Australia: The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Penny Wong, has unveiled a $135 million relief plan for refugees fleeing Myanmar into Bangladesh, responding to a spike in border crossings since 2021.
For those who are most in need, such as women, girls, and individuals with disabilities, the support package will also provide vital protection, education, and health services. The number of people in Myanmar who require humanitarian aid has increased from 1 million to an estimated 14.4 million since the military takeover in February 2021.
Australia has commended Bangladesh for continuing to provide aid to the more than 919,000 displaced Rohingya who depend on it to survive. The country also acknowledges the continued effects on the Rohingya-hosting communities.
As part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting the humanitarian response in Myanmar and Bangladesh, Australia will provide $135 million in 2022-23 to assist with the delivery of life-saving food, water and shelter through partner organisations.
Ms. Wong shared.
The United Nations (UN), the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and non-governmental organizations will work as mediums for Australia’s Humanitarian Aid. Each of the partner organizations has a track record of providing impartial, independent humanitarian aid to individuals in need. In order to prevent Australia’s support from directly assisting or legitimizing the military dictatorship in Myanmar, they have been carefully picked.
The support package adds to the $480 million that has been given to people in Myanmar, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and host communities since 2017.