The resolution stresses that the sovereignty of a nation cannot be allowed to override the human rights of its people, as enshrined in the UN principle of the 'responsibility to protect'.
Labour MEP GLENYS KINNOCK, Patron of the Burma Campaign UK, helped draft the cross-party resolution. She said the Burmese junta's response to the Cyclone Nagris disaster had been ‘nothing short of a crime against humanity'.
GLENYS KINNOCK said:
"We must not be duped or surprised by the regime's fine words - their callousness and incompetence continues.
"The Burmese ‘deal' with Asean, with limited UN coordination, is all very well. But we must not lose sight of the fact that there is still a pressing need for the junta to allow in foreign experts with the expertise and logistical support to actually reach those in need. Indeed, though the regime continues to claim that the first phase of the emergency is ‘over', still only 20-30 per cent of those affected have been reached.
"We must not allow our attention to waiver. In the continuing absence of action by the junta, it is time for the international community to stand up and ensure that aid is delivered according to humanitarian law, and in a neutral and independent way. Serious consideration must be given to plans for unilateral action.
"In particular, the European Union should insist that food aid and medicines reach the children who are dying of diarrhoea and starvation as a result of the regime's neglect. There should be no delay in ensuring UNICEF obtains access to the Delta region with life saving, life supporting assistance for the thousands of precious young lives, before it is too late.
"The junta's repose to the devastation of Cyclone Nagris is nothing short of a crime against humanity. It must be treated as such. "
Notes
- Glenys Kinnock MEP is Patron of The Burma Campaign UK
- For more information please contact Lisa Stevens at the Labour European Office on 029 2022 7654 or 079 7367 8175
Ends
