Mandate of UN-backed group supporting Myanmar cyclone recovery extended

The United Nations-backed group assisting the reconstruction of Myanmar after it was devastated by Cyclone Nargis, which left around 140,000 dead or missing and uprooted 800,000 from their homes, has been given another year in its role facilitating the recovery work in the South Asian country.

The mandate of the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) – which consists of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Government of Myanmar and the UN – has been extended until next July to allow it to continue its efforts in supporting Myanmar in its recovery.

The TCG developed the three-year Post-Nargis Response and Preparedness Plan (PONREPP), which was launched last month and provides a blueprint for the reconstruction of communities devastated by Cyclone Nargis.

The medium-term recovery needs identified in the PONREPP amount to $691 million over the next three years and called for the extension of the TCG as a basis for providing continued funding.

“The results on the ground which have been achieved during the past ten months since Nargis struck prove that the assistance is reaching the people and that the joint humanitarian response at large has been successful,” said Bishow Parajuli, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said today.

“At the same time, challenges remain and the affected population will need continued support as outlined in the three-year recovery plan. With the extension of the TCG, the UN in Myanmar appeals to the international donor community to continue supporting the affected people,” he added.