Once considered one of the most repressive military regimes in the world, Myanmar has been undergoing significant democratic reforms since parliamentary elections were held in November 2010. These have been recognized by many Western governments as genuine efforts toward democratic reform and many have responded with the lifting of sanctions in 2012 including the lifting of sanctions by the Canadian government in April 2012. Even with positive reforms in the political front, Myanmar remains one of the poorest and most disaster-prone countries in Asia and humanitarian needs are great.
Canadian Red Cross Support
School-based DRR activities
The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) began work in Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis in 2008. After the immediate relief phase, CRC embarked on a five-year recovery program. The main component of which is a partnership with French Red Cross (FRC) supporting the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) on a five-year community-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) program in coastal regions of Myanmar. The program builds community resilience through community-based DRR activities at the village-level and in schools, as well as the capacity building of the MRCS at the National Headquarters and local branch levels.
With the easing of Canadian government sanctions against Myanmar, space has opened for greater CRC engagement in Myanmar. CRC is currently exploring opportunities for bilateral collaboration with the MRCS.
Violence prevention & response : As part of emergencies and Health programming in myanmar