Burma (Myanmar)

CIDA does not maintain a bilateral aid program in Burma. At present, Canadian aid in Burma is restricted to humanitarian funding through United Nations agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement or non-governmental organizations. For instance, in 2008, CIDA responded to the humanitarian disaster that struck Burma as a result of Cyclone Nargis by establishing the Burma Cyclone Relief Fund and providing $24.4 million in urgent humanitarian aid through United Nations and Red Cross agencies as well as experienced Canadian NGOs.

Since 1991 CIDA has provided support to Burmese refugees and migrants by delivering assistance through organizations based in border countries. For example, CIDA's Burma Border Assistance Program: Building Social Capital is delivering basic services, including health care, shelter, and fuel to Burmese refugees living in camps in Thailand and displaced Burmese living mainly in Thailand, but also in border areas in China, India and Bangladesh.