Bangladesh - Humanitarian Response to Rohingya Refugee Crisis – Handicap International 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 Handicap International is helping to respond to the immediate needs of refugees in Cox’s Bazar focusing on particularly vulnerable households with special needs. Activities include: (1) providing physical and functional rehabilitation for injured or disabled people as well as mobility aids as needed; (2) providing mental health and psycho-social support for those affected by trauma; and (3) distributing infant hygiene and dignity kits that take into account the specific needs of women and girls.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) access to physical and functional rehabilitation services for those with special needs; (2) improved access to mental health and psychosocial support; (3) increased access to gender and age-sensitive hygiene and other essential items; and (4) improved information and referral systems to assist particularly vulnerable households in accessing essential services. 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.