austraLasia #2224


"Myanmar must not be forgotten yet again".

YANGON: 11th August 2008 --  Ninety days after the event that shocked the world into realisation of the devastation of life and property resulting from a single cyclone - Nargis - in Myanmar, the Archbishop of Yangon writes: "Myanmar must not be forgotten yet again".  This plea recognises what all the world knows, and appeals against it: that the more prosperous parts of the world soon weary of war, famine, pestilence - and cyclone devastation, and the locals are left once again to make do with what they have, or don't have, despite promises.
    "The whole process of ERST (Emergency Response Support Team) was enriching", Archbishop Charles Bo writes. "We are indebted to them for what has happened here in the Post Disaster relief phase. But we are becoming aware, painfully, that some of the problems inherent to a society like ours, have made greater news than what our simple people, whose capacities are never allowed to flow forth, have achieved against all odds".
    And there is the crux of it. Capacity building of a poor and simple people is not achieved in ninety days! "The recent report by the Myanmar Government, the UN and Asean points towards a very long rehabilitation phase, stretching to two or three years. The joint report points out that emergency assistance is yet to reach many remote areas. The early recovery and middle recovery are delayed. Nearly 60% of the shelter needs are yet to be fulfilled. Thousands of schools cannot function normally".
    Despite what the archbishop describes in one line as "that creeping and frustrating feeling" of Myanmar once again being abandoned, he urges a rethink: "It is your fellowship that made our work a journey of hope and long term commitment. We were enriched by the presence of all of you who came to guide us".  And his final salutation is also an appeal: "In solidarity.....".
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Title: australasia 2224
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces MYM Nargis appeal
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2224