Question Period Note: Canada's Humanitarian Response in Bangladesh and Myanmar

Violence and insecurity in Myanmar has resulted in significant humanitarian needs in both Myanmar and neighbouring Bangladesh, where more than 740,000 Rohingya have sought refuge since August 2017.

• Canada remains deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Myanmar. Simultaneously, humanitarian needs within Bangladesh remain significant, as prospects for the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees have been greatly diminished.

• Since 2017, Canada has provided $172 million dollars in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• Canada's gender-responsive humanitarian programming is supporting life-saving interventions for vulnerable people affected by the crisis, including women and girls as well as adolescents and children.

There has been an influx of over 740,000 Rohingya women, men, girls and boys from Myanmar into Bangladesh since August 25, 2017.

The influx resulted in significant humanitarian needs in Cox's Bazar. Difficult conditions in the camps and settlements have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, the Government of Bangladesh is moving forward with plans to relocate up to 100,000 Rohingya refugees to the island of Bhasan Char.

The humanitarian situation inside Myanmar is also increasingly dire, with conflict, instability and internal displacement growing since the February 2021 military coup. Populations around the country-including the Rohingya community in Rakhine State-are experiencing significant humanitarian need due to the ongoing conflict and security situation, and hampered access to essential food, healthcare and other basic services.

Canada is supporting multi-sectoral programming for crisis-affected populations with a strong focus on meeting the specific needs and priorities of women and girls, including through sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based-violence related programming and psychosocial assistance.

As of March 31, 2021, Canada has delivered $300 million as part of Canada's Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh (2018-2021).

In Budget 2021, an additional $288 million in development assistance funding was announced to continue efforts to respond to the crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh over the next three years. In addition, Canada will continue to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to crisis-affected populations, based on needs.

Since 2017, Canada has provided $172 million in humanitarian assistance (announced) in Bangladesh and Myanmar, including to support the needs of the Rohingya and communities that host them.

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