Britain's official policy is to refer to Burma rather than 'Myanmar'. The current regime changed the name to Myanmar in 1989. Burma's democracy movement prefers 'Burma' because they do not accept the legitimacy of the unelected military regime and their right to change the official name of the country. Internationally both names are recognised, but most of the international humanitarian organisations use Myanmar on their websites.
British Government aid to Burma totalled £57 million by the end of the last financial year. This includes £45 million for emergency relief following Cyclone Nargis and £12 million of development and humanitarian assistance for non-Nargis support. The £12 million for the current year is part of an overall commitment since 2005/06 of more than £40 million to support poverty reduction in Burma.
This includes:
- - Three Diseases Fund (Malaria, HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis) - £20.1 million over five years
- - Pre-school Education through Save the Children managed projects - £2.7 million (2006-2009)
- - Support for UNICEF's basic education programme - £3.3 million
- - Support for the UN Human Development Initiative programme - £4 million
- - Support for the UN Human Development Initiative programme - £4 million
Organisations working in Burma
Merlin
Merlin has been working in Burma since 2004, delivering primary health care to coastal communities in the Irrawaddy Delta and running disease control programmes in the north-western Chin State.
British Red Cross
One year after Cyclone Nargis, more than one million people have received support from the International Federation of Red Cross- IFRC and Red Crescent Societies. Visit their website to find out what the Red Cross have been doing since the cyclone and who they have been helping.
UNICEF
UNICEF was among the first to reach the UNICEF was among the first to reach the areas affected by Cyclone Nargis, providing initial response and support which was strengthened over time. Read more about it with UNICEF's August 2008 newsletter
Partners World
International organisation working to aid internally displaced people, refugees and victims of natural disaster
Burma Campaign UK
Organisation campaigning for human rights and democracy in Burma
Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB)
Organisation providing an independent radio and TV news service in Burma via satellite from their base in Oslo, Norway
Human Rights Watch
One of the world's leading independent organisations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights - HMW have called for the Burmese military government to end systematic abuses of the country's Rohingya Muslims in and protect those who flee to their shores. Read more here
Amnesty International
There is currently no presence in Burma, but take a look at the Amnesty UK website for information on the brutal repression of Burmese Monks and activists
Refugees International
Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises. Visit their website to read about their work in Burma.
Trócaire
Trócaire has been active in Burma for many years and was the first Irish aid agency to arrive after Nargis struck. Visit their website to find out more.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Independent humanitarian medical aid organisation providing medical aid where it is most needed, regardless of race, religion, politics or gender - visit their Focus on Myanmar page for information about their work in Burma
