EU releases €15 million in humanitarian aid for people in Myanmar and refugees on the country's borders

As the escalation of conflict in Myanmar continues to increase humanitarian needs, the EU has released an additional €15 million to help people affected in the country, as well as refugees who have fled to neighbouring states. This includes Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

This additional allocation will help provide life-saving assistance to people who have had to flee their homes due to conflict, providing them with access to food, shelter, clean water, and emergency healthcare. The additional funds will also go towards helping people protect themselves in the dangerous context, for example by minimising their exposure to the risks of landmines.

The EU has increased its total allocation for the Myanmar crisis each year since the 2021 coup, providing €36 million in 2024 so far.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: "The conflict in Myanmar is having devastating humanitarian consequences for the people of the country. These additional €15 million will bring relief to a population that faces multiple threats, including grave protection risks, a serious food security crisis and little access to critical healthcare. With increasingly disturbing reports of violence against civilians, it is paramount that all parties respect international humanitarian law. The situation is particularly concerning in Rakhine State, where all communities, including the Rohingya, face serious risks at the hands of armed actors. I urge all parties to show restraint and respect their obligations on protecting the civilian population."

Background

Following a military coup d'état in Myanmar in February 2021, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has risen from 1 million to over 18 million in 2024. After an escalation in fighting at the end of 2023, the number of internally displaced people increased by 50% in six months and has now surpassed 3 million.

Rakhine State is currently facing particularly intensive fighting, with many civilian casualties. Different armed groups are carrying out forced recruitment, with the Rohingya people a particular target.

With monsoon season having arrived, the country is bracing itself for the possibility of a disaster such as cyclonic storm Mocha, which hit the country in May 2023 and caused more than €2 billion in damages.

The EU has been providing humanitarian aid to people in Myanmar since 1994. At the beginning of this year, the EU approved over €19 million to fund humanitarian operations in the country, plus an additional €2 million to address the regional impact of the crisis.