Norway to provide NOK 10 million in humanitarian aid to Myanmar

State Secretary Bård Glad Pedersen is currently in Myanmar. There has been considerable focus on the situation of the population in Rakhine state in recent months. It is vital to support measures to prevent more people from this part of the country falling victim to human trafficking and to improve relations between the various ethnic groups. Norway’s additional funding will benefit both Buddhists and Muslims. Looking more closely at the situation for the Rohingya minority will be an important part of Mr Pedersen’s programme, and he will be travelling to Rakhine state to meet representatives of the local authorities and civil society organisations, and to visit various camps for internally displaced people.

‘Norway cooperates closely with Myanmar, and we have increased both our assistance to, and our presence in, the country over the last few years. Our aim is to contribute to poverty reduction, democratic development, and resolution of the conflicts between the Government and various ethnic groups, and thus bring about lasting peace. Our broad cooperation with Myanmar gives us good opportunities to discuss the many challenges the country is facing. We did so, for example, during the state visit in December last year, and we will continue to do so in our talks with the authorities,’ said Mr Brende.

The support announced today is in addition to the NOK 10 million that was allocated in May for humanitarian efforts, prevention of human trafficking and the return of internally displaced people in Rakhine state.