Brookings: Topics - Myanmar

Protecting and Promoting Rights in Natural Disasters in South Asia

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Asia is a "theater for disaster." In the past decade alone floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and a devastating tsunami destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives and livelihoods and left millions more homeless. In each disaster, humanitarian responders rushed to the scene to preserve human life and reduce immediate suffering. However, many times, human rights protection has been a secondary concern. This new report, based on a regional meeting in Chennai, India, discusses the challenges in incorporating human rights into disaster response in South Asia.

Myanmar: Where Do We Go From Here?

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the aftermath of cyclone Nargis becomes clearer, Lex Rieffel and David I. Steinberg argue that the best hope for tangible improvements in the daily lives of Myanmar's people is the newly adopted charter of the 10 ASEAN member countries. The charter has a weak human-rights provision, but it will provide a stronger basis for dialogue with the Myanmar government.

The Burma Cyclone and the Responsibility to Protect

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In 2005, the international community adopted a new concept, the responsibility to protect (R2P) but its meaning and application are still unclear. The United Nations ruled out applying it to Burma, but Roberta Cohen argues that the denial of access to cyclone survivors could well have been an R2P case. Much work needs to be done to clarify the concept and mobilize international support around its implementation.

Disaster Standards Needed in Asia

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this Brookings Northeast Asia Commentary, Nonresident Senior Fellow Roberta Cohen calls for the development of performance standards for addressing natural disasters including the cyclone in Burma, earthquake in China, and famine in North Korea. Without such standards, states and the international community may be hampered in saving lives and reconstruction efforts.

Cyclone Nargis: Catalyst for Change in Myanmar?

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the scope of tropical cyclone Nargis becomes clearer, Elizabeth Ferris and Lex Rieffel recall that the 2004 tsunami, which struck Aceh provice in Indonesia among other places, was both a human tragedy and a political blessing. They argue that this experience is not likely to be replicated in Myanmar because the regime will continue to refuse much of the assistance offered by foreign governments and international NGOs.

Five Observations on Natural Disasters

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Images from the cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquake in China have dominated the news for the past week. But, as Beth Ferris observes, these victims of natural disasters are just a small portion of the over 200 million people each year who are affected by natural disasters. Although most of these disasters never make it onto the nightly news in America, their effects are felt by victims long after the TV cameras have moved on.

Aid Strategy for Burma's Cyclone Victims

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the disaster caused by tropical cyclone Nargis continues to unfold in Burma, Michael O'Hanlon offers suggestions for dealing with the crisis. He believes the UN should appoint an aid coordinator to Burma, and that political activities against the government should be put on hold during this time of great need.

Disaster in Myanmar: Key Challenges for the International Community

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With more than a million people killed, missing, or uprooted by the cyclone that struck Myanmar/Burma on May 3, international aid groups and foreign governments are mobilizing food, water and other assistance for the country. Lex Rieffel, who is currently studying the Asian perspective on Myanmar/Burma, addresses some of the key policy challenges.

Q&A on the ASEAN Summit

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings Scholar Lex Rieffel reflects on the significance of the ASEAN Summit and Burma's place among those participating nations.

The Asian Path Toward Helping Burma

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

With the leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries gathering in Singapore for their summit meeting, Brookings expert Lex Rieffel and David Steinberg of Georgetown University, argue that the U.S. government’s agenda on Burma would be better served by letting its Asian partners lead on the critical issues.

Statement Before the Asia Society on Internal Displacement in Burma

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Statement before the Asia Society on Internal Displacement in Burma (16 November 2004)

Myanmar Case Perpetuates False Analogies

Mon, 17 Apr 2000 00:00:00 GMT

The case before the U.S. Supreme Court on the right of Massachusetts and several California localities to promulgate regulations on foreign trade—specifically, to impose sanctions on Myanmar, formerly Burma, for human-rights violations—is a clear test of the post-Cold War maxim to "think globally, act locally."

Internal Displacement in Asia

Tue, 22 Feb 2000 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 22, 2000, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM

The Brookings Project on Internal Displacement, in collaboration with UNHCR, Forum Asia, the University of Chulalongkorn, Norwegian Refugee Council, and the U.S. Committee for Refugees is organizing a regional conference in Bangkok to focus attention on the problem of internal displacement in Asia and identify effective practices for addressing it.

Hard Cases: Internal Displacement in Turkey, Burma and Algeria

Wed, 01 Dec 1999 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Roberta Cohen on internal displacement in Turkey, Burma (Myanmar), and Algeria

"Tough Nuts to Crack"

Wed, 28 Jan 1998 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

January 28, 1998, 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM

The Brookings Project and the U.S. Committee for Refugees convened a meeting of experts from international organizations, NGOs and research institutions to discuss strategies for dealing with situations of internal displacement where access is particularly difficult. Analysts from the U.S. Committee for Refugees have written country case studies on Turkey, Burma and India, among others, which are now available on the USCR website.