November 11, 2022
DHAKA – Australia will provide $135 million in 2022-23 for the Rohingyas and other communities in Myanmar and Bangladesh to assist with the delivery of life-saving food, water and shelter as a part of the Albanese government’s commitment to supporting the humanitarian response.
The package of support builds on $480 million provided since 2017 to people across Myanmar, and Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh.
The package will also deliver essential protection, education and health services for those most in need, including women, girls and people with disabilities, according to a statement of the Australian foreign ministry issued today (November 10, 2022).
Since the military coup in February 2021, the number of people in humanitarian need in Myanmar has surged from 1 million to an estimated 14.4 million.
Australia commends Bangladesh’s ongoing support to over 919,000 displaced Rohingya who rely on humanitarian assistance to survive, while recognizing the ongoing impact on communities hosting the Rohingya.
Australia’s humanitarian assistance will be delivered through the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-government organisations, the statement said.
All partner organisations have proven capacity to deliver neutral and independent humanitarian assistance and reach those most in need. They are carefully chosen to ensure that Australia’s assistance does not directly benefit or legitimise the military regime in Myanmar, it added.