Cox’s Bazar, September 25, 2024 – The humanitarian crisis in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, continues to escalate, with nearly 1 million refugees facing dire conditions. The camps, which are the largest in the world, are severely overcrowded and lack adequate resources to meet the basic needs of the refugees¹².

The situation has been exacerbated by recent cuts in food rations due to funding shortages, leaving many families struggling to secure enough food. The onset of the monsoon season has further compounded the crisis, with heavy rains causing flooding and landslides, damaging shelters, and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases³.

Humanitarian organizations, including UNICEF and UNHCR, are working tirelessly to provide emergency relief and essential services such as water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. However, the scale of the crisis requires sustained international support and increased funding to address the urgent needs of the refugees¹².

The Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar, fled to Bangladesh in 2017 to escape brutal violence and persecution. Despite the efforts of the Bangladeshi government and international agencies, the refugees remain in a precarious situation, dependent on humanitarian aid for survival².

The international community is being urged to step up its support to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Cox’s Bazar. Ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of the Rohingya refugees remains a critical priority.

¹: UNICEF USA ²: USA for UNHCR ³: UNHCR Australia