Bangladesh - Humanitarian Response to the Rohingya Refugee Crisis - Red Cross 2018

January 2018 – Following the outbreak of violence in Northern Rakhine State in August 2017 more than 647 000 Rohingya crossed from Myanmar into Bangladesh over a period of several months. These refugees joined more than 200 000 Rohingya already in the district of Cox's Bazar following earlier waves of displacement. With GAC’s support the Canadian Red Cross is helping to respond to the immediate water sanitation health and protection needs of vulnerable people in Cox’s Bazar. Project activities include: (1) providing primary health care services through mobile and static clinics or health posts; (2) distributing hygiene and dignity kits that take into account women’s and girls’ needs; (3) promoting good hygiene practices through public awareness and education campaigns; and (4) providing safe spaces and referring particularly vulnerable groups for additional services and support including unaccompanied minors.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased protection from violence through safe spaces and services for children and other vulnerable groups; (2) reduced risk of water and sanitation-related diseases through the provision of hygiene items and hygiene promotion campaigns; and (3) improved access to health care including medical management of diseases and psychosocial support. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are facing acute food insecurity.