Latest news with #AHACentre
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean reaffirms commitment to Myanmar Five-Point Consensus
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean leaders have reiterated their unwavering commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the main framework for resolving the political crisis in Myanmar amidst deepening conflict and humanitarian conditions in the country. In his Chairman's Statement following the conclusion of the 46th Asean Summit, Asean Chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the leaders remained united in upholding earlier decisions on Myanmar. "We expressed our deep concern over the escalation of conflicts and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and the minimal progress on the implementation of the 5PC. "The leaders upheld the decision limiting Myanmar's participation at the Asean Summits and Foreign Ministers' Meetings to the non-political level and reiterated that Asean community building and decision-making should not be affected," he said. Myanmar has been in turmoil since early 2021, when the military ousted an elected civilian government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering a protest movement that morphed into an armed rebellion against the junta across the country. The 5PC is Asean's agreed framework to address the Myanmar crisis, calling for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, a special envoy's mediation, humanitarian aid, and a visit by the envoy to engage all parties. Anwar said they also welcomed the exchange of ideas and proposals put forward during the Informal Consultation and the Extended Informal Consultation on the Implementation of the 5PC. He said Asean leaders collectively condemned the violence on the ground, calling for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and infrastructure. "We denounced the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructures, and create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue," he said. Acknowledging efforts on the humanitarian front, he welcomed the work by the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) in implementing Point 4 of the 5PC. "We called for scaled-up additional financial support from the international community for humanitarian assistance, including to ensure the safety and livelihood of internally displaced persons (IDPs)," he said. On the Rohingya issue, he said Asean reiterated support for Myanmar's efforts in Rakhine State and the repatriation of displaced persons. "We reaffirmed Asean's continued support for Myanmar's efforts to bring peace, stability, the rule of law, promote harmony and reconciliation, and sustainable and equitable development in Rakhine State. "We looked forward to Asean's continued support for Myanmar's efforts in the repatriation process through the implementation of projects following the recommendations of the Preliminary Needs Assessment (PNA). "We also looked forward to the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) when conditions allowed and encouraged the Asean Secretary-General to continue identifying possible areas of cooperation to effectively facilitate the repatriation process," he said. He said Asean leaders also welcomed the work of Special Envoy of the Asean Chair on Myanmar Tan Sri Othman Hashim, who has been engaging various Myanmar stakeholders since his appointment in January. From: Iylia
![[UPDATED] Asean urges nationwide Myanmar ceasefire as step towards peace](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FMyanmarceasefire-270525_NSTfield_image_socialmedia.var_1748339370.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Asean urges nationwide Myanmar ceasefire as step towards peace
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean leaders have called for a sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire in Myanmar as an initial step towards ending violence. In a joint statement, the leaders said this should be done with a view to establishing an inclusive national dialogue, consistent with the Five-Point Consensus (5PC). They also urged all parties to cease any acts of violence against civilians and public facilities. "We urge them to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, denounce any escalation, exercise utmost restraint and ensure the protection and safety of all civilians. "In this regard, we appreciate the declaration of three consecutive temporary ceasefires by the authority in Myanmar and the other unilateral ceasefires by other relevant stakeholders. "We further called for the sustained extension and nationwide expansion of the ceasefire in Myanmar, as an initial step towards the cessation of violence, with a view to creating a safe and conducive environment in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance, to reach those in need and establishing an inclusive national dialogue, consistent with the Five-Point Consensus," they said after the 46th Asean Summit. Asean, the leaders said, is committed to assisting Myanmar in finding a peaceful and durable solution to the ongoing crisis. They also reiterated that the 5PC remains the main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar, and it should be implemented in its entirety. This is to help the people of Myanmar achieve an inclusive and durable peaceful resolution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led, thus contributing to peace, security and stability in the region, said the leaders. "We remain deeply concerned over the escalation of conflicts and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar, further compounded by the impact of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025. "We urged all parties concerned to ensure the safe, timely, effective and transparent delivery of Asean humanitarian assistance without discrimination based on the Asean-ERAT Rapid Needs Assessment Report and the Joint Needs Assessment by the AHA Centre, with the continued support of relevant stakeholders in Myanmar and through cross-border efforts where necessary," they said. They also encouraged all relevant stakeholders in Myanmar to build trust towards convening an inclusive national dialogue by continuing to reach out to parties with the aim of achieving a durable, peaceful resolution. "We reaffirmed our continued support for the work of the Asean Chair, including through the Special Envoy, in the full and effective implementation of the 5PC in its entirety, with the sole objective of restoring peace, stability, and democracy through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led political solution, for the interest and well-being of the people of Myanmar," they said. They also expressed appreciation for the continued support from the international community, particularly the United Nations (UN), for Asean in implementing the 5PC. In addition, they affirmed their readiness to enhance cooperation among Asean member states, external partners, Myanmar's neighbouring countries, and the UN, with a view to supporting Asean's efforts to address the crisis in Myanmar and its broader impacts, including the rise in transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online scams.
