Sweden Urged to Boost Humanitarian Aid to Myanmar Refugees Amid U.S. Cuts
Human Rights Watch urges Sweden to increase aid for Myanmar refugees as U.S. funding declines.
Key Points
- • Human Rights Watch calls for increased Swedish aid to Myanmar refugees.
- • Sweden currently allocates around 200 million kronor annually for humanitarian aid to Myanmar.
- • Last year, Sweden donated 1.49 billion kronor to UNHCR.
- • The situation for Myanmar refugees is worsening amid international funding cuts.
In light of the recent reductions in funding from other donor countries, particularly the United States, Human Rights Watch has called upon Sweden to enhance its humanitarian aid contributions for refugees from Myanmar. Currently, Sweden provides approximately 200 million kronor annually toward humanitarian aid specifically for Myanmar, which advocates believe is insufficient given the ongoing crisis facing these refugees. Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation, Benjamin Dousa, affirmed the country’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts, noting that last year, Sweden contributed 1.49 billion kronor to the UNHCR.
As the situation for Myanmar’s refugees deteriorates, Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for increased international support to uphold Sweden's commitment to human rights and humanitarian assistance. The organization fears a significant impact on the well-being of these vulnerable populations amid growing global financial restrictions. With the U.S. scaling back its aid, there is heightened pressure on countries like Sweden to fill the gap and respond to the urgent needs of those affected by the crisis.