Eight of Australia’s major humanitarian organisations have issued a joint plea for urgent funds to help more than a million people who have fled extreme violence in Myanmar.

The new initiative is a reflection of the severity of the situation in Myanmar and Bangladesh—the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.

The mass movement of people to the Cox’s Bazar region of Bangladesh has become increasingly desperate.

In a matter of months nearly four times the population of Hobart has fled extreme violence to seek safety in challenging conditions, where shelter, food, clean drinking water and other supplies are urgently needed.

More than 600,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled to Bangladesh since late

August. Many more need help inside Myanmar.

Australia for UNHCR, Australian Red Cross, CARE Australia, Caritas, Plan International Australia, Oxfam, Save the Children and World Vision are joining together to urgently raise awareness of this crisis in Australia, supported by the Australian Government (through the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The appeal will be strongly supported by the Australian Government which will match donations given to Australian Red Cross and Australia for UNHCR up to $5 million until 9th of December.

This is part of its $30 million contribution to helping people affected by the crisis through a range of agencies.

The ABC will support the appeal with extensive coverage on all platforms from the 19th to 26^th of November.

Donations to Australia for UNHCR, Australian Red Cross, CARE Australia, Caritas, Plan International Australia, Oxfam, Save the Children and World Vision will help provide shelter, clean water, food, health care, protection for women and children and other humanitarian support for people and communities affected by the violence in Myanmar and those who have fled to Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.

The public is urged to support people affected by one of the most significant emergencies in our region by going to http://www.abc.net.au/appeals