Australia provides life-saving assistance in Myanmar
12 July, 2012
Villagers have been forced from their homes in Sittwe, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Photo: CARE Myanmar
Australia is responding to the urgent humanitarian needs in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
About 55,000 men, women and children have been forced to leave their homes following the recent violence in the area. Reports indicate that 78 people are dead, 87 injured and around 3000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
Through CARE Australia we are providing blankets, clothes, mosquito nets, cooking equipment and personal items such as soap to up to 14,000 people living in temporary shelters. Australia will also provide seeds and fertiliser so communities can resume their agricultural activities to ensure the recent violence does not undermine longer-term food security in the area.
Australia’s response is being implemented in coordination with the Government of Myanmar and humanitarian partners in the area. Australia supports humanitarian assistance that is delivered on the basis of need and does not favour any side of a dispute.
Australia is a longstanding donor in Rakhine State and has an existing program with CARE Australia in the affected area to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. The program, Strengthening Partnerships and Resilience of Communities will provide $7.7 million over four years to improve access to land, support access to finance for farmers and improve agricultural practices.
More information
Australia’s support for food security and income generation in Burma
Why we give aid to Burma
How we give aid to Burma
CARE Australia's work in Burma [external website]
Last Reviewed: 12 July, 2012