One of the world’s leading aid groups known as Save the Children weighed in on the situation of Burma, which was devastated by Cyclone Nargis over one week ago. Burma was devastated by the cyclone a matter of days before it was set to hold voting for the referendum of its constitution. Voting was postponed for another few days.
Burma’s junta had received much criticism from the international community for not getting aid to the people that need it. It had also faced criticism that it cared more about the referendum than getting the necessary aid in. Under the referendum, Burma’s junta will remain in power and forever have a place in the politics of the country. In addition, there was only a “Yes” choice on the ballot. Voting was not optional.
There were reports that Burma’s junta resorted to fear and intimidation tactics to get people to vote for the referendum. Recently, the referendum received “majority” support.
Burma’s junta had also received criticism for taking the food aid. While the country has received much food aid, many of the people have yet to get access. Millions are at risk of dying of waterborne diseases. Also, there have been claims that the people were given spoiled food. At the same time, Burma’s junta had continued its rice exports. While there are millions in Burma that really need the rice, the junta continued to export it.
Jasmine Whitbread, the UK chief of Save the Children said that the group is worried that many children in the highly damaged areas suffer from malnutrition. Burma’s junta has also refused most requests for international aid workers to inspect the areas. The United States House of Representatives have urged President George W. Bush to assist the efforts by the international community to get into Burma by military force.
There is a high chance that this could possibly be a hot button issue in the US general presidential election debates.
Also, since China is an ally of Burma, this could also loom over in what could be deemed a PR nightmare as China will host the 2008 Summer Olympics this August.