What enables SWISSAID to provide rapid emergency aid to the people of Myanmar?
SWISSAID has been active in Myanmar for 30 years and has an extensive network of local partner organizations throughout the country. This long-standing presence allows us to respond quickly and efficiently to humanitarian emergencies.
How can aid supplies be delivered to a fragile and isolated country?
In the initial days following a crisis, support from existing local structures is crucial. Organizations and individuals already on the ground can provide the fastest and most effective assistance. As long as local markets remain functional, procuring relief goods locally is the fastest, most cost-effective, and most sustainable solution.
Two key factors are essential for this approach:
- A well-functioning local network
- The ability to securely and directly transfer financial resources to partner organizations
SWISSAID ensures both. Despite the challenging conditions, our organization has remained in the country and gained extensive experience in humanitarian aid under such difficult circumstances. This expertise is now proving invaluable in our current emergency response efforts. In Myanmar, SWISSAID works in partnership with local organisations. These organisations have the strong trust and relationships with communities that are crucial in the diverse ethnic, religious and cultural areas in which we work and, importantly, they have access to communities.
How does the aid process work in practice?
Our emergency aid follows a structured and coordinated approach:
- Situation assessment and needs analysis: Our local partners evaluate the current conditions and identify the most urgent needs.
- Matching available capacities and coordinating with other actors: Close coordination with partners and other humanitarian organizations ensures effective and impactful assistance.
- Development of an emergency aid plan: Defining the most urgently needed relief goods and support measures.
- Selection of beneficiaries: Aid is distributed based on established humanitarian criteria to reach those most in need.
- Establishment of appropriate distribution mechanisms:
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- Whenever possible, we prioritize cash assistance, as this offers recipients the greatest flexibility to meet their most pressing needs. This method is preferred by all specialized humanitarian organizations.
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- If cash assistance is not feasible, we ensure local procurement and direct distribution of relief goods to bridge supply gaps.
This approach allows SWISSAID to respond flexibly and efficiently to the challenging situation in Myanmar and provide the best possible support to affected communities.