Friday, August 10, 2012

EU asks Bangladesh to rescind aid ban on NGOs

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Friday, 10 August 2012 13:47 Mizzima News

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 these the unrest in western Burma.

Rohingya Muslims trying to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh to escape sectarian violence in Burma. Their boat was intercepted in Teknaf and forced back to Burma on Wednesday, July 13, 2012. Photo: AFP

“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.

“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 ECHO, has allocated 10 million euro in 2012 aid Rohingyas and other communities in need in Bangladesh and Burma.

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