Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Last year, senators will recall, communal violence broke out in Rakhine State between Buddhists and Muslim Rohingyas. The conflict resulted in 192 deaths, the destruction of 8,000 homes and the displacement of 140,000 people, mostly Rohingya. But the discrimination against this population goes back a long way. It goes back over 100 years. It predates the present government in Myanmar by a long way. They are a stateless minority. Most do not have citizenship rights, and that is the core of the discrimination they face.

Australia's response to this is, first of all, to urge the government of Myanmar to produce—not easy, given the 100 years of discrimination—a just resolution to the plight of these people; and, second, to lend a hand in getting aid in in providing assistance. I am proud to say that Australia is providing food for 100,000 displaced people through the World Food Programme, in Rakhine State; protection for 37,000 children—contemplate that: 37,000 children—who have been separated from families; and tents and emergency shelter for 32,000 people who fled or lost their homes. That money has been allocated through the UNHCR.

As to the conditions, the camps have been described, by people who have spent time there and who know what they are talking about, as the worst refugee camps on the face of the planet. Our aid is providing blankets, clothes and mosquito nets for 14,000 people living in temporary shelters. The rainy season is making living conditions harder and increasing health risks. Our latest commitment is $1.5 million, therefore, to help UNICEF to provide 40,000 people with safe drinking water and better sanitation. (Time expired)