Humanitarians aiming for access to cyclone victims

08-06-2023

Aysu Amaha Öztürk

Myanmar and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence

Around 3 weeks ago, Cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar, leaving the already struggling country with heavy damages. Unfortunately, although the cyclone has passed, the heavy rains and winds of the monsoon season continue, making it extremely difficult to recover from such a cyclone (“Humanitarian aid donors push”, 2023). Amidst all of this, the junta decided that international humanitarian actors must negotiate with it before delivering the aid (“Humanitarian aid donors push”, 2023). So, if organisations such as the United Nations or the Red Cross wished to enter some parts of the country to do an impact assessment or to deliver aid, they would not be allowed to do so without the junta’s permission. 

Many organisations are obliged to negotiate with the junta, as they aim to reach the vulnerable (“Humanitarian aid donors push”, 2023). This week, UN officials met with the minister of international cooperation of the junta to discuss coordination and cooperation. It is unclear whether a deal was set, but it has been reported that the UN is nevertheless trying to negotiate (“Humanitarian aid donors push”, 2023).

Myanmar has not ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights that provides the right to life (Ratification Status for Myanmar, 2023). However, although humanitarian aid in general provides and supports life, it can be also seen in terms of more concrete rights such as the right to food or healthcare. For example, Article 2(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which Myanmar ratified in 2017, stipulates that when states have difficulties with resources, they are to cooperate with international actors. The junta must immediately cease its weaponization of aid and international actors must be able help to deliver aid to all persons affected.

Sources and further reading:

Human Rights Bodies. Ratification Status for Myanmar. United Nations Human Rights Treaty Bodies Database. https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/Treaty.aspx?CountryID=119&Lang=EN

‘Humanitarian aid donors push for access as Myanmar junta plays with people’s lives’ (2023, June 5). Mizzima. 

https://mizzima.com/article/humanitarian-aid-donors-push-access-myanmar-junta-plays-peoples-lives