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From the sheer numbers, from a purely humanitarian point of view this tragedy compares with the worst seen in the region and, in fact, globally. However, what is missing -- compared to the tsunami that affected several countries in Asia on Dec. 26, 2004 -- is a quick and efficient response with a moral determination that is equal to the task of dealing with this tragedy. The neglect we see in Burma will kill more and more persons who can be saved and who can be helped.
Though not equal to the proportion of the tragedy, there has been a significant response from the global community and also from Burma's neighbors. No doubt far more needs to be done within the shortest time possible. However, the main obstacle to dealing with the tragedy comes from Burma's ruling military regime. Initially the regime was not even willing to admit the tragedy and later tried to minimize it.
Whether this was because of the nature of the inward-looking regime -- which lacks the capacity to generate an information flow about actual social conditions of the people -- or whether it was suppressing the information it possessed is not really the issue. Now that the partial information available reveals a tragedy of the worst proportions there is no political or moral justification to obstruct any form of intervention to save lives.
The unwillingness of the regime should not be taken as an excuse by the global community to allow the situation to degenerate and to allow more people to die or suffer when, in fact, it is possible to prevent it. It is a question of applying pressure, and this need to come from everyone, including the friends of the regime.
China and India have an irrefutable moral and political obligation to intervene with the regime, applying effective pressure to change the situation. It is also the duty of other powerful neighbors in the region such as Thailand, South Korea and Japan to spare no effort in smoothing the way for humanitarian assistance. The verbal football and accusations of non-cooperation by the regime is inexcusable under the present circumstances.
In fact, the world's diplomatic community faces a serious moral challenge in Burma. Has it the capacity and the will to make a meaningful intervention in the face of this human tragedy? Can the absence of political will on the part of the existing regime be dealt with effectively by quick and strong diplomacy? This challenge will also test the United Nations' capacity to deal with a humanitarian crisis despite obstacles placed in its way by an intransigent member state.
It is time once again for the global media to demonstrate its power to make a difference, also. Even the limited information we now have reveals that appalling and outrageous events have taken place in Burma. With more information it is very likely that the world will respond generously to deal with this crisis and also to bring political and moral pressure on the Burmese regime to respond to the sufferings of its people.
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(Basil Fernando is director of the Asian Human Rights Commission based in Hong Kong. He is a Sri Lankan lawyer who has also been a senior U.N. human rights officer in Cambodia. He has published several books and written extensively on human rights issues in Asia. His blog can be read at http://srilanka-lawlessness.com.)