Humanitarian assistance to Myanmar
- Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Australia will provide $9 million to Myanmar through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to support communities and conflict-affected populations.
Australia remains deeply concerned by the worsening political, security and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, which has serious implications for regional peace and security.
This brings Australia’s total humanitarian commitment to the crises in Myanmar and Bangladesh since 2017 to $880 million.
Over 3.4 million people are internally displaced within Myanmar, and 18.6 million people need humanitarian assistance. Our assistance will support community organisations and target vulnerable people and communities that need it most.
Australia does not provide any direct funding to the military regime and takes proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar.
In addition to today's announcement, Australia welcomes the release of $17.8 million (US$12 million) to respond to the crisis in Myanmar from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF, contributing $11 million each year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“Australia is deeply concerned by the conflict in Myanmar.
“The people of Myanmar continue to demonstrate great resolve in the face of unspeakable violence and human rights abuses, and Australia remains resolute in our support for them.
“Australia reiterates our call for the regime to cease violence against civilians, release those unjustly detained, allow access for aid and return Myanmar to the path of inclusive democracy.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and The Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Australia’s support will help the most vulnerable in Myanmar including women, children and persons with disabilities access lifesaving humanitarian assistance.”
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