The government has announced that it is lifting restrictions on aid access to the Muslim communities of northern Rakhine State following months of strict controls.
Emphasizing the need for Myanmar to allow proper access for aid organisations to Rakhine to deliver an effective response, Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said:
“It is particularly important to help civilians who have suffered involuntary displacements as well as supporting their livelihoods
The EU’s call adds to a growing chorus of organisations urging the Myanmar government to allow them to enter Rakhine State, including the International Committee of the Red Cross earlier this month. Since October last year the military has led a crackdown in the state after a deadly assault on three border guard posts.
Since 1994, the European Commission has provided €229 million (US$254 million) in humanitarian aid to Myanmar
