Assist Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

Since the onset of violence against them over six years ago in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the Rohingya crisis tragically persists with very few signs of resolution. This historically marginalized group continues to be confronted with numerous challenges that jeopardize their present safety and future ability to lead self-sufficient lives. Nearly 1 million refugees, forced to flee where they once called home, sought sanctuary in neighboring Bangladesh, and live primarily in overcrowded and underfunded informal refugee settlements. Although the Rohingya crisis has faded from prominent media headlines since the attacks six years ago, they remain the largest stateless group globally.  

Cyclone Mocha, a category-five storm that struck in May 2023, wreaked havoc on both Bangladesh and Myanmar, further debilitating previously vulnerable communities. The cyclone intensified the Rohingya refugees' predicaments in Bangladesh along with fires that tore through informal refugee settlements. Threats from landslides, soil erosion, and post-storm flooding destroyed and worsened the state of informal settlements, creating devastating impacts on thousands already struggling. In Cox’s Bazar, where the majority of the Rohingya have sought refuge, the cyclone damaged significant infrastructure, including nutrition and medical centers, bamboo shelters, and schools. As alarms sounded, our teams in Cox’s Bazar sprang into action and responded rapidly to the emergency. Following the cyclone, we supplied thousands of meals to sheltered families, and intensified our relief efforts to aid both the refugees and host communities. Our programs include food package distribution, health services, psycho-social counseling, disaster risk management, and rehabilitation of shelters. 

Weather-related disasters underscore the essential role of organizations like Concern Worldwide, committed to providing relief to this vulnerable group that continuously suffers through no fault of their own. Climate change's wrath on Bangladesh amplifies during monsoon season (June to October), especially in refugee settlements. The Rohingya grapple with the recurring threats of weather-related disasters, which routinely threatens their safety. Poor conditions of the camps, combined with seasonal flooding, increase waterborne disease risks, posing severe health concerns.  To combat this, the Smart Health Card program was introduced by Concern, offering financial aid for medical care to families in need. The goal of Concern Worldwide is to help those we work with to stay healthy and live with as much security and dignity as possible. As a key organization in the Rohingya response, Concern operates 16 integrated nutrition services across camps, screening thousands of children under 5 every month and providing regular checkups for pregnant or lactating women.  

The most recent cyclone is just another chapter in the long-standing history of suffering for the Rohingya. Even before the outbreak of violence against them in 2017, while living in Myanmar for generations, the Rohingya have been historically denied citizenship and recognition by the state. Their limited access to education, jobs, and health services have resulted in chronic poverty and marginalization, issues that have further deepened since the start of this crisis in 2017. Past violence has led to repeated mass displacements, and their hardships persist.  

Our work continues, even when global attention fades. Dominic MacSorely, former CEO and current US Ambassador of Concern Worldwide, recently visited refugee camps and program sites in Bangladesh, and was able to observe how Concern’s homestead garden project has assisted families living in congested camps where open areas are scarce. Concern’s initiative enables families to cultivate vegetables on rooftops, between shelters and in bags filled with soil. This innovative approach has helped refugees across the camp enhance both their diet and earnings through their freshly harvested produce. He also points out the grim fact that despite such successes, due to a severe funding crisis, the recovery of this population is under serious threat. “As of June 1st, the monthly food vouchers that the refugees rely on from the World Food Program were reduced for the second time in three months - a 33% reduction in the daily ration. With the food voucher now valued at USD 8 per month – people are now expected to survive off 10 cents per meal. A complete pipeline break is anticipated by October if no additional funding is pledged. Parents are already eating less or skipping meals so their children can eat. With one in eight children already acutely malnourished, further cuts will be catastrophic and deadly.” says MacSorely in an article about his recent visit to Bangladesh. 

With over 50 years of operations in Bangladesh, Concern Worldwide has amplified efforts to address the urgent needs of the expanding Rohingya refugee community. Funding cuts threaten the ability of this population to recover, but what they require is the immediate support of the international community. The Rohingya have endured one challenge after another, making our work crucial to uplifting those affected by countless hardships. Our dedication to supporting this historically oppressed group remains unwavering.