Burma's Agony: The International Humanitarian Response

More than a month after Cyclone Nargis devastated much of Burma's Irrawaddy Delta region, leaving hundreds of thousands dead and millions homeless, many in the international community remain puzzled as to the present realities on the ground and the progress of relief efforts.

The Open Society Institute along with the Asia Society convened a panel discussion to assess the situation there, focusing on the international humanitarian response and its reception by the country's ruling junta. The discussion featured panelists from leading UN agencies and international NGOs—as well as a Burmese physician and relief worker (joining by telephone) who provided eyewitness reports from the ground, many of which contradicted statements made by the military regime.

Speakers

• Sir John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
• The Hon. Henrietta Fore, Administrator, US Agency for International Development and Director of US Foreign Assistance (via teleconference)
• Amb. Vanu Gopala Menon, Permanent Representative of Singapore to the UN
• George C. Biddle (Moderator), Senior Vice President, International Rescue Committee (IRC)