FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator for the U.N. Martin Griffiths met with Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyidaw on Aug. 15, regime media reported. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in Burma sent DVB a response stating Griffiths’ visit was to advocate for greater humanitarian access to communities impacted by war and natural disasters. It added that this demonstrates the international community’s solidarity with the people of Burma.

“In line with global practice, the humanitarian community speaks to all sides to facilitate access for the delivery of assistance to vulnerable people in need and to advocate for their protection. Such engagement is a practical necessity to ensure our staff can safely enter conflict areas to deliver assistance,” added the response provided by UNOCHA. The regime has prevented aid groups from traveling to Rakhine State or delivering aid to Cyclone Mocha survivors since June 7. At least 1.9 million people are displaced from their homes due to armed conflict in Burma, states UNOCHA.