“The latest exodus from Myanmar is now officially identified as a protracted situation” UNHCR Spokesperson Shabia Mantoo tell journalists at a regular press conference in Geneva.
Increased support
Since the beginning of the humanitarian crisis, the Government of Bangladesh, local communities and relief agencies have been quick to assist refugees arriving at what is now the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar.
Many Rohingya there continue to tell UNHCR that they want to return home to Myanmar – as long as the conditions for a safe, decent and sustainable return are met and they can enjoy freedom of movement, continue access to documents and the path to citizenship.
They also emphasize the importance of accessing income-generating services and activities.
Depends on aid
For the nearly one million stateless Rohingya refugees, conditions in Bangladesh are extremely overcrowded and they remain completely dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive.
“With reduced funding, they face many challenges in their daily lives,” Ms. Mantoo said, citing numerous humanitarian assessment surveys that show proper nutrition, materials Temporary accommodation, sanitation facilities and livelihood opportunities are among the most common unmet needs.
“Some used dangerous boat trips in search of a better future“.
A UNHCR spokesperson also pointed out that incidents of violence, especially against women, children and people with disabilities, are often underreported.
She said: Violence against children and women, especially gender-based violence, is “covered in stigma” that can render survivors meaningless, often unable to access resources. legal, medical, psychosocial or other forms of assistance.
Educational needs
Ms. Mantoo continued to “increase support” for education, skills development and livelihood opportunities, reminding that these will not only prepare refugees to return eventually, but will also help sustain them. Maintain safety and efficiency during your stay in Bangladesh.
While about 10,000 Rohingya children in Bangladesh are enrolled in the Myanmar language curriculum, taught in Myanmar language, support is needed for long-term and extended access to the curriculum.
A UNHCR spokesperson said: “This is an important milestone towards a more formal education and helps to close the gap for older children who previously did not have the opportunity to study.
Skills development
UNHCR is also calling for further investment to ensure refugees can benefit from skills development, including vocational training and other forms of capacity building, for juvenile and adult refugees. .
In addition to allowing refugees to support their communities and live with dignity in Bangladesh, it will prepare them to rebuild their lives when they can voluntarily and safely return to Myanmar, the country currently lived under brutal military rule after last year’s coup.
© UNHCR / Amos Halder
Rohingya children play after the rain in the Nayapara refugee camp in Teknaf, eastern Bangladesh.
Important support
Although international support has been and continues to be crucial in providing protective services and life-saving assistance to Rohingya refugees, funding is still far short of needs.
The 2022 response plan, which seeks more than $881 million for more than 1.4 million people, including Rohingya refugees and more than half a million worst-affected host communities, is only 49% funded, with $426.2 million received, according to UNHCR.
“The international community must do more to ensure that the Rohingya do not continue to languish,” Mantoo said, calling for a “doubled” effort to strengthen political dialogue and engagement. diplomacy to facilitate voluntary, safe, dignified and profitable activities.
