The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) and Qatar Charity (QC) have announced a total of US$8.8million for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in support of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The generous contributions, which comes ahead of the monsoon season will be channeled towards a number of life-saving projects until the end of 2018, including disaster risk reduction and response in Kutupalong camp, basic needs and essential services for refugees in Bangladesh.
The majority of Rohingya refugees live in shelters constructed from bamboo and plastic sheeting, leaving families at heightened risk in the face of extreme weather conditions such as cyclones and monsoon during the rainy season. It is estimated that nearly 150,000 refugees are living in areas that are at high risk of floods and/or landslides.
“UNHCR welcomes Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity’s timely contributions” said Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Regional Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. “Rohingya refugees are increasingly vulnerable, particularly during the rainy season. This contribution will help ameliorate the risks they face, during the wet and cyclone season, and beyond, through the provision of essential life-saving assistance.” he added.
The agreement outlines numerous projects that will run until the لم of the year, including contributions towards the reinforcement of 52,000 homes ahead of the rainy season where some 260,000 refugees, many of whom are women and children, reside in Kutupalong camp. Likewise, some 37,500 refugees will benefit from shelter kits. It also covers weather-proofing footpaths, bridges, stairs, drainage and major works to channel rain water.
HE Khalifa Al Kuwari, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development also stressed the importance of the donation, noting “Rohingya refugees face unimaginable suffering, it is our collective duty to alleviate their plight. Whether through the provision of emergency shelter kits or tackling health and sanitation, Qatar Fund for Development is dedicated to supporting UNHCR in helping those most in need”.
Qatar Fund for Development and Qatar Charity will also be contributing to much-needed water, health and sanitation projects, among other essential interventions “It is important for us to ensure that these men, women and children, who have lost everything, not only survive, but are provided with conditions that help them to recover and rebuild their lives” said Yousef Al Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Charity. “We look forward to continuing our impactful work with UNHCR both in Bangladesh and beyond” he added.
More than 670,000 Rohingya fled violence in Myanmar since August 2017, joining an estimated 200,000 Rohingya who have sought shelter in Bangladesh, arriving in waves over the past decades. Adverse weather conditions, including potential cyclones brought about by the rainy season could exacerbate the already precarious living conditions of Rohingya refugees.
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