More than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled predominantly Buddhist Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh since late August to escape the ethnic violence that accompanied a brutal military counter-insurgency operation after Rohingya militant attacks on security posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
While Myanmar recognises 135 ethnic groups, it has not recognised Rohingya Muslims and they have been left stateless and subject to persecution since the 1970s.
Many have fled to Bangladesh where a refugee camp has been set up in the southern coastal town of Cox's Bazar. Other Rohingyas have travelled to countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and India.
How you can help:
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced the government would match public donations of up to $5 million to the Australian Red Cross and Australia for UNHCR. The commitment is part of the $30 million contribution the government has made since September.
Red Cross Australia
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is one of the world's largest humanitarian network, whose 17 million volunteers reach 150 million people across 190 nations.
The Red Cross is providing the Rohingya with help such as first aid and medical care.
It is also providing basic services such as food, water and shelter, and safe places for women and children. .
Australia for UNHCR
Australia for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s fundraising partner in Australia, is running an emergency appeal for the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh.
Funds will be used for the UNHCR to continue providing shelter, core relief items, medical treatment and vaccinations, trauma counselling, installation of latrines and wells, protection and registration activities, and support to host communities. .
Australian NGOs:
Australian NGOs are also playing a vital role in responding to the humanitarian crisis.
“United Nations agencies, NGOs and the Red Cross are responding to urgent needs by providing life-saving food and nutrition, clean water, sanitation, shelter, healthcare and trauma counselling,” Mr Bishop said.
“I urge the Australian public and businesses to give generously. Your support will help to deliver life-saving assistance to those caught up in this crisis.”
To find out more about their work and how you can donate to the individual organisations, visit the links below.
CARE Australia
CARE Australia is dedicated to ending poverty and achieving social justice. The charity focuses on women and girls, fighting for equal rights and opportunities. Children account for more than half of the people who have fled to Bangladesh. Donate .
CARITAS
The Catholic Agency for Aid and Development, Caritas began in Australia in 1964.
Caritas is providing urgent humanitarian relief to thousands of Rohingya refugees who have crossed the Myanmar border to the Cox’s Bazaar district in Bangladesh. Donate .
Oxfam Australia
Oxfam has people on the ground helping the most vulnerable people to access clean drinking water, portable toilets, sanitation facilities and other essential supplies.
Part of a global movement, Oxfam strives to help create lasting solutions to the injustice of poverty.
Plan International Australia
Plan International is working hard to help children and families recover and respond, both now and in the long term. The group is helping to build toilets, sanitation facilities and run education sessions on hygiene. .
Save the Children
Save the Children is one of Australia's largest aid and development agencies dedicated to helping children. .
World Vision
World Vision is responding to the urgent needs of thousands of people who have fled to Bangladesh to escape violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State. .
