In May, the IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) collaborated in providing a legislative advocacy and disaster law training session in Yangon, during which MRCS leaders and technical staff, partner National Red Cross Society representatives, and IFRC personnel learned about international disaster response law and the role of law in disaster risk reduction.
This was followed with a “high-level advocacy workshop” in Nay Pyi Daw, jointly convened by MRCS and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, Dr. Daw Myat Myat Ohn Khin, opened the event, setting the stage for key governmental stakeholders to discuss legal barriers to the entry of international disaster assistance, as well as the role of different actors in disaster response and disaster risk reduction activities.
July 2014 will mark one year since a new disaster management law was adopted in Myanmar – a significant step for a country which knows all too well the devastating effects that natural disasters can bring. As reported in the country’s leading national newspaper, The New Light of Myanmar, it is expected that the two events will contribute to further arrangements – including the development of the new disaster management rules.
As the Ministry moves towards finalizing its new rules, including procedures for international assistance based on the IDRL Guidelines, the IFRC and MRCS are currently planning a technical assistance project to provide their support.
Both the IDRL Guidelines and Model Act for International Disaster Assistance are available in Myanmar language.