Danida
For
decades Denmark has supported democracy efforts in
Myanmar as well as provided humanitarian
assistance to the many refugees and internally displaced people in the border
areas. By making Myanmar a priority country for Danish development cooperation
and opening an Embassy on 1 August 2014, Denmark confirmed its support to the
people of Myanmar.
Denmark’s development engagement in Myanmar
Denmark has had an active policy
towards Myanmar based in the late 1990’s on primarily humanitarian aid for
refugees and support for the exile community within the limits of EU sanctions.
Furthermore, from 1977 to 1982 Denmark provided a number of state loans to
Myanmar amounting to some USD 140 million to support the fisheries sector. In
2013, the Danish government decided to give a complete debt relief as part of a
larger debt write-off through the Paris Club, which helped clear the way for
renewed multilateral engagement in Myanmar for both the World Bank and the
Asian Development Bank.
Since 2006, Denmark has provided more than
USD 110 million in development assistance and humanitarian support in Myanmar
and to refugees in neighboring countries. The support has focused on
democratization, human rights, economic development, health, education and
livelihoods. In all areas, Denmark’s engagement has focused on creating the
foundation for sustainable and equitable growth while promoting human rights,
including for marginalized groups and women, and on empowering the population
to create changes for themselves.
Substantial humanitarian assistance has for
years been provided to refugees and internally displaced people in the border
area between Myanmar and Thailand. Following the escalation of conflicts in
both Rakhine and Kachin states, additional humanitarian resources have been
directed to these areas through support to both international NGOs and UN
agencies. Denmark expects to continue providing humanitarian assistance in the
foreseeable future.