Humanitarian assistance to Burma

  • Media release

The Australian Government will provide additional humanitarian assistance for people in need in Burma, including vital support to improve security and livelihoods for vulnerable communities in Rakhine state.

This contribution builds on our long-term support to Burma's economic, political and social reform process, and our commitment to address security challenges in Burma.

It will also undermine the ability of people smugglers to sell the false hope of unsafe boat journeys to neighbouring countries.

The $6 million in additional funding will provide emergency food, shelter and protection, and includes:

  • $2 million to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to provide shelter for displaced people in Rakhine and Kachin States, with a focus on protecting women and girls from harm;
  • $3 million to the World Food Programme, to provide emergency food assistance to vulnerable people across Burma; and
  • $1 million to the Burma Emergency Response Fund to respond to emerging humanitarian needs.

This funding brings Australia's total humanitarian assistance to people in need in Burma to $18 million since June 2014.

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