Support Rohingya refugee women

Hi Friend,

On March 22, 2021, a large and devastating fire broke out in the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Since 2017, the camp has been home to more than one million Rohingya Muslims who have fled persecution from their native Myanmar.

ActionAid has been working in Cox’s Bazar since the start of the crisis, providing essential services and safe spaces for those most vulnerable, particularly women and girls. In response to the fire, we have opened existing community centers as temporary shelters for families who have been displaced.

Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, says: “ActionAid’s emergency teams are supporting families fleeing the fire in the camp. Hundreds of refugees, particularly women and children, are affected by the blaze.” 

She continues, “Community volunteers are working to safely evacuate families to safety. We know the immediate needs of those affected will be access to medical support, emergency shelter, food, and sanitation services…Due to overcrowding, addressing social distancing and preventing the spread of Covid-19 is an urgent priority.” 

Your support ensures that basic needs like food, shelter, and hygiene kits can be provided during this critical time. We will monitor the situation as it evolves, and alongside our rapid response program, will continue to advocate for the rights of Rohingya refugees and support their demands for justice and a safe and voluntary return for years to come.

Thank you.

 In Solidarity,

Francis Noon

Individual Giving Officer, ActionAid USA

In the world's largest refugee camp, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, the stakes continue to be high, as the camp continues to respond to COVID-19. ActionAid spoke with Fatema, an adolescent girls’ officer for ActionAid in the Rohingya refugee camps about her experiences.

Fatema, pictured above, has been working here for around two and a half years. She shares:

"When we had full lockdown, it was a similar situation - the same situation as in the west. Now you can go out for various types of work and errands. There are no restrictions on movement. It’s just that you have to follow the Covid-19 rules. For example, wearing masks and gloves. We have to stay aware and maintain social distance. People have now become used to these things."

However, when talking to women and girls in the camp, there were worries about accessing aid: 

"For example, they were saying that compared to before they are not getting many things. That the distribution of goods has reduced a lot. A lot of organisations were working at high frequency within the camp but because of lockdown many organisations have now stopped coming into the camp. So, for that reason they are getting less help and support, compared to before. So, for this reason they are struggling more than before. In terms of finances they are struggling."

Community-led efforts, like the ones ActionAid supports, has stepped in: "They were really happy with the dignity kits we were giving out. They said this is the first time we received something in a while. It was this sort of situation. When it comes to food and health, apart from these two things they have not received any other type of help in quite a few days."

On how women and girls affected by Covid-19 specifically:

"The problems women and girls face as a result of coronavirus are that men are in the house all the time. The men want more time from the women. They are making the women do all sorts of tasks. Things that are necessary, as well as things that are unnecessary. Then their irritable mood results in them lashing out at their wives. The men can’t work, or they don’t have money to hand. They are not feeling good about themselves and that’s causing them to pile more pressure on to their wives. So, for this reason, women and girls have become more victimised."

Now more than ever, your commitment to human rights makes a difference - for Fatema and for thousands of Rohingya refugee women and girls. Thank you for your continued support and solidarity.

You can learn more about our community based response here.