Cyclone Mocha: UK provides additional support for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, Balukhali refugee camp, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. 27 February 2018. The recent violence in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine State has led to mass population displacement both within the country and across the border into Bangladesh. Working with local and international partners, the World Food Programme (WFP) is providing assistance for people arriving in Bangladesh from Myanmar. Upon arrival, people receive high-energy biscuits. Once settled, they receive fortnightly rations of rice, lentils and oil. WFP is especially concerned about the health of women and children arriving hungry and malnourished after days on the move, and is providing nutritional support. In the Photo: Julekha and her family in their tent at the Balukhali makeshift. She arrived in Bangladesh six month ago with her children and her husband, who is physically paralyzed and cannot work or move around to collect relief. Photo: WFP/Saikat Mojumder

C T Online Desk: The UK is providing an additional £2.3 million, equivalent to over Tk.300 million, in humanitarian support for the Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

This new UK support will provide Rohingya communities with health care, shelter, and basic site management support. It will also strengthen safeguarding systems for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, said the British High Commission.

Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Matt Cannell, announced this additional funding during a visit to the Rohingya camps and host communities in Cox’s Bazar in the aftermath of cyclone Mocha.

Implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), this new UK support responds to ongoing needs in the Rohingya camps.

It will help refugees to rebuild their shelters following the largescale fire in Camp 11 in March 2023, which destroyed 2,800 shelters; and Cyclone Mocha in May, which has reportedly affected 37,000 Rohingya refugees.

Acting British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Matt Cannell said: “The UK stands with Rohingya and host communities as they look to recover from the impact of Cyclone Mocha.

“I am proud to announce this new UK support of £2.3 million, which will help respond to recent tragedies as well as the ongoing needs in the camps and host communities. The UK remains committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh to find a sustainable solution to this crisis and is providing vital humanitarian support.”

IOM Bangladesh’s Chief of Mission Abdusattor Esoev said: “This support comes at a critical time when Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Cox’s Bazar are facing immense challenges due to recent disasters, and ongoing humanitarian needs, especially in the aftermath of the devastating fire and Cyclone Mocha.”

“With the support of the UK, we will be able to provide essential healthcare, shelter, site management support, and strengthen safeguarding systems for those affected. The partnership between IOM and the UK government has been instrumental in responding to the Rohingya crisis, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to support the people in need with humanitarian assistance.”

Since 2017, the UK has provided £352 million of humanitarian support to Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh.

 

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