Australia will contribute $135 million in 2022–2023 as part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to aiding in the supply of life-saving food, water, and shelter through partner organizations in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, confirmed the announcement and said that the United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement will help us in delivering life-saving food, water and shelter in Myanmar and Bangladesh as Australia will support the countries with $135 million. The partner organization will also help in providing essential protection, education and health services to the people in need, she added.
For those who are most in need, such as women, girls, and individuals with disabilities, the support package will also provide vital protection, education, and health services.
Reacting to the announcement, Chiara Porro, an Australian diplomat who was appointed Ambassador to The Holy See, said on Twitter that the number of people in Myanmar who require humanitarian aid has increased from 1 million to an estimated 14.4 million since the military takeover in February 2021. Australia has offered further funds and assistance for those in need in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Australia applauds Bangladesh for continuing to provide aid to the more than 919,000 displaced Rohingya who depend on it to survive. We also acknowledge the continued effects on the Rohingya-hosting communities.
Each of the partner organizations has a track record of providing impartial, independent humanitarian aid to individuals in need. In order to prevent Australia’s support from directly assisting or legitimizing the military dictatorship in Myanmar, they have been carefully picked.
The support package adds to the $480 million that has been given to people in Myanmar, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and host communities since 2017.
