BANGKOK (AFP) – Survivors of Myanmar's devastating Cyclone Nargis nine months ago still need international aid to rebuild their lives, the United Nations said at the launch of a three-year recovery plan on Monday.
The 691-million-dollar plan finalised by the UN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Myanmar's military government focuses on restoring livelihoods and housing through grants and microfinance.
The cyclone in early May 2008 left 138,000 people dead or missing and 2.4 million people severely affected through the loss of their loved ones, homes or jobs.
"There is still a lot more to be done," the UN resident coordinator for Myanmar, Bishow Parajuli, told a news conference in Bangkok at the launch of the plan.
"There is an enormous need for help for these people to stand on their own two feet and to build back better," he said.
Donors had so far contributed 310 million dollars but more was needed over the next three years to rebuild the areas worst hit by the cyclone, especially the Irrawaddy Delta.
He said it was a "difficult time" due to the global financial crisis but added that the international community had been "very, very generous" in the past.
ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan meanwhile refused to condemn the Myanmar junta despite the jailing of Myanmar's most famous comedian and of a sports writer for helping cyclone victims.
Myanmar comedian Zarganar was sentenced to 45 years in prison in November while sports writer Zaw Thet Htwe got a 15-year jail term. The pair were arrested in June last year after organising deliveries of aid.
"As human beings there are a lot of things we are concerned about," Surin told the same news conference when asked about the jail sentences. "But we can't be involved with every issue everywhere".
Myanmar's ruling generals drew worldwide condemnation for blocking foreign aid from entering the country in the crucial days after the cyclone pummelled the delta.
The junta relented only after a personal visit by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Surin said that the "government of Myanmar, the people of Myanmar and the leadership of Myanmar have gained a higher degree of confidence" in working with the international community since then.
There were no official Myanmar representatives at the conference.
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