Aid through Local Channels
Better Burma has extended its support to Healing Hands, one of the ground groups dedicated to making a positive impact in the rural Sagaing region. Shade, a member of Healing Hands, recently shared his thoughts on a podcast episode about the need for donors to support smaller organizations who work through local networks and, at all costs, avoid going through the military (unlike the larger international organizations, some of whom insist on going through “official” channels). As you'll read in the following excerpt, the situation in Sagaing demands urgent attention and assistance. If you are inspired by their efforts and would like to contribute, please consider making a donation of any amount to support Healing Hands and their invaluable work. Better Burma ensures that our aid funds go to those vulnerable communities, like the ones that Shade and his colleagues support, and who have been targeted by the military.
“The international community must comprehend that negotiating or talking to the junta will not yield the desired results. ”
“Without a doubt, with 100% confidence, I can assert that if international actors attempt to deliver aid through the military, it will never reach those in need! This is an undeniable truth, a stark reality they must come to terms with. There's no room for dancing around this fact. Any medical aid or financial assistance given through the military's channels will undoubtedly be misused or diverted for their own purposes, such as purchasing weapons. It's essential for these actors to acknowledge this reality and avoid the delusion that delivering aid through the military would be effective.
We have witnessed this scenario play out before, such as during the Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Attempts to deliver aid through the military were met with obstacles and misappropriation of resources, hindering the intended assistance to affected communities.
To truly make a positive impact and effectively deliver aid, it is imperative for organizations to find alternative channels and work directly with local communities, informal networks, or trusted non-governmental organizations. This approach may present challenges, but it is essential to ensure that aid reaches the hands of those who truly need it and contributes to making a meaningful difference on the ground.
During the Cyclone Nargis disaster, many organizations attempted to deliver aid but faced major obstacles. Even items like power bars or energy biscuits meant for those in need ended up being taken by the military as rations! The lesson learned back then was clear: trying to deliver aid through the military or any similar network is futile and will not reach the intended recipients.
If international actors think they can effectively deliver aid through such channels again, they are deluding themselves. It's essential to be blunt about this reality. The best approach is to engage local actors, humanitarian organizations, or established networks.
In certain areas, local communities have set up their own self-governing authorities to cope with the breakdown of the military's administrative structure. Partnering with such local authorities and organizations can ensure that aid reaches those in need more directly and effectively. It's imperative for the aid community to acknowledge the lessons from the past and opt for strategies that genuinely support the well-being of the people they aim to help.
If the international community genuinely wants to provide effective humanitarian aid, they must reach out to those on the ground who are not affiliated with the military regime. Engaging local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and other channels that are independent of the military is crucial to ensure aid reaches the people who need it most.
Attempting to engage the military regime directly will not lead to effective aid delivery. Giving aid through the military only serves to legitimize their authority and does not guarantee that it will reach the intended recipients. Medical supplies may end up being used for military purposes, and aid money could be used to purchase weapons, as has been seen before.
The best approach is for the international community to do the hard work of establishing connections with those who can genuinely deliver aid on the ground. Rather than negotiating with the military junta, it is essential to recognize that the military itself is the root cause of the problems in Myanmar. Having the problem as part of the solution is not feasible; the focus should be on removing the problem to address the underlying issues.
The international community must comprehend that negotiating or talking to the junta will not yield the desired results. Understanding this reality is crucial for finding effective ways to provide aid and support to the people of Myanmar who are suffering under the military's rule.”