May 2008). To read their first press release, dated 24 June 2008, click here.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Announcement: U.S. Military Air Lifts to Burma conclude
The US Embassy in Thailand issued the following statement this morning.
"The U.S. military airlift of cyclone relief from Thailand to Burma ended on June 22. Since May 12, Joint Task Force Caring Response flew 185 C-130 sorties from Thailand, carrying tarps, mosquito netting, food, zodiac boats, water treatment equipment, and a range of other relief supplies, including Thai donations. The estimated cost of the supplies and operation is over $13 million USD. The excellent cooperation we received from the Thai side made this relief effort possible. Coordination and cooperation with other donors, including WFP, was also outstanding."
"The U.S. military airlift of cyclone relief from Thailand to Burma ended on June 22. Since May 12, Joint Task Force Caring Response flew 185 C-130 sorties from Thailand, carrying tarps, mosquito netting, food, zodiac boats, water treatment equipment, and a range of other relief supplies, including Thai donations. The estimated cost of the supplies and operation is over $13 million USD. The excellent cooperation we received from the Thai side made this relief effort possible. Coordination and cooperation with other donors, including WFP, was also outstanding."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
ASEAN Press Release: World Bank grants 850,000USD to Secretariat
The ASEAN Secretariat received a US$850,000-grant from World Bank on Monday for disaster assessment and recovery activities in cyclone-hit Myanmar. Dr Soeung Rathchavy, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat and Mr Joachim von Amsberg, Country Director for Indonesia, World Bank signed the grant agreement Monday afternoon. To read the press release, click here.
UN Press Conference: Update on UN humanitarian assistance to Myanmar
The United Nations system in Bangkok will hold a press conference at which officials from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization will speak on the preliminary findings of their recent assessment of Myanmar's agriculture sector in the wake of Cyclone Nargis.
For more information, please contact :
UN Information Services
Tel.: +66-2-288-1861-9; Fax: +66-2-288-1052
Email: unisbkk.unescap@un.org
For more information, please contact :
UN Information Services
Tel.: +66-2-288-1861-9; Fax: +66-2-288-1052
Email: unisbkk.unescap@un.org
Friday, June 13, 2008
Unofficial Burmese translation of SPHERE Minimum Standards in Disaster Response available
An unofficial Burmese translation of the internationally recognized SPHERE Minimum Standards in Disaster Response can be downloaded by clicking here.
The Sphere Project was launched in 1997 by a group of humanitarian NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of calamity and conflict, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance. Sphere is three things: a handbook, a broad process of collaboration and an expression of commitment to quality and accountability. The project has developed several tools, the key one being a handbook.
For more information about the SPHERE project and to access key documents in English visit www.sphereproject.org
The Sphere Project was launched in 1997 by a group of humanitarian NGOs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. Sphere is based on two core beliefs: first, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of calamity and conflict, and second, that those affected by disaster have a right to life with dignity and therefore a right to assistance. Sphere is three things: a handbook, a broad process of collaboration and an expression of commitment to quality and accountability. The project has developed several tools, the key one being a handbook.
For more information about the SPHERE project and to access key documents in English visit www.sphereproject.org
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
New OCHA Situation Report available
OCHA Situation Report 29 on the humanitarian relief response to Cyclone Nargis is available by clicking here.
Situation Reports are now being issued by OCHA three times weekly. Inputs are provided by the cluster working groups every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The finalized Situation Report is published in New York on the same day and is shared by email the following morning.
The latest reports and an archive of all report relating to Cyclone Nargis can also be accessed here.
Situation Reports are now being issued by OCHA three times weekly. Inputs are provided by the cluster working groups every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The finalized Situation Report is published in New York on the same day and is shared by email the following morning.
The latest reports and an archive of all report relating to Cyclone Nargis can also be accessed here.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
ASEAN Press Releases: Unloading of Relief Supplies & First Remote Area Assessments
For the ASEAN Press Release- dated 7 June 2008- on the Tripartite Core Group Witnessing the Unloading of Relief Supplies for the Cyclone Nargis-Affected Areas in Myanmar, please click here.
A further Press Release- dated 8 June 2008- on the observations and activities of the Assessment Teams in the Delta can be accessed by clicking here.
A further Press Release- dated 8 June 2008- on the observations and activities of the Assessment Teams in the Delta can be accessed by clicking here.
Friday, June 6, 2008
ASEAN Press Release: 200 Assessment Team Members deployed
Jakarta, 4 June 2008- For the latest ASEAN Press Release on the 200 person Rapid Assessment Team being deployed to the Irrawaddy Delta, please click here...
