Canada commits $8.15 million to aid Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and people in Myanmar

Canada announced up to $8.15 million for humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected Rohingya refugees. Here is a breakdown of the non-governmental organizations and UN agencies receiving funding:

• International Committee of the Red Cross - $1.5 million
• United Nations (International Organization for Migration, World Food Programme and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], for site maintenance and improvement) - $1.5 million
• World Food Programme - $1.5 million
• United Nations Population Fund - $1.1 million
• Adventist Development and Relief Agency - $1 million
• UNHCR - $950,000
• Action Against Hunger - $600,000

These funds will help address the humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees and host communities and help improve monsoon preparedness and mitigation, with a focus on addressing the unique needs of women and girls. This will be done by providing:

• upgraded tool and shelter kits;
• pre-positioned shelter materials, essential household items and perishables;
• infrastructure upgrades, including access roads, drainage, and the terracing and retention of hilly land for shelter;
• livelihoods assistance and cash-for-training;
• adequate and safe drinking water and sanitation;
• food distribution and nutrition services;
• health-care services, as well as mental health and psychosocial support for those affected by trauma;
• family planning and sexual health and reproductive services;
• hygiene kits and dignity kits with items that meet the specific needs of women and girls; and
• women- and child-friendly spaces.