The British government has pledged extra help for victims of the Myanmar military atrocities, doubling donations made by the public. Over half a million Rohingya men, women, and children have fled in the last month alone, making perilous journey to neighbouring Bangladesh to seek refuge. The UK government has already forwarded £30 million and continues to take a leading role in responding to the crisis as the Disasters Emergency Committee launched its emergency appeal for people of the community.
International Development Secretary Priti Patel said, “I am appalled that more than half a million Rohingya have been forced to flee their homes because of the horrific violence in Myanmar. Those who escaped, carrying little or nothing, have had to make the treacherous journey across the border into Bangladesh to seek safety, with countless people dying or losing loved ones. The relentless denial of aid is a matter of life and death for those still in northern Rakhine.” She added, “It is utterly intolerable that the military who are responsible for this inhumane catastrophe have not heeded calls for restraint and pleas to allow those who are no refugees to return safely to their homes. In this time of crisis, the UK will do everything it possibly can to help and is leading the way internationally to save the victims of this tragedy, who are in desperate need of food, water, shelter and healthcare.”
Food for 65,000 of the most vulnerable victims and healthcare for 50,000 people has already been provided though other partners and we are also supporting 7,500 children, many of whom have suffered traumatic ordeals and are at risk of sexual violence and trafficking. For every £5 the British public donates this could provide a family with clean water for a week, £100 could provide two families with food for a month and £30 could provide emergency shelter for a family, and with the UK Government’s further support the impact on the ground will be doubled.
