Australia has pledged an additional $9 million in humanitarian aid to assist those affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. The announcement brings Australia's total aid to Myanmar and Bangladesh to $880 million.
According to Australian authorities, 3.4 million people in Myanmar are internally displaced and in urgent need of assistance. The new aid package will focus on the most vulnerable, with estimates indicating that 18.6 million people across the country require humanitarian support.
The aid will bypass the Myanmar military council, with Australia refusing to recognize the military regime. In a statement, Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed grave concern over the escalating violence and human rights abuses in the country. She reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to standing with the people of Myanmar during this crisis.
Wong also called on the military council to cease violence against civilians, release those unjustly detained, allow humanitarian access, and restore democracy.
Comments