New government of Myanmar should prioritize child well-being

Myanmar, November 8, 2010 -- Following the national elections, World Vision Myanmar encourages the new government to:

• increase humanitarian space
• increase commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals
• recognize the critical role of civil society

World Vision also calls upon the international community to increase international financial commitment to Myanmar to support development.

“The future of children should be the central priority of the new Myanmar government,” says the National Director of World Vision Myanmar.

On Sunday, the country voted for the first time in 20 years, and World Vision Myanmar calls on the new government to prioritize the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals – reducing poverty, improving child and maternal health and increasing access to quality education for all children.

The National Director of World Vision Myanmar, Chris Herink, said attention to child health is critical in a country where one in ten children die before their fifth birthday and one third of all children are malnourished.

“The children of Myanmar would benefit from increased humanitarian assistance, especially to organizations working at the community level to address improved livelihoods, health, education, and the protection of children,” said Herink.

The international community is called upon to support efforts to strengthen civil society in Myanmar so the residents can participate in the decision making which will affect their future. World Vision encourages the new government to create more space for non-government organizations so they can help lead the society to take initiative in developing their own communities.

World Vision's work in Myanmar:
World Vision is a Christian, humanitarian organization which has been working in Myanmar 20 years. World Vision has projects in 11 of the 14 states and divisions in Myannmar and we are committed to creating lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities living in poverty.

More than 54,000 registered children are supported by international sponsors, enabling World Vision to provide long-term development programs to communities in need.

World Vision is multi-sectorial and works in a holistic way to improve health, education, sustainable livelihoods and children's rights and protection. World Vision also works with communities during emergency affairs and helps develop disaster risk management plans with communities.

World Vision Myanmar works in close harmony with the National Development Plans and partners with local community groups at various levels of authority including district and national level authorities, United Nations agencies and international non-government organizations (INGOs).

In addition, World Vision Myanmar works at national and regional levels to support greater recognition of the Convention on the Rights of Children.