Inter-Agency Review of the Myanmar Protection of Children and Women Cluster Response to Cyclone Nargis

Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar at an unprecedented scale on May 3rd and 4th 2008. As of June 24, the official death toll stood at 84,537 with 53,836 people still missing, and19,359 injured. Assessment data shows that some 2.4 million people were severely affected by the cyclone. Early Assessments indicated that approximately 132, 793 children were affected by the cyclone and majority of the deaths occurring were women and children (60 -70%). There was also a considerable degree of concern for children and women who survived, some having lost families and loved ones and many having lost shelter, livelihoods and other basic necessities. Specific concerns for children also included an increase in the number of children from affected communities being placed in institutional care.

The review objectives and interview questions were formulated in consultation with CP and WP actors at a global level as well as at the country level prior to the mission. Interview questions were also taken from tools used in previous Child Protection Cluster reviews as well as UNFPA’s Global GBV cluster survey, which was adapted to reflect the broader focus on women’s protection in the Myanmar context. As such, conclusions and observations stemming from this review are framed within the context of the global learning initiatives on child protection and GBV co-ordination described above.