Hi Dubai
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Humanitarian and ASEAN's AHA Centre Sign Letter of Intent to Strengthen Disaster Response
Dubai Humanitarian and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) today signed a Letter of Intent in Siem Reap, Cambodia, marking a major milestone in enhancing joint humanitarian action across Southeast Asia. The agreement sets the foundation for strategic cooperation between the two entities to bolster emergency preparedness and response efforts across ASEAN Member States impacted by natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. The signing reflects a shared commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and agile systems for disaster relief in one of the world's most disaster-prone regions. The Letter of Intent outlines a collaborative framework across key pillars: Humanitarian Logistics and Crisis Relief Solutions The partnership will facilitate coordinated relief operations, explore the loan of critical relief items, and support the AHA Centre's Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA). It also envisions joint innovation initiatives in the humanitarian supply chain to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of emergency responses. Knowledge Sharing and Outreach Both organizations will collaborate to exchange best practices in sustainability, carbon reduction, and operational excellence. The agreement enables co-hosted training programs and symposiums, focusing on enhancing local response capabilities and knowledge transfer across public and private sectors. It also emphasizes of joint visibility efforts, including public awareness campaigns and participation in regional humanitarian events to promote collaboration for a Global Safety Net. Shedding light on the signing, Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said: What we're witnessing across the world, and especially in regions like Southeast Asia, is a growing frequency and complexity of disasters that demand not just faster responses, but smarter, more collaborative ones. This partnership with the AHA Centre is rooted in that understanding. It reflects our responsibility as a global humanitarian hub to not only deliver aid, but to co-create solutions that build local capacity, reduce vulnerability, and adapt to evolving risks. This Letter of Intent is a testament to the kind of forward-thinking cooperation the humanitarian sector needs more of. The AHA Centre is excited to collaborate with Dubai Humanitarian, an internationally recognised hub for humanitarian coordination and logistics. This collaboration aligns with the AHA Centre's vision to create a well-connected and resilient ASEAN community that can respond swiftly and effectively to disasters. Through this cooperation, both organisations will work toward enhanced synergy in emergency preparedness and response, disaster information dissemination, capacity building, and innovation in the region. Executive Director of the AHA Centre, Mr. Lee Yam Ming highlighted the importance of this collaboration for ASEAN to strengthen disaster management in the region. This partnership with Dubai Humanitarian marks an exciting milestone for the AHA Centre, as it is our first formal collaboration with a Middle Eastern organisation in the field of disaster management. It reflects our shared commitment to building stronger regional and global humanitarian networks. Through this partnership, we aim to fully realise the vision of One ASEAN, One Response with a shared commitment to building a disaster-resilient ASEAN community, he added. News Source: M+C Saatchi Group
Web Release
26-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Dubai Humanitarian and ASEAN's AHA Centre Sign Letter of Intent to Strengthen Disaster Response
Dubai Humanitarian and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) today signed a Letter of Intent in Siem Reap, Cambodia, marking a major milestone in enhancing joint humanitarian action across Southeast Asia. The agreement sets the foundation for strategic cooperation between the two entities to bolster emergency preparedness and response efforts across ASEAN Member States impacted by natural disasters and other humanitarian crises. The signing reflects a shared commitment to building resilient, sustainable, and agile systems for disaster relief in one of the world's most disaster-prone regions. The Letter of Intent outlines a collaborative framework across key pillars: Humanitarian Logistics and Crisis Relief Solutions The partnership will facilitate coordinated relief operations, explore the loan of critical relief items, and support the AHA Centre's Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA). It also envisions joint innovation initiatives in the