EU asks Bangladesh to rescind aid ban on NGOs

Friday, 10 August 2012

The European Union has urged Bangladesh to ensure humanitarian access to Rohingya refugees from Burma, and to allow humanitarian aid organizations “to do their work for the benefit of all communities.”

In a statement on Thursday, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Response Kristalina Georgieva expressed her concern about the situation of the Rohingyas, and other vulnerable people affected by the unrest in western Burma.

“I strongly appeal to the Government of Bangladesh to act responsibly and offer a helping hand to all those in need and to allow humanitarian aid organizations to do their work for the benefit of all communities,” she said.

In spite of the recent violence in Rakhine State, the population of the refugee camps in Bangladesh has remained stable, said the statement.

“However, the authorities in Dhaka have now requested three international NGOs, who also assist the local Bangladeshi population, to cease their humanitarian activities,” she said, calling for Bangladesh to reconsider its ban.

Georgieva also emphasized the need to create acceptable conditions for the delivery of humanitarian aid in Rakhine State in Burma.

The European Commission, through its humanitarian and civil protection department, has allocated 10 million euro in 2012 aid for the Rohingyas and other communities in need in Bangladesh and Burma.