Myanmar deserves all our support

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

I recently returned from Myanmar. The last time I was in the impoverished country it was in the wake of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. What I saw then was utter devastation, what I experienced was extreme frustration.

Cyclone Nargis killed 133,000 people and affected an estimated 2.4 million people. World Vision had been granted permission to distribute blankets and rice, but at the time very few aid agencies were granted access to the country for their staff or their supplies.

The scale of need and suffering was almost overwhelming as survivors faced a terrible struggle.

Now the picture in Myanmar couldn't be more different. Myanmar has undergone a remarkable transformation and promising signs are emerging.

In 2008, a whisper of the name Aung San Sun Kyi in private conversation would drive home fear of political repercussions. Less than four years later, the opposition leader's picture is being sold on the streets and plastered on billboards. Eighteen months after her release from house arrest, Aung San Sun Kyi has declared Myanmar "on the verge of a breakthrough to democracy".

The Nobel Peace Prize winner is preparing to contest a by-election on April 1; it will be the first time she has pursued a seat in her nation's Parliament.

On the day I arrived in Myanmar, 600 prisoners were released. It was one of many positive signs that we heard about; signs that just a year ago would have seemed miraculous. They include the signing of a cease-fire agreement with ethnic Karen rebels after decades of conflict; a decision to allow some workers to unionise and strike; the continued release of political prisoners; and diplomatic visits from international leaders.

To his credit, Kevin Rudd recognised the early signs coming out of Myanmar. He visited the country in July last year and at the time called for greater freedom. Last month the Australian government moved to ease sanctions. Soon after, the EU followed our lead. The US on the other hand, is still holding out, believing it is too early to lift sanctions because key human rights standards still need to be met.

There is concern that a softening of policy might erode incentives for the Myanmar government to continue down this road of change. The truth is international sanctions haven't proved to be as effective as many had hoped, while diplomatic engagement over the past few months has resulted in increased momentum.

I believe the engagement of companies, such as Australia's Jetstar, have also played a crucial role in leading to a new hope that is emerging in Myanmar. Jetstar was subject to a union campaign a few years ago which argued by flying into Myanmar, the company was assisting the country's military junta.

Progress may be slower than some would like, and many of the promises remain fragile, but the landmarks they represent should not be dismissed.

Ultimately it is the people of Myanmar, not merely the government, that global relations will impact on. And they are a people crying out for help. Myanmar remains one of the poorest nations on Earth.

Decades of international isolation have left its economy and infrastructure underdeveloped. Ethnic conflict has pushed hundreds of thousands of people out of their homes, and aid groups now estimate around three million people from Myanmar are living as refugees in other countries.

There are few places on Earth more in need of humanitarian assistance, and it is our responsibility to respond to that need. The Myanmar government is increasingly displaying a willingness to work with humanitarian agencies, and for that reason, the time is right for a renewed focus on the region.

There is a real chance to kick-start development in Myanmar, with the continued support and cooperation of the government and also the engagement of Australian business.

Opinion Pieces, Poverty, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, Foreign Aid, Kevin Rudd, Myanmar, Tim Costello

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