Concern about situation in Myanmar Malteser International and Welthungerhilfe demonstrate solidarity for the poor population

Rangoon/Bonn, 18.10.2007. Thirteen relief organisations in Myanmar, including Welthungerhilfe (German Agro Action) and Malteser International, published a joint statement on Thursday expressing deep concern about recent incidents and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country

"Increases in petrol prices are intensifying the already difficult living conditions," the statement said. "Because of the social and economic situation, many people are living below the poverty line."

It claims the state is investing virtually nothing in healthcare and education. Self-help groups have tried to fill the gaps but their efforts are hindered by the fact that they are not officially recognised. Even international relief organisations are only able to work on a very limited scale.

The statement signatories emphasise the need to maintain existing programmes and find new ways of extending them. They demand to:

• strengthen the public sector and arise investment in healthcare, education and living conditions • increase the operating environment of local and international relief organisations • significantly scale up international humanitarian aid in order to directly address the needs of the poor.

Deutsche Welthungerhilfe has been active in Myanmar since 2002. Efforts focus on food security and water supplies in the northeast of the country and the outskirts of Rangoon. Malteser International and Welthungerhilfe are the only German non-government organisations working on location in the country with their own staff.

For the full article and further information visit our website: http://www.welthungerhilfe.de/home_eng.html

The joint statement was signed by: Action Contre la Faim, Aide Medicale Internationale, Asian Harm Reduction Network, CESVI, Deutsche Welthungerhilfe/German Agro Action, Enfants du Monde Droits de l'Hommes, International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Malteser International, Medecins du Monde, Norwegian People's Aid, Population Services International, Save the Children, Terre des Hommes Italia