Burma refugee aid

The First Minister has announced that the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund is distributing £120,000 as an emergency response to the Rohingya refugee crisis.

Hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya civilians have been forced to flee towards Bangladesh.

The First Minister this afternoon met with heads of Muslim organisations from Scotland to discuss the situation in Burma’s Rakhine Province.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“This afternoon I was pleased to meet with heads of Muslim organisations from Scotland, who share my deep concern about the situation in Burma’s Rakhine Province. Hundreds of thousands of Muslim Rohingya civilians have been forced to flee towards Bangladesh, and international aid agencies have also raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of large numbers of people being forced to flee their homes.

“The Scottish Government has made clear that we support the UN Secretary General’s call for effective action that addresses the root causes of the situation and brings an end to violence. We also stand ready to support the UK Government in providing an appropriate response to this situation.

"Given the immediate humanitarian crisis that Rohingya Muslims are facing, and following a recommendation from the expert panel that oversees Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, I am also today announcing that up to £120,000 will be made available for the emergency response for the Rohingya refugee crisis.

“The Scottish Government expects all states to comply with fundamental and human rights law, to condemn human rights abuses wherever they occur, and to take positive action to confront abuses and give practical, day-to-day effect to human rights and fundamental freedoms.”