The EU is mobilising an additional €9 million in humanitarian aid for vulnerable populations affected by the conflict in Burma, particularly those living in Kachin, Shan and Rakhine states, the European Commission announced on Monday 2 September.
€2 million are intended to improve access to education for children who have dropped out of school as a result of forced displacement. The aid will also support the rehabilitation of shelters and water and sanitation infrastructure to improve living conditions in the camps, as well as projects to prevent violence, including gender-based violence.
“The situation in Myanmar goes beyond the plight of the Rohingya refugees. We cannot forget the victims in Myanmar who have been displaced from their homes due to the on-going violence in the country,” said Kristos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, quoted in a statement. He states that this aid “aims to protect those most vulnerable who are deprived of basic rights” and calls on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
The EU's humanitarian aid to Burma since 1994 totals more than €249 million, including funds to help victims of conflict or natural disasters. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)