UN seeks $920 million in humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees

Aid is distributed to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, September 21, 2017. Aid is distributed to Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, September 21, 2017. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton

The UN has launched an appeal for $920 million in order to provide humanitarian relief for the Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh

The UN has appealed for $920 million in an effort to provide for the Rohingya refugees who have sought protection in neighboring Bangladesh. The use of the funding brings together 132 different UN agencies as well as both international and national non-governmental organizations (NGOs)in order to bring relief in the form of critical aid s to more than 900,000 refugees. Such help includes food, water and sanitation along with health, education, and protection services for children.

Having fled Myanmar in order to escape persecution, thousands of Rohingya refugees have reached Bangladesh, which is now home to the largest refugee camp in the world. As descendants of Muslims and victims of ethnic violence, the Rohingya are considered illegal immigrants in their home country of Myanmar. Despite the fact that many refugees have experienced and described massacres in Rohingya villages, where homes have been raided and burned down causing thousands to flee, their status means that they are often denied medical care, education, and basic assistance. The country of Bangladesh has gained international praise for welcoming and hosting the stateless Rohingya people whereas the international community is showing its support by providing collective funding in support of the host country and its large refugee population.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, stated that several countries attending a donor conference had already pledged $132 million in support of the Rohingya refugees and that many other countries intend to make pledges in the coming weeks. Although the plea for financial aid will contribute to meeting basic humanitarian needs, there is a strong sense that  Myanmar must take action in order to address the foundations of the crisis and, consequently, enable the Rohingya people to safely return to their home country. The Commissioner also made the points to say: “We encourage countries in this region and beyond to show solidarity with Bangladesh and to support Myanmar to start creating conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.”

To know more, please read:

https://www.voanews.com/a/un-appeal-aims-at-rohingya-humanitarian-crisis-/4789144.html

https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032861

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/06/who-are-the-rohingya-and-what-is-happening-in-myanmar

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