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Press Release

30 October 2007

UK will double aid to fight poverty in Burma


The UK will increase its aid for the poorest people in Burma from £9 million this year to £18 million by 2010, announced Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development, during External linka debate in the House of Commons yesterday (Monday 29 October).

The announcement comes after peaceful protests led by monks and pro-democracy groups were suppressed by the military regime in September.

Reaching those most in need

Douglas Alexander said:

“We will not turn our backs on the Burmese people who have courageously stood up for their rights. The recent protests showed their deep frustration with the lack of political and economic opportunities in Burma. The UK Government, alongside the international community, will continue to put pressure on the Burmese government to embrace freedom.

“Doubling UK aid for Burma will allow us to help more children go to school, treat more people suffering from malaria, tuberculosis and HIV and tackle humanitarian needs. We will also continue to support civil society groups addressing the development needs of Burma. All our work is monitored carefully to ensure it reaches those most in need."

Douglas Alexander called on the regime to:

  • Start genuine dialogue towards peace and reconciliation between the military, opposition groups and ethnic groups.
  • Respect human rights;
  • Be more accountable and responsive; and
  • Ensure proper economic management of the country.

Mr Alexander added:

“The military regime must take this opportunity to embrace national reconciliation. If they are willing to undertake the fundamental reforms sought by their people then the international community will consider further financial and political support.”

This would be likely to include:

  • A significant boost in international aid, perhaps through a multinational trust fund;
  • Writing off some or all of Burma’s international debt;
  • Support through the UN for political reform, including free and fair elections; and
  • Support for greater investment and trade promotion.

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Life in Burma

  • Population: 52 million
  • Poverty: 15 million (30%) estimated living below $1 a day
  • GDP per capita: $1,027
  • Life expectancy: 57 years
  • Literacy rates: 85%
  • Malnutrition: 7%
  • Government funding for education: 0.3% of GDP

UK support

  • Basic services for the poor, including:
        £20 million over five years to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria;
        £2.7 milliion over three years for early childhood care and development; and
        £3.3 million over three years for basic education.
        £4 million over four years for projects to help poor rural households increase their incomes.
  • Our work is helping to make a difference:
        48 million condoms were distributed in 2005 (four times the number distributed in 2000) in HIV and AIDS focused projects.
        170,000 clients visited clinics for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in 2005 (up from 106,000 in 2000).
        1,100,000 clean needles and syringes were distributed for intravenous drug users in 2005 (more than double the number distributed in 2004).
  • The UK provides funding for cross-border groups to provide humanitarian assistance for poor people in Burma’s conflict affected border areas.
        £1.8 million over three years for work to help meet the basic needs of Burmese refugees in Thailand, and to support cross-border assistance to internally displaced people in Burma.
  • The UK supports community-based organisations, including:
        £400,000 in 2007 for support to Internally Displaced People through community groups in eastern Burma;
        £500,000 over three years for grassroots level support to civil society organisations; and
        £3 million to support low level changes that give people more say in the decisions that affect their lives and help to build the foundations for democracy.

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Notes to editors

1. The UK currently gives £8 million a year to fight poverty in Burma and to support civil society groups. In October DFID announced a one off contribution of £1 million to deal with the humanitarian situation following the protests. Over the next three years our aid for Burma will be:

  • 2008/09 - £12 million (approx)
  • 2009/10 - £15 million (approx)
  • 2010/11 - £18 million

2. None of the UK’s aid goes to the central government. Our current support and that announcement today will be delivered in a way consistent with the European Common Position - either through the UN or other reputable NGOs.

3. For further information about the UK’s work in Burma please visit our website or if you are a member of the media contact the DFID press office on 00 44 (0) 20 7023 0600. Pubic enquiries should be direct to 0845 300 4100 (UK only), +44 (0) 1355 84 3132 (from outside the UK) or e-mail: enquiry@dfid.gov.uk

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