Press release 24 July 2008
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Minister for International Development Cooperation wants continued focus on Burma

During the international donors conference in Burma in May 2008, it was decided that the UN and ASEAN - in consultation with the government in Burma - would carry out an extensive needs analysis for the areas affected by Cyclone Nargis in May 2008. The report was released this week at an ASEAN summit in Singapore.

"I welcome the fact that the UN and ASEAN have presented an extensive needs and evaluation analysis in cooperation with the regime in Burma. One of the demands I set forth at the donors conference in Burma was that there be an independent analysis of the situation in the affected areas. The fact that such an analysis has now been carried out is a positive development. With the help of this report we can assess the need for help and Sweden´s possibilities for continuing to provide support to the people of Burma," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

The report describes the devastation as very widespread. More than 80 000 people are reported to have died and the number of missing persons is estimated to be in excess of 50 000. Almost half a million homes have been destroyed, and in the affected area 75 per cent of health care facilities and 60 per cent of schools have been ravaged. Reconstruction work is expected to take up to three years.

"I am very concerned about the humanitarian situation in Burma. The UN and ASEAN continue to play a crucial role, and it is extremely important that the regime remain under pressure. This disaster situation is far from over, and it is essential that the international community can remain active in the country and that the Burmese regime cooperate with international and national donors so that aid reaches those affected in an efficient and satisfactory way," says Ms Carlsson.