Additional humanitarian assistance for Myanmar and Bangladesh

The Australian Government is deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar, and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Australia will provide additional support of up to $15 million to help address the humanitarian needs of more than 300,000 people affected by this crisis.

The United Nations estimates that more than 410,000 people fleeing violence have crossed into Bangladesh since 25 August, with numbers expected to rise further.

Australian support will contribute to providing food, shelter, clean water and essential health services for displaced people in Bangladesh.

This assistance will be provided through the World Food Programme, the International Organisation for Migration and other trusted humanitarian partners.

This funding is in addition to the $5 million announced on 9 September, and will bring Australia's assistance for Rohingya and affected communities in Myanmar and Bangladesh to more than $65 million since 2012.

Australia reiterates its call for restraint by the Myanmar authorities, for the protection of civilians, and for unfettered access to be granted to humanitarian workers.