Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is working in partnership with Caritas Bangladesh to respond to the most urgent needs of Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, where most refugee are residing.
This region is densely populated, and the influx of refugees has placed strains on poor communities there. As such, our response also takes into account the needs of host communities affected by this crisis.
In the months following the start of the crisis in August 2017, we provided emergency food rations to 25,000 people who settled in and around refugee camps in Kutupalong and Nayapara.
Subsequently, we have focused our efforts on actions designed to maintain the dignity of Rohingya refugees, such as access to water, hygiene and sanitation, shelter construction, and the distribution of necessities.
“We didn’t bring a thing. I just grabbed the children and ran.”
- Dilda Begum, 38, from the village of Udong in the district of Mangdu in Burma.
Lastly, we will continue to demand unhindered humanitarian access to Rakhine state in Burma so essential aid can reach the 450,000 Rohingya still there and who have limited access to basic services and live in extremely precarious conditions.
The challenges ahead
Today, Rohingya refugees are facing the triple threat of the monsoon season, a funding deficit for aid, and uncertainty about their future. Your generosity will have an immediate impact and it will enable us to consolidate our actions by:
- Increasing access to water and sanitation services, safe shelters and other necessities.
- Addressing the special needs of women and girls by promoting access to education, training, and psychosocial support.
- Stepping up our action with host communities that are bearing the brunt of this crisis.
Finally, we will continue to call for unimpeded humanitarian access to Rakhine state in Burma so essential aid can reach the 450,000 Rohingya who are there and live in extremely precarious conditions.
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Humanitarian aid
