The Commission has allocated €76 million in EU humanitarian aid to address the needs of people in South and Southeast Asia. Of this, €32.3 million supports Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. An additional €33 million aids those affected by Myanmars conflict. €10.8 million supports refugees and host communities in nearby countries, strengthening disaster preparedness.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is visiting Rohingya refugee camps in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, meeting with humanitarian partners and authorities.
In Bangladesh, €32.3 million aids over a million Rohingya refugees, mainly in Coxs Bazar, and host communities. Funding covers:
- Food and nutrition aid;
- Camp shelter and facility maintenance;
- Essential services like healthcare, emergency education, and water access.
In Myanmar, €33 million is allocated for:
- Food and emergency nutrition due to high food insecurity;
- Shelter for displaced people;
- Clean water and sanitation access;
- Healthcare and emergency education;
- Mine risk education and landmine victim aid;
- Disaster preparedness due to cyclone and flood risks.
An additional €3.5 million provides life-saving aid to refugees and host communities in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
€6 million supports the Philippines for disaster preparedness and ongoing Mindanao conflict impacts. €1.3 million is for Southeast Asia disaster preparedness.
All EU humanitarian funding is through partner organizations like NGOs and UN agencies.
Background
South and Southeast Asian countries face a complex mix of conflict and environmental challenges. Over seven years since the Rohingya influx to Bangladesh, and with Myanmars conflict being one of the deadliest, safe return is unlikely soon. Camp insecurity has risen, with armed group threats increasing. More refugees risk dangerous journeys to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India.
In Myanmar, humanitarian needs have soared since the military takeover four years ago. About 20 million need aid, with 3.5 million displaced. Fighting affects most of the country, with the conflict rated as the third deadliest globally.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Mindanao communities suffer armed conflict consequences worsened by natural hazards. Last year, floods and tropical cyclones severely hit the country.
For More Information
EU humanitarian aid in Bangladesh