Canada announces next phase of strategy responding to Rohingya and Myanmar crises

The Rohingya crisis and the political, security, humanitarian, and economic crises that followed the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar continue to affect millions of people in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Canada is committed to maintaining a leadership role to help uphold sustainable peace and security, democracy, human rights, and accountability. Canada will continue to help support Rohingya refugees, host communities in Bangladesh, and the people of Myanmar most affected by these crises.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced the next phase of Canada’s strategy to respond to the Rohingya and Myanmar crises. Canada has dedicated $288.3 million to this new phase of the strategy over 3 years.

“Canada remains deeply concerned about the ongoing Rohingya and Myanmar crises. The military regime in Myanmar must immediately put an end to violence, initiate an inclusive political dialogue, and implement the Five-Point Consensus established by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We will pursue sustainable solutions to ensure that the needs of impacted communities, including the Rohingya, are met and that their voices are heard,” Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

This phase will consolidate the efforts and allow to transition from immediate crisis response to helping advance durable solutions in Myanmar and addressing the medium- and longer-term needs of refugees and other crisis-affected populations, including in Bangladesh. In line with the Myanmar people’s aspirations, Canada will continue pushing for a restoration of democracy in Myanmar as well as accountability for crimes against the Rohingya and other communities.

To help achieve these objectives, Minister Joly announced her intention to appoint a new Special Envoy on the Rohingya and Myanmar crises who will play a leading role in coordinating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the United Nations, and other international partners to develop and advance solutions to the interlinked and complex crises in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The ministers also announced that 16 new development, peace, and security projects have received funding through this strategy. Canada will continue to provide life-saving, gender-responsive humanitarian assistance as well. In addition to the announcement, Canada has allocated $15.3 million in humanitarian assistance funding in Bangladesh and $10.3 million in Myanmar in 2022 to support experienced humanitarian partners in addressing the immediate needs of the most vulnerable people, including the Rohingya.