The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for development and humanitarian agencies has welcomed the Australian Government’s support to the people of Myanmar following a devastating earthquake last Friday.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake has wreaked havoc on civilians, killing more than 2,000 people and leaving critical infrastructure in ruins, all whilst facing a brutal conflict. Survivors are in urgent need of food, shelter, and water as the people of Myanmar rebuild.
In response, Australia has today just contributed $7 million in humanitarian assistance through a variety of delivery partners and mechanisms, which include Australian NGOs and their local partners and the Emergency Action Alliance appeal. This brings the Australian Government’s total assistance since the earthquake to $9 million.
“ACFID welcomes the decisive response from the Australian Government in providing critical assistance post-earthquake and the partnership with Australian NGOs who are well positioned to respond,” said Naomi Brooks, ACFID’s Humanitarian Lead.
“In a time where humanitarian donors are retreating from the region, it is welcoming that Australia is reinforcing its commitments.
“We are alarmed by credible reports of Myanmar’s military junta engaging in airstrikes in earthquake impacted areas. The Australian humanitarian sector condemns these acts and urges the regime to allow full and unimpeded humanitarian access to these areas,” said Ms Brooks.
Australians who are able and willing to donate can visit the Emergency Action Alliance appeal page here for more information.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact ACFID Media at media@acfid.asn.au or call 0401 721 064.
Background
Emergency Action Alliance charities and their local partners are in Myanmar and in neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance. The Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) brings together 15 Australian not-for-profit organisations working in humanitarian response and preparedness, all of whom are ACFID members.
Through collaboration, partnership and recognising the unique strengths of each organisation, EAA can distribute donations quickly, at times when the rapid allocation of unrestricted funds to affected areas is critical for effective responses.
Making it easier for Australians to know how to help, EAA runs a centralised appeal and distribute appeal funds only to those members responding directly to the emergency. All EAA Members are also members of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID). Members are required to have policies and procedures in place to ensure that funds and resources are properly controlled and managed. Find out more about the standards ACFID members adhere to.