Myanmar storm aid must reach people, not junta
(AFP) - A leading human rights group on Thursday urged donors to ensure any money they pump into reconstruction work after the cyclone in Myanmar stays out of the hands of its ruling generals.
In a letter to donor governments and organisations, New York-based Human Rights Watch said aid was still needed in the nation formally known as Burma, but funds must be monitored to make sure they reached the people in need.
"For many years, Burma's generals have hindered rather than helped the delivery of aid," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
"Basic principles should be agreed by donors, and they must press the government to adhere to them every step of the way."
Southeast Asian bloc Asean estimated on Monday that it will cost about one billion dollars to rebuild after the cyclone pounded southern Myanmar in early May, leaving more than 138,000 people dead or missing and over two million survivors in need of aid.
Human Rights Watch warned against channelling funds directly to a military regime accused of atrocities against its people, and said donors must push for an independent monitoring system to ensure aid ends up where it should.
The group said donors should monitor for abuses such as forced labour, land seizure or relocations, and humanitarian workers must be given free access to the areas hit by Cyclone Nargis.
In the crucial days after the cyclone hit, Myanmar's notoriously paranoid leadership blocked access for foreign relief workers, raising fears thousands more people would die after being denied life-saving aid.
No comments:
Post a Comment