humanitarian supply chain to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of emergency responses. Knowledge Sharing and Outreach Both organizations will collaborate to exchange best practices in sustainability, carbon reduction, and operational excellence. The agreement enables co-hosted training programs and symposiums, focusing on enhancing local response capabilities and knowledge transfer across public and private sectors. It also emphasizes of joint visibility efforts, including public awareness campaigns and participation in regional humanitarian events to promote collaboration for a Global Safety Net. Shedding light on the signing, Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said: 'What we're witnessing across the world, and especially in regions like Southeast Asia, is a growing frequency and complexity of disasters that demand not just faster responses, but smarter, more collaborative ones. This partnership with the AHA Centre is rooted in that understanding. It reflects our responsibility as a global humanitarian hub to not only deliver aid, but to co-create solutions that build local capacity, reduce vulnerability, and adapt to evolving risks. This Letter of Intent is a testament to the kind of forward-thinking cooperation the humanitarian sector needs more of.' The AHA Centre is excited to collaborate with Dubai Humanitarian, an internationally recognised hub for humanitarian coordination and logistics. This collaboration aligns with the AHA Centre's vision to create a well-connected and resilient ASEAN community that can respond swiftly and effectively to disasters. Through this cooperation, both organisations will work toward enhanced synergy in emergency preparedness and response, disaster information dissemination, capacity building, and innovation in the region. Executive Director of the AHA Centre, Mr. Lee Yam Ming highlighted the importance of this collaboration for ASEAN to strengthen disaster management in the region. 'This partnership with Dubai Humanitarian marks an exciting milestone for the AHA Centre, as it is our first formal collaboration with a Middle Eastern organisation in the field of disaster management. It reflects our shared commitment to building stronger regional and global humanitarian networks. Through this partnership, we aim to fully realise the vision of One ASEAN, One Response with a shared commitment to building a disaster-resilient ASEAN community,' he added.
New Straits Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia commends AHA Centre's prompt response to Myanmar earthquake
JAKARTA: Malaysia, as the Chair of Asean in 2025, has commended the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) for its prompt response in managing the aftermath of the earthquake that struck Myanmar late last month. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia also welcomes the activation of the response mechanism under the Standard Operating Procedures for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (Sasop), which facilitates the deployment of regional assets and humanitarian support. Zahid, who also chairs Malaysia's National Disaster Management Committee, said the prompt and effective coordination clearly demonstrates the AHA Centre's vital role in Asean's collective disaster response framework. "The regional solidarity shown by all Asean member states through the deployment of search and rescue teams, humanitarian aid, and essential supplies clearly reflects the strong Asean spirit," he said. He was speaking during his visit to the headquarters of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the AHA Centre here on Monday. According to the Information Team of Myanmar's State Administration Council, the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 claimed 3,726 lives, injured 5,105 people, and left 129 still unaccounted for as of April 18. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring countries including Thailand. Zahid further emphasised the importance of upholding the "One Asean, One Response" principle, saying it must go beyond rhetoric and be reflected in joint actions by Asean nations during times of disaster. Commenting on the visit, Zahid expressed admiration for BNPB's preparedness, stating that Malaysia's National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) could learn much from its Indonesian counterpart in coordinating emergency response operations. "While Malaysia has only one Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) to respond to all types of disasters, BNPB has Smart teams specialised in various areas such as fires, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and maritime accidents," he said. Zahid is currently on a three-day official visit to Indonesia, which concludes tomorrow.
