Burma Disaster

IWDA urges incorporation of women’s needs and expertise in Burma’s Disaster response

IWDA is shocked and saddened by the suffering and devastating toll on human lives that cyclone Nargis has wreaked on the peoples of Burma. The most recent United Nations estimates are that more than 100,000 people may have been killed, 220,000 people are reported missing and close to 2 million people have been severely affected. Although accurate figures on the scale of destruction are still difficult to get hold of due to the current lack of access into the country for outside humanitarian and relief personnel, we know the impacts are already massive. It is crucial that immediate needs of shelter, food and clean water are met to prevent more people dying and the spread of disease. Then people need to be supported in the long process of rebuilding their lives, livelihoods and communities.

From experience with the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, IWDA recognises that this takes time and necessitates supporting and building on local capacities and networks. We also know from this experience that a disaster affects women and men differently, and women experience particular hardships. They are more often than not the primary caregivers in their families and communities, and hence carry the weight of responsibilities that such a role entails. Displacement brings increased risk of violence against women, and associated health, safety and trauma concerns. Furthermore, women’s important roles in rebuilding need to be valued and supported to ensure more sustainable and equitable community building outcomes for all concerned.

As a small, development-focussed organisation, IWDA recognises that it is best placed to support the longer term reconstruction and rebuilding process. In spite of access issues, significant resources are already being committed by larger humanitarian organisations, various governments and the United Nations. IWDA joins others in urging the Government of Myanmar to open its doors to aid agencies so that much needed relief supplies are delivered to those affected by the cyclone and the scale of the tragedy is not further magnified.

We also strongly encourage the Australian Government and agencies with an emergency relief mandate to ensure that the specific needs of women are addressed, and their human rights protected in the humanitarian response. IWDA has written to key ministers along these lines, recommending use of the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development’s (APWLD) Guidelines for Gender Sensitive Disaster Management: Practical Steps to Ensure Women’s Needs are Met And Women’s Human Rights are Respected and Protected. We have also provided the guidelines to the Australian Council for International Development to post on their website. Lastly, IWDA is in contact with its partner organisations located along the Thai-Burma border to see how we can best support reconstruction and rebuilding efforts. Our partners are still assessing what the needs are so they can determine appropriate responses, and will be in touch with us shortly to let us know. We have assured them of our solidarity and support.

Internationally, networks and organisations involved in supporting change in Burma are organising a Global Day of Action on Saturday 17 May and urging people to participate in peaceful protests or vigils to underline the need for the international community to make a decisive intervention in the humanitarian crisis in Burma. Check with the Australia Burma Network www.australiaburmanetwork.org for updates on local actions.

Aid agencies providing emergency relief include

Australia Burma Network www.australiaburmanetwork.org links to appeals supported by Burma Campaign Australia.

Australian Red Cross

Ourcommunity.com.au

which links to a number of agencies with emergency appeals including Austcare, Care Australia, TEAR Australia, Anglicord, UNHCR and Save the Children

Oxfam Australia

World Vision Australia www.worldvision.com.au

Women’s League of Burma Media Statement (PDF)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 under Recent.