IMPACT REPORT

Bangladesh and Myanmar Crisis Appeal

Donations have enabled the Movement to support communities across Myanmar and Bangladesh fleeing conflict and natural disaster.
Nine-year-old Nur arrived in Cox’s Bazar after walking for four days with her family to escape violence in Myanmar. Here she finds comfort speaking with a volunteer from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. Photo: Olle Hallberg/Swedish Red Cross

The crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh stems from years of escalating violence, particularly in Rakhine State, driving repeated displacement. Since 2024, more than 141,000 people have fled into Bangladesh, joining nearly 1.18 million already living in overcrowded camps. With limited prospects for return and restricted access to livelihoods, many remain heavily reliant on humanitarian support, while host communities face increasing strain.

The crisis has evolved but remains serious. Immediate life-saving needs have moved toward recovery, as some communities begin to rebuild their lives, supported by the ongoing efforts the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Significant challenges persist, including ongoing displacement and continued arrivals into Bangladesh; however, the context has shifted from acute emergency response to a longer-term recovery phase.

The impact of your support

Since we launched the appeal in September 2017, we have been deeply heartened by the incredible generosity of the Australian community. Thanks to your compassion, the appeal raised more than $1.5 million to support communities impacted in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Funds raised

$1,507,341

The response in numbers

Mothers walked for miles with babies in their arms. Young men carried their elderly parents on their backs. Escaping together, from attacks that had already killed many of the people they loved.

When they reached the Bangladesh border, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams were there to help with mobile health clinics, food, water and tents for shelter. Donations to the Bangladesh and Myanmar Crisis Appeal have supported the Movement to provide critical emergency response and early recovery efforts.

988,000+

people directly supported since the launch of the operation in 2017

210m+

litres of safe drinking water distributed across all camps

92,000+

people reached with WASH services, reducing risk of water-related disease

1.4m

people assisted through disaster risk reduction and preparedness in 2025

48,000+

people received clinical health services between July and December 2025

Looking ahead

As the situation evolves, humanitarian needs remain. In line with the transition from immediate life-saving assistance to longer-term recovery and resilience building, it is important to ensure support continues in the most effective and sustainable way beyond the life of a public appeal.

Australian Red Cross remains committed to supporting communities affected by conflict, displacement, and disaster across Myanmar and Bangladesh. We will continue to:

  • Support recovery and resilience-building efforts for communities rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.
  • Work with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to respond to ongoing and emerging humanitarian needs.
  • Prioritise assistance for the most vulnerable, including displaced people and host communities.

Your support has helped lay the foundations for recovery, and this work will continue in partnership with communities over the long term.