Dhaka, 15 March 2024 (TDI): The country of Bangladesh has hosted temporarily 1 million Rohingya Refugees/Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) from Myanmar.
These events have taken place since the Rohingya refugees were compelled to flee to Bangladesh after the eruption of conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state in August 2017.
The Government of Bangladesh has been declared as the largest donor for the humanitarian operations for the Rohingya Refugees who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. In the year 2022, the country spent USD 1.69 billion for the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals.
The UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency along with other humanitarian partners, raised their voice in the international community to accelerate efforts to safeguard and help the Rohingya refugees as well as their host communities.
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
The 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis has begun laying its ground under the direction of the Bangladeshi authorities. The funding appeal is seeking $852.4 million to reach around 1.35 million people which includes Rohingya refugees and host communities.
It is of utmost urgency to advance international solidarity with Bangladesh and the refugees, as it is needed to protect them now more than before, as the tension in Myanmar soars.
The Joint Response Plan has been formed to bring together 117 partners, half of them that are Bangladeshi organizations. The Plan incentivizes to assistance of 1 million Rohingya refugees in Cox Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char.
Additionally, it aims to help 346,000 individuals in host communities. Ensuring that they are provided with food, shelter, healthcare, access to water that is consumable, protection services, education, and livelihood opportunities along with skills development.
Moreover, around 95 percent of Rohingya households in Bangladesh are vulnerable and are still dependent on humanitarian assistance. Support is also needed to cater to women and children who comprise 75 of the aforementioned refugee population. This group is also at the risk of experiencing exploitation and gender-based violence.
Bhasan Char and Cox’s Bazar
Because of congestion in Cox’s Bazar, there have been numerous challenges that the Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi exodus face. The location and the congested nature of shelters and facilities in the Cox’s Bazar camps elevate the risk of fire, landslides, and flooding.
These elements lead to the use of negative coping mechanisms and strengthen the government’s plan to relocate voluntarily 100,000 Rohingya refugees/FDMNs to Bhasan Char.
The Government of Bangladesh has formed infrastructural facilities on Bhasan Char Island and supports the humanitarian community by providing important services to Rohingya refugees/FDMNs.
On the 9th of October 2021, the Government of Bangladesh and the UNHCR signed an MoU.
The MoU asserted a joint commitment to make sure that the Rohingya sheltered on Bhasan Char Island have access to protection, shelter, food, nutrition, water, sanitation hygiene and health. In addition to this, the MoU ensured that the Rohingya refugees would learn the Myanmar curriculum in the Myanmar language.
Also Read: Plight of Rohingyas Discussed at UN Human Rights Council
Developmental Assistance
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) of Bangladesh. This incentive targets building up operations for the Rohingya refugees in the Bhasan Char Island.
Through the signing of the MoU, MoDMR has transferred the management of the United Nations common accommodation and office space, and the warehouse facilities to the WFP, which is the co-lead of the Food Security Sector and the lead of the Common Services Sector of the Rohingya refugee response.
“This MoU signifies a pivotal step in enhancing our logistical support to the humanitarian community and the Rohingya refugees currently residing on the island,” the WFP country director reported.
Moreover, the Government of Japan has funded $2.7 million to the Rohingya refugees and the host communities.
Through “The Project for Multiple Humanitarian Assistance for Displaced Persons from Myanmar in Cox’s Bazar District and Bhasan Char,” more than 176,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char will receive and host communities will receive assistance.
Furthermore, The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) will be distributing hot meals to the 1,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees in the camps in Cox’s Bazar throughout the month of Ramadan. Approximately, 20,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees will benefit from this distribution.
The international community must finance lifesaving and life-sustaining help to the refugees in camps, support, education, skills training, and livelihood opportunities.
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