The European Union is releasing €300,000 (over 600 million Myanmar kyat) in humanitarian aid funding to bring crucial assistance to communities affected by the armed conflict that has intensified in recent weeks, according to a press release issued by EU Myanmar.

The aid will benefit more than 15,000 people in some of the worst hit states. This funding comes on top of the €24 million allocated earlier this year in response to crises in the country.

“The intensified clashes have worsened the already dire humanitarian situation, adding to the plight of the people who have long suffered from ongoing conflicts in the country,” said Luc Verna, who oversees EU humanitarian aid programmes in Myanmar. “Our additional assistance will help our partners on the ground to reach those most in need, to ensure their most pressing needs are addressed.”

The EU funding will support the delivery of vital aid to conflict-affected people, including those living in displacement and returning to their home towns. The intervention will focus on providing emergency relief items, basic first aid, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Necessary preventative and control measures against the spread of COVID-19 will also be implemented. Particular attention will be given to older people, people with disability, children and female-headed households, says the statement. 

The EU funding is being made available via the European Commission department for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) through its Small Scale Response fund.