The cyclone that ripped through Burma killed over 100,000 people and left a million homeless -- a natural disaster made much worse by the failure of the military junta to warn or evacuate its people.

The government was slowing down the urgent process of providing humanitarian relief -- so Avaaz started raising funds for the International Burmese Monks Organization, which will transmit funds directly to monasteries in affected areas.

In many of the worst-hit areas, the monasteries are the only source of shelter and food for Burma's poorest people. They have been on the front lines of the aid effort since the storm struck. Other forms of aid could be delayed, diverted or manipulated by the Burmese government--but the monks are the most trusted and reliable institution in the country.


Avaaz members have already donated $2 million (almost 1.3 million Euros) to the aid effort. The Avaaz community has given more than many governments, and their aid hasn't been stopped at the border like theirs -- they've supported Burmese monks and other aid groups who have worked without their brutal government's permission. You can read a brief report below, or click this link to read the report on our website, see pictures, and donate or comment:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_aid_report/7.php?cl=90196394


As you most probably all know, the world rushed to deliver aid -- but Burma's rulers stopped relief workers at the border. Incompetent and suspicious, the ruling junta feared that a foreign presence could undermine their power by bringing greater awareness of their brutal rule. Three weeks later, a donors’ summit has been scheduled that may reach a compromise on some aid being brought in, but the needless delay heaped daily suffering on Burma's people.

Since last year, Avaaz has built a strong relationship with Burmese monks and civil society groups, building political pressure and raising funds during and after the democracy protests. After the cyclone, they worked with these groups -- the most respected and trusted institutions in Burmese society -- to do what their government would not: bring the people aid. Unlike governments, they didn't wait for the Burmese government's permission to send help. Avaaz members in 124 countries stood with the people of Burma, donating almost $2 million (1.3 million Euros) in a matter of days.

GETTING THE MONEY IN

It's been a challenge to get such a lot of money in. Most Burmese groups can safely move only a limited amount of money each day through informal networks. So far, Avaaz knows that $550,000 has arrived in Burma and been spent, and an additional $1,000,000 is en route and may have arrived. They are currently working with the International Burmese Monk Organization and 7 other Burmese organizations, including monk groups, educational groups, and medical clinics, who have asked not to be named for their own security.

The way the money moves is through informal transfers between bank accounts and by hand. Sometimes it is as simple as a deposit in one country that is then withdrawn inside Burma by the account holder and then carried to a monastery or aid group. Because many merchants do this, the Burmese government cannot tell the difference between commercial funds and aid money.

HOW THE MONEY IS SPEND

Once the money arrives and is distributed to aid groups and monasteries, it is used to purchase rice, medicine, fuel and other supplies required to rescue, house and feed the survivors of the cyclone. Even in many of the hardest-hit areas, local markets are still working, with merchants bringing goods from other regions. In other areas the monks and other groups are able to drive supplies in, or move them by foot. The map at left shows some key locations where their aid has reached survivors.

This work carries some dangers; Burmese junta has harassed and, in one case, attacked the groups we are working with. But in the vast majority of cases, soldiers simply arrive, warn the partners that their work must be authorized by the government, and leave. Once they are out of sight, the aid work continues.

It is a challenge in such circumstances to exercise complete oversight over how the money is used -- most of the work is in secret. But they have chosen to work only with the most universally respected institutions, and they have asked them to provide detailed lists of monasteries and groups who receive it. These details allow them to verify receipt of the funds.

PEOPLE POWER

Yesterday, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown predicted that global people power, organized through the internet, would be a major driver of change in Burma. Avaaz has shown many times how a global voice can impact the world, but with this campaign they put the money where their voice was -- they didn't just call on governments to act, they stood with the people of Burma and took direct action.

Their ability to rapidly pool the small amounts of money each of us can give into a large combined amount is a powerful way to make a difference in the world. If you are one of the 25,062 Avaaz members who donated, please know that Avaaz has heard many words of gratitude for your help from their Burmese partners. They still need our help -- please visit the Avaaz website if you would like to donate now or make a comment / give advise to the organization:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_aid_report/7.php?cl=90196394