- The EU has allocated €76 million in humanitarian aid for South and Southeast Asia.
- €32.3 million will support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
- €33 million is allocated to Myanmar for conflict-affected populations.
- €10.8 million will aid refugees in neighboring countries and strengthen disaster preparedness.
- EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib is visiting Bangladesh to assess relief efforts.
The European Commission has announced a humanitarian aid package of €76 million to support people affected by ongoing crises in South and Southeast Asia. The funding will provide essential services to displaced populations, including Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and conflict-affected communities in Myanmar. Additionally, part of the funding will strengthen disaster preparedness across the region.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is currently in Bangladesh, where she will visit Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. She will also meet with humanitarian partners and national authorities to assess ongoing relief efforts.
Support for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
Out of the total allocation, €32.3 million will assist over one million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, primarily in Cox’s Bazar. This funding will be used to provide food assistance and nutrition support, maintain shelters and camp infrastructure, and ensure access to healthcare, emergency education, clean water, and sanitation.
Since the Rohingya crisis began over seven years ago, Bangladesh has hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations. Security concerns within the camps are rising, with reports of forced recruitment and armed group activities increasing the risks faced by refugees.
Aid for Conflict-Affected Myanmar
The EU has allocated €33 million to support people affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. The aid will focus on food assistance and emergency nutrition, shelter for displaced persons, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services. It will also cover emergency education and mine risk awareness, as well as disaster preparedness, considering Myanmar’s vulnerability to cyclones and floods.
Since the military takeover four years ago, Myanmar has faced escalating violence, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. Currently, 20 million people require aid, with at least 3.5 million displaced due to conflict. As a result, Myanmar now ranks among the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
Recognizing the broader regional impact of the Myanmar crisis, an additional €3.5 million will be allocated for life-saving aid in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. These funds will support refugees and host communities coping with the crisis spillover.
Furthermore, €6 million will be directed to the Philippines, addressing the long-term impact of conflict in Mindanao and strengthening disaster preparedness. A further €1.3 million will support disaster response efforts across Southeast Asia.
EU’s Commitment to Crisis Response
All EU humanitarian funding will be channeled through partner organizations, including international NGOs and UN agencies, ensuring efficient delivery of aid. The EU remains committed to supporting crisis-affected populations in the region through targeted humanitarian interventions.
As conflicts persist and climate-related disasters intensify, sustained financial and policy commitments are essential to mitigate suffering and build resilience. The latest funding underscores the EU’s ongoing commitment to addressing humanitarian needs in South and Southeast Asia.