Dhaka, 10 May 2022 (TDI): USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman led a US delegation on a three-day visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh. The US delegation consisted of US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, Julieta Valls Noyes.

Jay Prior, Vice President of Chevron, has also arrived in Dhaka. The Vice President landed in Bangladesh with a 28-member US-Bangladesh Business Council group for a four-day visit.

USAID Deputy Administrator and Assistant Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Cox’s Bazar to begin their visit. This was confirmed by the state department officials. The realities of the Rohingya crisis are being examined by the top officials.

They want to know how the Rohingya refugees are coping after being transferred from Cox’s Bazar to Bhasan Char. Close consultations with government officials, non-governmental organizations, and international community representatives are taking place.

The representatives came to talk about and see how US aid is helping over one million Rohingya refugees. The Deputy Administrator of USAID and Assistant Secretary of State are focused on the Rohingya crisis. However, there will be a discussion of issues of mutual interest.

Overview of the Rohingya crisis

Persecution has driven Rohingya refugees across the border into Bangladesh on several occasions. Myanmarese refugees have flooded into Bangladesh in large numbers. Crimes against humanity and other grave human rights breaches are to blame.

Abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence are among the threats that women, girls, and boys face as refugees. Over half of the refugee population is children. Due to physical, psychological, and social weaknesses, they have been impacted by the crisis.

Congestion in the Cox’s Bazar camps has created several difficulties. The health of refugees and host communities has deteriorated due to a lack of clean water and hygiene services.

The host communities’ needs for shelter materials, income-generating activities, and employment remained unmet. As a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, healthcare systems have degraded.

Cooking fuel and access to secure and functional latrines are two more unmet needs in the host community. Fire, landslides, and flood threats have increased. Negative coping mechanisms have been worsened by these conditions.

The necessity for consistent and predictable assistance for the Rohingya refugees is therefore critical. The international community must continue to support Rohingya refugees with humanitarian aid.