QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Myanmar--Support for Rohingya Refugees
June 17, 2024
Senator Gold, since 2017, over 1 million Rohingya have been displaced by Tatmadaw military violence in Myanmar. In May, the UN announced receipt of “frightening and disturbing reports” of new violence, including beheadings, in Rakhine State against Rohingya civilians by both the Tatmadaw military and the Arakan Army.
This government’s 2024 budget failed to renew Canada’s multi-year strategy providing specific humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees, including for health and education of girls and women now in camps in Bangladesh. No budget equals no access to education and health care for Rohingya. Senator Gold, has Canada abandoned the Rohingya?
Thank you for the question and for reminding us of the horrible circumstances that the Rohingya are facing. Canada has not abandoned the Rohingya. I will certainly raise your concerns with the minister about the budget measures to which you referred.
Senator Gold, genocide and civil war have displaced over 1.2 million Rohingya. The report by now Ambassador Bob Rae when he was Canada’s Special Envoy to Myanmar entitled “Tell them we’re human” galvanized Canada to take positive action. I’ve been to the camps in Bangladesh, and I can attest to the positive results of Canadian aid. Why has Canada decided to stop aid to Rohingya women and girls?
I’m not in a position to answer that question, senator, but I certainly will raise it with the minister.
