Humanitarian Coalition thanks Canadians for their generosity towards Rohingya people

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The seven members of the Humanitarian Coalition wish to thank Canadians for their generosity in ensuring life-saving aid reaches vulnerable populations in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Today, the Government of Canada announced it is contributing $12.5 million in its Myanmar Crisis Relief Fund, the same amount raised by Canadian charities.

Since August 25, 2017, more than 620,000 Rohingya people have fled violence in Myanmar for safety and protection in Bangladesh. They find themselves in makeshift camps with almost no basic amenities and facing serious risk on many levels.

“When I visited the camps last month, I was particularly struck by the situation of women and girls. Many of them were injured and traumatized, having witnessed and experienced unspeakable violence and sexual assault,” said Brittany Lambert, Women’s Rights Policy Specialist with Oxfam Canada, a member of the Humanitarian Coalition.

“Even after they arrive in the relative safety of the camps, women are vulnerable to violence. However, despite all they have been through, refugees I talked to showed incredible strength and resilience. Today’s announcement means more aid will be available and therefore more lives will be saved.”

Together, the members of the Humanitarian Coalition raised more than $6.2 million. They have distributed more than 420,000 emergency food packages and have provided water, sanitation and hygiene support to close to 200,000 people.

In addition, our members have:

• Increased access to protection services, awareness of gender equality and gender based violence prevention.

• Supported unaccompanied children and children separated from their families.

• Provided psychosocial support to children and their families who have experienced trauma.

• Provided health and nutrition services to children and their families.