Staff Reporter :
The European Commission has announced an allocation of €76 million in humanitarian aid to support those affected by major crises in South and Southeast Asia.
A significant portion of this funding, €32.3 million, will be directed towards assisting Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, while €33 million will support communities impacted by ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
The remaining €10.8 million will be used to aid refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries, as well as to enhance disaster preparedness efforts.
EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is currently in Bangladesh, where she is visiting Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
During her visit, she will engage with humanitarian organisations and national authorities.
Commissioner Lahbib stated: “When home is not an option, humanity must be.
The EU remains steadfast in its support for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, as we have for the past seven years. With conflict continuing in Rakhine State and across Myanmar, their safe and dignified return is still unattainable.
Myanmar is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, and the EU has increased its assistance every year since the military takeover in 2021.
Our latest funding will ensure access to vital aid for the most vulnerable people in South and Southeast Asia while also reinforcing disaster preparedness.”
In Bangladesh, the €32.3 million aid package will support over one million Rohingya refugees, primarily in Cox’s Bazar, along with local host communities.
The funds will be utilised for food and nutrition assistance, maintenance of shelters and camp infrastructure, and the provision of essential services such as healthcare, emergency education, and access to clean water and sanitation.
