On 3 March, the European Commission allocated €76 million in humanitarian aid to address the needs of people affected by major crises in South and Southeast Asia. Of this total, €32.3 million will support Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh. An additional €33 million will assist those impacted by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. The remaining €10.8 million will aid refugees and host communities in nearby countries and strengthen disaster preparedness efforts.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib visited Bangladesh on 3 March, where she toured Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and met with humanitarian partners and national authorities.
South and Southeast Asian countries face significant challenges from conflict and environmental issues. Over seven years have passed since a major influx of Rohingya refugees arrived in Bangladesh, and a safe return to Myanmar is unlikely due to ongoing intense conflict. Insecurity in the camps has increased, with armed groups recruiting forcibly and threatening refugees. Many now risk dangerous journeys to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India.
In Myanmar, humanitarian needs have escalated since the military takeover four years ago, with about 20 million people requiring assistance and 3.5 million displaced. The conflict is widespread, making it the third deadliest in the world. In the Philippines, Mindanao communities face ongoing armed conflict and natural disasters, including significant flooding and tropical cyclones last year.
“When home is not an option, humanity must be. The EU stands firmly with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, just as we have for the past seven years. With conflict still raging in Rakhine State and across Myanmar, their safe and dignified return remains out of reach. Myanmar faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and the EU has stepped up support every year since the military takeover in 2021. Our latest funding will ensure access to life-saving aid for the most vulnerable in South and Southeast Asia while strengthening disaster preparedness,” Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stated.
In Bangladesh, €32.3 million will support over one million Rohingya refugees, mainly in Cox’s Bazar, as well as host communities. This funding will cover food assistance, nutrition, shelter maintenance, healthcare, emergency education, and access to water and sanitation.
In Myanmar, €33 million will focus on food assistance, emergency nutrition, shelter for displaced individuals, clean water access, and essential services. It will also include mine risk education and disaster preparedness due to the country’s vulnerability to cyclones and floods.
An additional €3.5 million will aid refugees and host communities in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Moreover, €6 million will be allocated to the Philippines for disaster preparedness and conflict impacts in Mindanao, along with €1.3 million for regional disaster preparedness across Southeast Asia. All EU humanitarian funding is distributed through partner organizations such as international NGOs and UN agencies.
