Burma: Aid activities in Burma

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Burma is one of the poorest countries in South East Asia with around half the population of 50 million people living below the poverty line. Burma ranks 130 out of 177 countries in terms of quality of life, according to UNDP's 2006 Human Development Index.

Burma also has one of the world's lowest levels of public sector expenditure, with expenditure of less than $1 per person each year on health and education.

Ongoing conflict, forced confiscation of land, violence and discrimination have resulted in up to one million people being internally displaced, and large refugee populations fleeing to neighbouring countries.

Burma's development is constrained by the lack of progress towards democracy and economic reform. Australia's policy is one of limited engagement with the Burmese government. Though limited, the policy encourages political, economic and human rights reforms. It also recognises the significant humanitarian needs of the people of Burma.

Australian Humanitarian Assistance to Burma
Estimated total ODA for 2007-08: $14 million

Australia's recent Framework for Humanitarian Assistance to Burma 2007-2010 aims to protect lives, alleviate suffering and maintain the dignity of vulnerable people of Burma by responding to their humanitarian needs. Australia's humanitarian assistance primarily focuses on three priority sectors: health, sustainable livelihoods and protection.

Australia supports United Nations agencies and non-government organisations to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Burmese people (inside the country and in refugee camps in neighbouring countries). Burma is also included in a limited range of regional programs, for example narcotic and people trafficking, money laundering, HIV/AIDS and Avian Influenza preparedness and response.

The HIV epidemic in particular, is rapidly expanding in Burma and is considered to be one of the most serious in Asia with an adult prevalence rate of up 1.3 per cent. The Australian Government considers efforts to counter the HIV/AIDS epidemic a high priority for international development and will continue to fund a number of primary health care and HIV/AIDS control projects, and other small-scale activities related to poverty reduction and basic human needs in Burma.