Welcome Statements on the US Announcement of $116 Million in Humanitarian Assistance and Call for More Compassion from the International Community

We extend a heartfelt welcome to the recent announcement by the United States Government, pledging over $116 million in additional humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in Burma, Bangladesh, and the broader region. This remarkable act of generosity is a beacon of hope for the resilient people of Myanmar who have endured untold suffering under the oppressive and genocidal military dictatorship.

Our deep appreciation for this compassionate gesture stems from the understanding that this assistance serves as a lifeline to those most in need. The people of Myanmar, particularly minority communities like the Rohingya, have endured the harrowing horrors of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing at the hands of the Myanmar military junta. The Rohingya community, in particular, now finds itself in the largest refugee camps globally, where living conditions continue to deteriorate.

The United States has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for those affected by the crisis in Burma, Bangladesh, and the region. Since August 2017, when over 740,000 Rohingya were forced to flee persecution in Burma’s Rakhine State, the United States has contributed over $2.2 billion in assistance. This substantial commitment underscores the United States’ dedication to alleviating the immense suffering endured by the Rohingya and other affected populations.

The announced funding by the United States is undoubtedly a lifeline that will save countless lives. It will provide vital support to nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, many of whom are survivors of unimaginable atrocities. This assistance encompasses crucial services, including access to safe drinking water, healthcare, protection, education, shelter, and psychosocial support. Additionally, it extends support to the 540,000 members of Bangladeshi communities that have generously hosted Rohingya refugees.

We wholeheartedly acknowledge and commend the generosity of the government and people of Bangladesh, as well as other Rohingya-hosting nations in the region. Their compassion and unwavering resilience in the face of this protracted crisis serve as an inspiration to us all.

In light of this substantial contribution, we take this opportunity to call upon other nations and donors to follow the compassionate lead of the United States. It is incumbent upon the international community to contribute significantly to the humanitarian response in Bangladesh, increase support for those displaced and affected by violence in Burma, and actively engage in finding lasting solutions to the refugee crisis.

In this darkest chapter of Myanmar’s history, the solidarity of the global community is indispensable. We must stand united to not only alleviate the ongoing suffering but also to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all the people of Myanmar, including the Rohingya community. The path toward overcoming these humanitarian catastrophes  necessitates the unequivocal condemnation of the genocidal military junta and the steadfast establishment of a genuine, inclusive federal democracy that upholds the rights and dignity of every individual.

We once again extend our deepest gratitude to the United States Government and its people for their boundless compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to humanity.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Sasa

Union Minister
Ministry of International Cooperation 
The National Unity Government 
Republic of the Union of Myanmar