Burma was already in the throes of a humanitarian crisis when last week’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake killed or injured thousands of people and caused widespread destruction.
The people of Burma desperately need our support as humanitarian needs mount in the weeks and months ahead. Because what was already a time of immense vulnerability for Burma has become heartbreakingly worse.
Quality of life, safety, security, and all hopes of democratic progress had already been backsliding since Burma’s military seized complete control of the government in February 2021, halting years of democratic reform under Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy party. The United Nations World Food Program estimates that 15 million people across the country will face hunger this year, 1.5 million more than 2024. Nearly a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
It’s times like these when America should lead with compassion, both because it’s the right thing to do and because it’s in our national security interest. Authoritarian countries like China will be monitoring the response from America as well as countries that support freedom and democracy around the world.
Through the George W. Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Program, we have had the privilege since 2014 of working with young Burmese leaders to help them gain the knowledge and skills to succeed during a democratic transition. Unfortunately, the impact of 2021 coup forced us to stop programming in the country for the safety of all. Yet we remain engaged with our alumni.
What we learned from them is that the longing for democracy is very much alive in the hearts and minds of the people, and the country’s young leaders were going to be the ones to spearhead democratic progress in Burma. Having personally engaged with these leaders and spent a significant amount of time in the country, one thing we can confidently say is that the people of Burma are some of the kindest and most compassionate, resilient people in the world.
But Burma is on a precipice, and this is a time when Western humanitarian aid is urgent. This support should be strategically managed by the U.S. government or through trusted international organizations to ensure we directly contribute to relief efforts and that the aid doesn’t fall into the hands of Burma’s oppressive and manipulative military junta. We can also prevent China and other adversaries to fill the humanitarian aid gap.
According to one report, Beijing has already taken the lead in offering aid and material support to Burma since the United States and its democratic allies are lagging behind. If Washington allows this to continue, it risks losing influence in a natural resource rich nation that is strategically located between China and India. Moreover, the United States weakens its credibility with allies in the country who want a pro-American, free Burma.
It was encouraging to see former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issue a statement showing solidarity with the Burmese people and urging a robust humanitarian aid response from the United States. We hope to see more of this.
U.S. policymakers could also draw inspiration from former first lady Laura Bush, who in 2008 publicly pledged American support for the Burmese people in the wake of the devastating Cyclone Nargis. She also deftly connected the dots between the country’s lack of democratic institutions and the exacerbating humanitarian crisis.
Policymakers must ensure that the necessary infrastructure exists to provide immediate humanitarian aid for shelter, medical care, food, and water to those who are in desperate need. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s also the smart thing to do. America’s compassion is a force for good in the world, and we must not forget this as a critical pillar of its power.
There are also ways each of us as individuals can support the Burmese people at this time. We’ve listed trusted international organizations who are actively leading relief efforts on the ground.
Burma may be thousands of miles away from the United States, but natural disasters know no borders. At times like these, we are reminded of our shared humanity. The people of Burma need our support, and we all have a role to play in ensuring they receive necessary humanitarian aid. Together, we can show those impacted by this tragedy that they are not alone.
Organizations Supporting Humanitarian Efforts in Burma
- UNICEF USA is on the ground providing emergency support for those impacted by the earthquake.Learn more about their efforts here
- Save the Children is working to protect and provide shelter to children impacted by the earthquake, and they have established a Children’s Emergency Fund. Learn more about their efforts here.
- Doctors Without Borders is working to support medical aid to those impacted by the earthquake. Learn more about their efforts here.
- The local Dallas office for UK-based Human Appeal USA is working to provide water, shelter, food and medical supplies for those impacted by the earthquake. Learn more about their efforts here.
