Rohingyas continue to trickle into Bangladesh

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that around 100 Rohingyas continue to escape to Bangladesh from Myanmar daily. “As the refugee situation in Bangladesh enters its fourth month, people are continuing to arrive there from Myanmar. However, the pace of the influx has now slowed down,” UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic said at a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday.

“UNHCR estimates that the average arrival rate has dropped from 745 a day in November to 100 this month. Two-thirds of the new arrivals in the past one week said they came from Buthidaung in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state,” he added. Meanwhile, a quick refugee assessment by UNHCR and 13 international and local partners in Bangladesh has found that the refugees have developed strong support networks.

Rohingyas living at the refugee sites in Kutupalong, Nayapara and Kerontoli/Chakmarkul were interviewed to identify their priority concerns and needs.

The interviews were also carried out to find out coping mechanisms and possible solutions to their problems. The findings of the assessment will guide interventions and help improve conditions for the refugees in 2018.

The surveyed refugees expressed a number of worries including concerns over general safety—especially feeling unsafe at night, given weak shelters and lack of lighting.

Access to sanitation is still insufficient, sometimes leading to long queues in front of toilets. Moreover, the shortage of private bathing spaces force women and girls to take bath in the open early in the morning.

The survey also found that some children have to walk longer distances to fetch water and firewood. Their parents wanted access to education for their children and safe places for them to play.

Health services were another area of concern. Increased mental health support for those who had witnessed the killings or suffered torture or rape was needed crucially.

 The refugees, especially the elderly and disabled, also complained of continued feelings of depression and rejection. Many young people expressed worry over their uncertain future.

Some refugees said irregular food distribution and long queues meant many of them had to go hungry for days.

Despite all these concerns and hardships, the assessment found strong solidarity and mutual support among the Rohingya refugees.

Drawing upon the findings of this latest assessment, UNHCR will further refine and reinforce its protection and assistance. The main priorities include establishing more information points, orientation to existing services and strengthening an outreach programme.

UNHCR is improving its distribution systems and direct assistance to those unable to move. “We are also providing alternatives to firewood to address child labour and environmental concerns. Efforts are also underway to provide better hygiene and more sanitary material to women and girls, improve access to latrines, upgrade shelter kits, install more communal lights, offer training and establish more child-friendly spaces,” the UNHCR spokesperson said.

There is also the need to strengthen primary healthcare facilities, increase mental health and psychosocial activities, as well as sensitisation on and responses to sexual and gender-based violence, he added.

Rohingyas continue to trickle into Bangladesh

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that around 100 Rohingyas continue to escape to Bangladesh from Myanmar daily. As the refugee situation in Bangladesh enters its fourth month, people are continuing to arrive there from Myanmar. However, the pace of the influx has now slowed down, UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic said at a press briefing in Geneva on Tuesday. UNHCR estimates that the average arrival rate has dropped from 745 a day in November to 100 this month. Two-thirds of the new arrivals in the past one week said they came from Buthidaung in Myanmars northern Rakhine state, he added. Meanwhile, a quick refugee assessment by UNHCR and 13 international and local partners in Bangladesh has found that the refugees have developed strong support networks. Rohingyas living at the refugee sites in Kutupalong, Nayapara and Kerontoli/Chakmarkul were interviewed to identify their priority concerns and needs. The interviews were also carried out to find out coping mechanisms and possible solutions to their problems. The findings of the assessment will guide interventions and help improve conditions for the refugees in 2018. The surveyed refugees expressed a number of worries including concerns over general safetyespecially feeling unsafe at night, given weak shelters and lack of lighting. Access to sanitation is still insufficient, sometimes leading to long queues in front of toilets. Moreover, the shortage of private bathing spaces force women and girls to take bath in the open early in the morning. The survey also found that some children have to walk longer distances to fetch water and firewood. Their parents wanted access to education for their children and safe places for them to play. Health services were another area of concern. Increased mental health support for those who had witnessed the killings or suffered torture or rape was needed crucially. The refugees, especially the elderly and disabled, also complained of continued feelings of depression and rejection. Many young people expressed worry over their uncertain future. Some refugees said irregular food distribution and long queues meant many of them had to go hungry for days. Despite all these concerns and hardships, the assessment found strong solidarity and mutual support among the Rohingya refugees. Drawing upon the findings of this latest assessment, UNHCR will further refine and reinforce its protection and assistance. The main priorities include establishing more information points, orientation to existing services and strengthening an outreach programme. UNHCR is improving its distribution systems and direct assistance to those unable to move. We are also providing alternatives to firewood to address child labour and environmental concerns. Efforts are also underway to provide better hygiene and more sanitary material to women and girls, improve access to latrines, upgrade shelter kits, install more communal lights, offer training and establish more child-friendly spaces, the UNHCR spokesperson said. There is also the need to strengthen primary healthcare facilities, increase mental health and psychosocial activities, as well as sensitisation on and responses to sexual and gender-based violence, he added.