The European Commission has decided to provide €31 million in humanitarian aid to address the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

“The Rohingya crisis is in its third year. It is more important than ever to maintain our support and not forget those that remain dependent on humanitarian aid to survive. We are committed to supporting both refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, as well as to the vulnerable Rohingya in Myanmar. It will ensure that those most in need continue to receive life-saving assistance, while being protected from the effects of flood and other hazards”, said Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič in Brussels on Tuesday.

Out of the funding announced today, €18.5 million will help the most vulnerable groups among refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. This will be done by providing criticalhealth care, food assistance and education in emergencies.

Another €3.5 million will go towards building the local communities’ capacities to prepare for and manage natural disasters, according to a press release of the European Commission.

In Myanmar, €6.5 million will focus on helping communities in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan states by providing health care, nutrition, education and shelter. Protection is also at the core of this support, with a specific focus on registration and documentation. Another €2.5 million will boost the local preparedness system in case of conflict or natural disasters.

In 2019 alone, the European Union provided close to €27 million in humanitarian aid for vulnerable Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshis in Cox’s Bazar and other parts of the country, as well as €9 million to address the immediate needs of displaced and conflict-affected communities in Myanmar.