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 671,000 Rohingya have sought refuge since August 2017.

• Canada remains deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Myanmar and its impact on neighbouring Bangladesh.
• Since 2017, Canada has provided $145.14 million dollars in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Canada is currently the 6th largest single-country humanitarian donor in Bangladesh and the 7th largest in Myanmar in 2020.
• 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.
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There has been an influx of over 711,000 Rohingya women, men, girls and boys from Myanmar into Bangladesh since August 25, 2017.

The speed and scale of the influx has resulted in significant humanitarian needs in Cox's Bazar. Difficult conditions in the camps and settlements are exacerbated by the current monsoon season, with a large number of refugees living in zones prone to flooding and landslides.

The humanitarian situation in Rakhine is also dire with much of the remaining population--including the Rohingya community--devastated by the ongoing conflict and security situation and unable to access essential food, medication and other basic commodities.

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.

On May 23, 2018, Canada released a strategy to respond to the Rohingya crisis that dedicates $300 million over three years for the humanitarian response, as well as for addressing development, peace and stabilization needs.

Since 2017, Canada has provided $145.14 million in humanitarian assistance (announced) in Bangladesh and Myanmar to assist crisis-affected populations, including the Rohingya and the communities that host them.

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