The European Commission has earmarked a substantial €56 million in humanitarian aid for the Asia-Pacific region in 2024. This funding aims to provide crucial support to those affected by
ongoing humanitarian crises and enhance disaster preparedness in an area prone to natural hazards.
The announcement coincides with the EU-Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum and the EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Brussels. These gatherings present an opportunity to discuss collaborative efforts in disaster management and emergency response among other shared interests.
Notable allocations include €26.5 million for Bangladesh and €19.2 million for Myanmar. The funds will address the humanitarian fallout of the ongoing conflict in Myanmar and cater to the needs of nearly one million Rohingya refugees residing in Bangladesh. An additional €2 million will address the broader refugee crisis in the region, particularly resulting from the violence in Myanmar and its ripple effects on neighboring countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The Philippines will receive €2.6 million to address the prolonged crisis in the Mindanao region, where communities grapple with the impact of armed violence coupled with natural disasters. €4 million is dedicated to enhancing disaster preparedness in Nepal, which faces multiple natural hazards heightened by climate change. This funding will bolster local preparedness and response capabilities, with an extra €1.7 million supporting disaster preparedness in other parts of the region.
The Asia-Pacific region contends with a complex landscape of conflict and environmental challenges. Myanmar experienced heightened conflict last year, leading to increased displacement, food insecurity, and population vulnerability. In Bangladesh, conditions in refugee camps deteriorate, posing challenges for the safe and sustainable return of Rohingya to Myanmar. The Philippines faces ongoing violence in the Mindanao region, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition alongside natural disasters. The entire region grapples with environmental degradation, climate risks, and the looming return of El Niño, further compounding existing vulnerabilities.