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Press Release: US Naval Group to Return to Previous Schedule
The USS Essex group waiting off the coast of Burma since May 13th to deliver humanitarian assistance, prepares to leave. More...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Press Release: ASEAN kicks-off the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment Process
Jakarta, 3 June 2008- ASEAN kicked-off the post-Nargis Joint Assessment yesterday on 2 June 2008. Participating in this joint assessment team are the ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT), UN representatives and experts from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. “I have high hopes on the joint assessment team. Based on the assessment report that they will produce, we will be able to identify the needs of the Cyclone Nargis’ victims and intensify our efforts in the most needed areas,” said the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan.
The assessment, led by ASEAN and the UN, will produce a comprehensive report on the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation phases.
The first progress report will be available by the 3rd Task Force Meeting scheduled for 24-25 June 2008, with the final report due to be released in mid-July 2008.
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan will be in Yangon on 4 June 2008 to visit the ASEAN Task Force Office and meet with the members of the ASEAN ERAT.
“ASEAN is committed to helping our friends in Myanmar and will continue to do so,” said Dr. Surin. “The deployment of ASEAN ERAT is just the beginning of our commitments.”
Dr. Surin is scheduled to hold a press conference upon his return. Details of the press conference will be furnished when available.
The assessment, led by ASEAN and the UN, will produce a comprehensive report on the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation phases.
The first progress report will be available by the 3rd Task Force Meeting scheduled for 24-25 June 2008, with the final report due to be released in mid-July 2008.
Dr. Surin Pitsuwan will be in Yangon on 4 June 2008 to visit the ASEAN Task Force Office and meet with the members of the ASEAN ERAT.
“ASEAN is committed to helping our friends in Myanmar and will continue to do so,” said Dr. Surin. “The deployment of ASEAN ERAT is just the beginning of our commitments.”
Dr. Surin is scheduled to hold a press conference upon his return. Details of the press conference will be furnished when available.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
New maps & information on humanitarian response available
The online Humanitarian Information Centre for Myanmar has posted new information including updated Maps showing estimated number of homeless in the affected townships of Southern Burma. To view the maps please click here...
HIC also keeps a calender of various cluster working groups meetings scheduled in Yangon. To access the latest information about cluster group meetings click here.
Another important resource for journalists is also available, a consolidated list of agencies involved in the relief effort by cluster group. To access their contact details click here.
HIC also keeps a calender of various cluster working groups meetings scheduled in Yangon. To access the latest information about cluster group meetings click here.
Another important resource for journalists is also available, a consolidated list of agencies involved in the relief effort by cluster group. To access their contact details click here.
Panel Discussion: Burma- After the Storm
Can a catastrophe drag the 'sick man of ASEAN' into the modern world?
Monday, June 2 at 8:00 pm
Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand
Penthouse, Maneeya Center, 518/5 Ploenchit Road, Patumwan, Bangkok
(connected to the BTS Skytrain Chitlom station)
Call it a rainfall effect, but arguably nothing has done more to threaten Burma’s official refusal to engage with the outside world than a cyclone disaster that has already killed over a hundred thousand people - and may kill many more in its largely unmanaged aftermath. The outside world’s almost complete inability to help the over two million ordinary Burmese affected by the disaster is leading to a complete re-evaluation of how this isolated and backward country should be handled. Will a belated outpouring of aid go to the next logical step: a reduction in sanctions? Will Senior General Than Shwe honour his word and allow in all foreign aid workers? Why are we discussing billions in reconstruction aid before the dead have even been buried or burnt, or the survivors fed and medicated?
Speakers include:
Derek Tonkin, the outspoken former British Ambassador to Vietnam and Thailand
Aung Naing Oo, the former foreign affairs secretary of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF)
Larry Jagan, veteran freelance journalist with a special interest in Burma
Monday, June 2 at 8:00 pm
Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand
Penthouse, Maneeya Center, 518/5 Ploenchit Road, Patumwan, Bangkok
(connected to the BTS Skytrain Chitlom station)
Call it a rainfall effect, but arguably nothing has done more to threaten Burma’s official refusal to engage with the outside world than a cyclone disaster that has already killed over a hundred thousand people - and may kill many more in its largely unmanaged aftermath. The outside world’s almost complete inability to help the over two million ordinary Burmese affected by the disaster is leading to a complete re-evaluation of how this isolated and backward country should be handled. Will a belated outpouring of aid go to the next logical step: a reduction in sanctions? Will Senior General Than Shwe honour his word and allow in all foreign aid workers? Why are we discussing billions in reconstruction aid before the dead have even been buried or burnt, or the survivors fed and medicated?
Speakers include:
Derek Tonkin, the outspoken former British Ambassador to Vietnam and Thailand
Aung Naing Oo, the former foreign affairs secretary of the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF)
Larry Jagan, veteran freelance journalist with a special interest in Burma
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
