Architects For Aid barred from Burma
Cyclone Nargis
Charity Architects For Aid (A4A) is not being allowed into cyclone-struck Burma by the ruling military junta, the AJ can reveal.
The organisation, which has previously sent volunteers to danger zones such as earthquake-hit northern Pakistan in 2005, has been prevented from entering the country where nearly 35,000 people have already died in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.
Victoria Harris, the charity's chief executive, said: 'There is a question as to whether any [of us] will be let in, but we are standing by with partner charities like Save the Children.
'It is therefore too early to issue a call for funding and people should be aware that [any donations] may be used on other development or disaster relief work if we are prevented from acting.'
She added: 'But if we are allowed in, we will sorely need the support.'
Meanwhile, the charity has had to recall its team working on a much-needed bridge close to the Burmese border in Thailand because of the poor weather conditions (pictured below).
The AJ can also reveal the charity is to change its name to Article 25, Development and Disaster Relief from the beginning of next month.
Harris said: 'Article 25 is the only one in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which mentions with the built environment. It states that adequate shelter and housing are a basic human right.
'[It] reflects our human rights ethos.'
