EU allocates €29 million for Myanmar and Rohingya humanitarian crises

The European Union has allocated an additional €15 million in humanitarian aid to address the needs of communities impacted by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, and €14 million in development aid for Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.

These new funds come as the intensifying conflict in Myanmar continues to displace more people within the country, while also driving more displacement towards Bangladesh and neighbouring countries. The situation is further aggravated by the earthquake that hit Myanmar earlier this year, leading to a collapse of basic services such as health, access to water and sanitation and education, and to a sharp increase in hunger.

The largest share of the humanitarian contribution, up to €12 million, will support the communities affected by the conflict in Myanmar. The funding will prioritise food and nutrition assistance, given the concerning numbers of people at risk of famine.

In Bangladesh, €2 million will reinforce the existing EU assistance to Rohingya refugees, with a focus also on food and nutrition. Finally, an additional million will also support Myanmar and Rohingya refugees displaced in other neighbouring countries where they live in vulnerable conditions.

This assistance comes in addition to the almost €50 million provided in humanitarian aid for the crisis in Myanmar and its regional impact, including emergency funding in response to the earthquake that hit the country end of March. It also adds to over €32 million already allocated in humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh this year.

The additional €14 million in development assistance will focus on sustainability and self-reliance in the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar. It will include support for skills and livelihoods development.

Increasing numbers of people are fleeing across the border to Bangladesh, with over 136,000 new Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar since January 2024. The worsening situation in the camps in Bangladesh is pushing more people to risk dangerous sea journeys to flee to other countries.