Bangladesh
More than one million Rohingya refugees – a stateless Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar – have fled extreme violence and persecution. Most now live in Bangladesh, where they rely on humanitarian support to survive.
The Rohingya are a stateless Muslim ethnic minority who have lived for generations in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, near the border with Bangladesh. They are predominantly Muslim and have their own distinct culture and language.
Despite their deep roots in the region, they have long been marginalised because of their ethnicity and religion.
In 1982, Myanmar passed a citizenship law that excluded the Rohingya from officially recognised ethnic groups – stripping them of their nationality.
Without citizenship, Rohingya families are denied basic rights such as access to education, healthcare and freedom of movement, leaving them highly vulnerable to exploitation.
Successive waves of violence and Myanmar military operations drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingya from their homes. Many faced killings, sexual violence and forced displacement. The United Nations has condemned these acts.
Between August 2017 and early 2018, more than 700,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh – joining thousands displaced earlier – and most now live in refugee camps with no safe way to return home.
Most Rohingya refugees live in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh, particularly around Cox’s Bazar – home to world’s largest refugee camp where more than 1.1 million people currently live. A small community also lives on the island of Bhasan Char.
They rely heavily on humanitarian support from UNHCR and partners. Emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation, healthcare and education services are provided, but needs remain enormous as the crisis continues.
The camps are among the most densely populated settlements in the world. Families live in overcrowded shelters made of bamboo and tarpaulin, which offer minimal protection from heavy rains or strong winds.
Water and sanitation facilities are overstretched, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera and scabies, particularly during monsoon season.
Children have few safe places to learn or play, and many lack access to formal education or vital psychosocial support, while their parents don’t have work rights.
The situation faced by Rohingya refugees is dire. International funding shortages have recently led to drastic cuts in food assistance, increasing the risk of malnutrition, particularly for children. Admissions in emergency care for severe acute malnutrition amongst children have surged.
In addition, the camps are highly exposed to extreme weather, including cyclones and monsoon rains that damage can wash away lightweight shelters and infrastructure.
With no safe option to return home and limited rights in Bangladesh, Rohingya refugees remain in limbo, relying on global solidarity and support.
In these extremely difficult conditions, UNHCR is providing shelter, protection and essential services such as healthcare. Our teams work with Rohingya volunteers to prepare for and respond to disasters such as fire and flood. In addition, UNHCR programs support a range of livelihood, environment and youth activities.
The future remains uncertain for Rohingya families. Until they can safely return home with full rights and dignity, they will continue to depend on humanitarian assistance.
Yet despite enormous challenges, Rohingya families continue to show resilience – and the world must not look away.
UNHCR, Bangladeshi authorities and refugee volunteers rush to respond as a massive fire leaves some 45,000 Rohingya refugees without shelter.
One mask at a time.
First cases test Bangladesh preparations
The majority of funds raised by Australia for UNHCR are directed to UNHCR’s emergency operations, providing the ready funds and resources to respond quickly and effectively in situations of crisis and disaster.