The humanitarian crises in Myanmar and Bangladesh are large and complex. In response, Australia has committed $880 million in humanitarian assistance between 2017 and 2025. This is in addition to our ongoing development assistance in both countries.

Australia's funding to Myanmar and Bangladesh provides live-saving assistance to people in need including Rohingya, host, and cyclone affected communities in Bangladesh; Rohingyas in Rakhine State; and conflict and disaster affected communities across Myanmar. Our support includes food, water and shelter as well as essential protection, education and health services for those most in need, including women, girls and people with disabilities. Our support is consistent, flexible and committed across multiple years, enabling our partners to respond effectively and efficiently.

Myanmar

Since the military coup in February 2021, humanitarian need in Myanmar has surged from one million to an estimated 18.6 million people in 2024. More than 3.4 million people are internally displaced, including more than 3.1 million since the coup. The conflict continues the tragedy of civilian displacement and human rights abuses. Between 2017 and 2025, Australia has committed $336 million in humanitarian assistance to support people across Myanmar.

Bangladesh

Following violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State in August 2017, approximately 700,000 Rohingya people fled across the border to Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, joining an existing Rohingya population. Most refugees live in 33 congested camps and remain dependent on humanitarian support with no legal status or right to work. Australia commends Bangladesh's ongoing support to the current population of approximately one million Rohingyas.

Between 2017 and 2025, Australia has committed $544 million to support Rohingya, host and cyclone affected communities in Bangladesh.

Australia's partners

Australia's humanitarian assistance is delivered through the United Nations partners, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-government organisations.

All partners have proven capacity to deliver neutral and independent humanitarian assistance and reach those most in need. They are carefully chosen to ensure that Australia's assistance does not directly benefit or legitimise the military regime in Myanmar.