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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.