Brussels, 10/01/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the European Commission allocated €15.5 million in humanitarian aid for food, water and sanitation sectors, as well as for the protection of certain vulnerable groups in Burma/Myanmar. Aid is managed through the ECHO department and will also go towards around 150,000 refugees along the Myanmar-Thai border, who are almost entirely dependent on international aid. Burma/Myanmar has been ruled by a military regime since 1962. On-going armed conflict between government forces and ethnic minority groups has led to an influx of refugees to Thailand, and an estimated 500,000 internally displaced people. In a press release, the Commission stressed that aid provided by ECHO goes to those who need it most, irrespective of their nationality, ethnic origin, gender or religion. Since 1992 the European Commission has provided over €106 million in humanitarian assistance inside Myanmar and along the Myanmar-Thai border. (hb)