Twelve days since Cyclone Nargis, international aid groups and bilateral donors are still greatly hampered in getting access to stricken populations in Burma who are now at risk of a massive outbreak of waterborne diseases, including diarrhea, cholera, malaria, and skin ailments.
As a result, local people have had to step up to the challenge and try to keep their fellow citizens alive until more comprehensive relief can arrive. They have been doing an incredible job under very adverse circumstances. Many of them were themselves hit by the cyclone but they have seen the damage to other persons lives and have worked selflessly since the destruction occurred, using their time and money to do the work that should be undertaken by the state and humanitarian agencies.
Among those doing this work, many are ordinary local people and civic groups in places where survivors have been relocated who have gathered together their money and goods to help as best as they can. People from religious groups of all persuasions are also actively involved. Others are famous actors who have some financial security and a concern for the wellbeing of their fellow citizens. And some are members of human rights networks who have at this time put aside their ordinary activities to concentrate on the cyclone recovery effort.
The Asian Human Rights Commission is in contact with some of these persons and in view of the dramatic delay in assistance from abroad and continued restrictions on what is getting in, has recognised the urgent need for continued support for these people and groups until the situation changes. Therefore, it is now accepting donations on their behalf. Money received can be forwarded within the same day. Unfortunately, for the safety of recipients the AHRC is not able to reveal their details publicly; however, for financial purposes some information can be given to credible institutional donors and those known to the AHRC upon request.
How to donate:
1. Online: Please go to the AHRC Cyclone Nargis homepage or click here.
2. Mail or in person: Send a cheque or demand draft for the amount of your choice, preferably in US or HK dollars, payable to “Asian Human Rights Commission Ltd.” to the AHRC, 19/F, Go-Up Commercial Building, 998 Canton Road, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
3. Telegraphic Transfer:
Hang Seng Bank Ltd.
Hankow Road Branch, 4 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Account No: 295-7-917525 (USD)
Account Holder: Asian Human Rights Commission Ltd.
Swift code: HASEHKHH
For further inquiries: Please email to nargis@ahrc.asia or Wong Kai Shing or Fr. Roberto Reyes at (+852) 2698 6339.
