The European Commission has announced €39 million in humanitarian aid to address the needs of displaced and conflict-affected communities in Bangladesh and Myanmar, in particular in the context of the pressing Rohingya refugee crisis, which has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The recent military overthrow of the legitimate government in Myanmar risks worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis faced by displaced and conflict-affected populations. The EU will continue to provide strong humanitarian aid support directly to the most vulnerable population. In Bangladesh, the COVID-19 crisis is aggravating the already difficult conditions experienced by almost one million Rohingya refugees in camps and for host communities. In both countries, recurrent natural hazards further increase vulnerabilities. In this challenging time, the EU is stepping up its long-standing humanitarian assistance to those most in need.”
Humanitarian partners working in Bangladesh and Myanmar will receive €24.5 million and €11.5 million respectively to respond to key humanitarian and disaster preparedness needs. An additional €3 million will address the vital protection needs of stateless Rohingya in other countries of the region. The newly announced emergency support will help EU humanitarian partners deliver food, nutrition, shelter, and essential health, water, and sanitation services to the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations while continuing to sustain education and protection.
The humanitarian assistance funded by the EU is delivered in partnership with UN agencies, international organisations, and NGOs. All EU humanitarian funding is provided in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
