New Zealand announces around USD 5 million aid for Rohingya refugees, host community

New Zealand today announced NZ $8.25 million (US$5.89 million) in humanitarian assistance to support refugees and their host populations in Bangladesh and to support the need of internally displaced and conflict affected people in Myanmar.

"Nearly four years after 900,000 Rohingya crossed the border into Bangladesh to escape violence, 1.3 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance in Cox's Bazar," said Nanaia Mahuta, foreign minister of New Zealand, in a statement.

New Zealand will contribute NZ $5.5 million to a range of UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh to provide support to these communities. This funding includes support to programmes for women and girls. Besides, NZ $2.75 million in humanitarian support has been announced for people within Myanmar.

Prior to the February coup 1 in Myanmar, conflicts have seen nearly 336,000 people displaced from their homes and in humanitarian need.

"We are deeply concerned that the coup has exacerbated the humanitarian situation of the most vulnerable in Myanmar," said Nanaia Mahuta.

The funding announced represents New Zealand's commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of the people of Myanmar. None of this funding will be channelled through, or benefit, Myanmar's military, the statement said.

"Aotearoa New Zealand continues to condemn the military coup and urge the immediate return to civilian government and the cessation of violence," said Nanaia Mahuta.

New Zealand has previously contributed over NZ $18 million in assistance to the humanitarian situation in Myanmar and Bangladesh since September 2017.