By Kantarawaddy Times
Due to the escalating military conflict in Myanmar, the European Union (EU) announced yesterday (June 20) that it will provide an additional €15 million in humanitarian aid for conflict-affected civilians and Rohingya in Myanmar.
The funding primarily aims to provide food, shelter, clean water, and emergency healthcare for those displaced by the conflict. It also aims to address the serious threat posed by landmines.
“The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has severe humanitarian consequences for the civilian population. This additional €15 million will help alleviate the extreme vulnerability, severe food insecurity, and lack of access to critical healthcare faced by the people,” said Janez Lenarčič, the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management.
Furthermore, Lenarčič emphasized the need to recognize and address the crises arising from Myanmar’s internal conflict, urging respect for international humanitarian law and norms amidst the ongoing intense fighting throughout Myanmar, including in Rakhine State where the fighting is intensifying.
Since the military takeover, armed conflicts have intensified, leading to an increased number of displaced persons in Myanmar, exceeding 3 million by late 2023.
In Karenni State, over 280,000 people have been displaced within three years of the coup, according to a statement released by the Karenni Civil Society Network (KCSN) on June 2, 2024.
The EU has been providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar since 1994, increasing its aid annually following the 2021 military coup. By 2024, the total aid has reached €36 million.
