Nay Pyi Taw_ The International Technical Advisory Board (ITAB) gave thumbs up to the Government of Myanmar for its efforts in the preparations for the upcoming Myanmar census by stating that it was ‘greatly satisfied and comfortable with the level of preparedness’. The Board also highlighted that international standards in the census taking have been adhered to, at a press conference held in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday (24 January 2014).
Over a period of two days the ITAB, a group of 15 global demographic, statistical and census experts held consultations with senior representatives of the Department of Population (DoP) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to ensure that the upcoming census will be in compliance with international standards.
“A successful Census is a significant challenge that requires strong logistical planning, government leadership and the positive support throughout the country,” said Dr. Werner Haug, ITAB Co-Chair in a prepared statement.
The group emphasized the importance of a successful census; “a census is more than counting all the people of Myanmar. It is the backbone of the statistical system and provides a comprehensive picture of the social living conditions of the people and it is essential for planning the provision of health care, education, employment among other things.” At the regional and local level the result of the data collection will help identify the demand for schools and health care facilities, doctors and teachers, including the areas that require improvements in employment, water supply, sanitation, electricity and roads.
With Myanmar conducting its first census in over thirty years, the country will join the ‘UN World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses –a census club’ that compromises over 200 nations, representing 90% of the world’s population. “The world’s eye are certainly on Myanmar at this time. The international community is very keen to see a successful census in Myanmar and for Myanmar to have the statistical information needed to provide the basis for policy making, government administration and community discussion in this time of reform.”
During the course of the past year, we have seen significant improvements in technical capabilities of the Department of Population, especially in areas of mapping, data scanning and processing, and recruitment and training,” stated the ITAB statement. “The Board appreciates the hard work, openness and dedication of the staff members of DoP which was most impressive.. and we are confident that the appropriate preparations are in place to set the stage for a successful 2014 census.”
A draft plan prepared by the Department of Population detailing how the collected census data will prove very useful and valuable in terms of policy planning, academic research and public dialogue was discussed. The issues raised in the draft report focused the improvement plans of the education, health and employment sectors. The Board was pleased with the ‘comprehensive nature of this plan’ and emphasized the importance on ensuring that the census data is made widely available and widely utilized.
On the issue of ethnicity and its coding, the Board discussed this extensively and it welcomed the provision for all respondents to self-identify as they desire. ITAB confirmed that the international standards states that the census should capture data as reported by each person. The Minister and DoP provided assurances that this process will be followed and that all responses will be captured and coded. ITAB strongly encouraged that data would be published in alignment with the principles of transparency and the application of international standards, and in a timely manner.
Mr. Paul Cheung, ITAB Co-Chair concluded the press conference stating that “ITAB have found that DoP have done a good job and that now the rest is up to the people of Myanmar”.
