Note: The International Technical Advisory Board (ITAB) was formed in January 2013. ITAB’s role in the 2014 Population and Housing Census in Myanmar is to provide advice to the Government on proposed census processes and activities. In addition, they ensure that the census follows international guidelines and good practice. The views and opinions expressed by ITAB do not reflect the official policy or position of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Mingalabar,
On behalf of the International Technical Advisory Board (ITAB) for the 2014 Census of Myanmar, we would like to thank you all for attending this press conference.
This is the fifth meeting (the third in-country) of the ITAB together with the Department of Population and UNFPA, to review technical, logistical, and administrative issues concerning the implementation of the Census. Our role, as demographic, statistical and census experts, is to provide technical advice to the Government to ensure Census compliance with international standards.
In conducting its first Census in over thirty years, Myanmar will join the ‘UN World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses’- a club that comprises over 200 nations and areas (90% of the world population). The world’s eyes 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.
A successful Census is a significant challenge that requires strong logistical planning, government leadership and the positive support throughout the country.
The Union Minister of Immigration and Population, HE U Khin Yi, spent several hours with us discussing preparations. He highlighted his successful engagement with a number of ethnic groups and leaders in self-administered areas, as well as community leaders and civil society. The Minister indicated that to date, all communities that he has engaged with have expressed a willingness to participate. The ITAB welcomes the constructive dialogue and the growing consensus in support of the census.
A census is much more than counting all the people in the country. It is the backbone of the statistical system and provides a comprehensive picture of the social and living conditions of the people. This is essential for planning the provision of health care, education, employment, among other things. At the regional and local level it will help identify the demand for schools and health care facilities, doctors and teachers, and the areas that require improvements in employment, water supply, sanitation, electricity, and roads. Moreover, it will enable Government to examine similarities as well as inequities across the country and address these through policy, planning and resource distribution.
We have just concluded three days of discussions with the Department of Population and visited the village of Yey Oe Sin to observe preparations in the field.
Overall, the Board expresses great satisfaction in the preparation of processes and systems for the conduct of the census. 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. The Board appreciates the hard work, openness and dedication of the staff members of DOP which is most impressive.
The Board is of the view that international standards in the preparations to the census taking have been adhered to. It is comfortable with the level of preparedness. The Board is confident that the appropriate preparations are in place to set the stage for a successful 2014 census.
The Department of Population presented a draft plan for how the results of the Census will be published. A range of reports will focus on a number of different themes, such as health, education and employment, at national and sub-national level. These will be valuable for policy planning, academic research and public dialogue. The Board is pleased with the comprehensive nature of this plan, and has emphasized the importance on ensuring that Census data is widely available and widely utilized across Government, private sector and civil society.
The Board discussed extensively the question of 'ethnicity' and its coding, and is aware of the diverse opinions that exist about this topic. It welcomes the provision to have all respondents self-identify as they desire. ITAB confirmed that the international standard is 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 encourages that data be published in alignment with principles of transparency, the application of international standards, and in a timely manner.
In summary, we would like to re-emphasize that we are very pleased with the capability of the Ministry of Immigration and Population and the commitment shown by the government to conducting a Census in accordance with international standards. The people of Myanmar will now need to work together to ensure that the Census is a success.
