Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh
Over a period of around two years (Aug 2017-Aug 2019), more than 727,000 Rohingya people have fled violence in Myanmar to seek refuge across the border in Bangladesh. They join more than 400,000 others who fled previous bouts of violence since the 1990s and were already living in cramped and makeshift camps. This brings the total refugee population to more than a million.
Many arrived with just the clothes on their backs – they need food, clean water and shelter to survive, but above all they need to feel safe. People are still living in makeshift tents in hugely overcrowded settlements. Conditions in the camps are woefully inadequate, with overflowing latrines and contaminated water. They’re largely unlit and dangerous at night – women, girls and children are particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
Oxfam’s work
Oxfam has provided vital aid including clean water and food to Rohingya refugees, and continue to work in the community to support their safety and wellbeing.
- We’ve helped more than a quarter of a million (360,000) people in Bangladesh.
- We’ve helped people stay healthy and hygienic by distributing soap and other essentials, and working with community-based volunteers to emphasize the importance of clean water and good hygiene.
- We’ve installed solar-powered lights around the camps and provided torches and portable solar lanterns so that refugees — especially women —felt safer leaving their shelters after dark to reach water points and toilets.
- Oxfam also provided humanitarian assistance to approximately 100,000 people living in confined camps in central Rakhine, Myanmar. This includes building toilets, providing clean water and toiletries and educating communities about safe hygiene practices.
Help Rohingya women
Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh is the largest refugee camp in the world. And since Dil and her family were forced to flee Myanmar, it’s been their home.
The camp is overcrowded and poorly lit, with overflowing toilets and contaminated water. A lack of access to clean water has led to an increase in waterborne diseases, and sourcing clean water after dark puts women like Dil in danger of physical and sexual violence.
By donating today, you can help provide women like Dil with safe access to the clean water they urgently need for life, health, dignity and a more secure future. Will you help?
