Oxfam providing life-saving help to over 200,000 Rohingya in Bangladesh

Nearly 370,000 people crossed into Bangladesh in the past four weeks, doubling the number seeking refuge in the south east of the country. Many are now sleeping under open skies, by roadsides and in forests with no protection from the elements.

The existing camps in Bangladesh are ill equipped to handle this large influx of people who urgently need shelter, clean water, toilets and food. Women, children, seniors and those with disabilities are especially vulnerable.

“People are physically and emotionally traumatized and face a desperate situation. They have no clean drinking water and no food. They are homeless and hungry following a long and treacherous journey across the border,” said M B Akhter, Interim Country Director for Oxfam in Bangladesh.

“We are paying special attention to the protection, privacy, health, and hygiene needs of women, girls and nursing mothers. Measures must be taken to prevent any form of sexual or gender-based violence,” said Victoria Hopkins, Humanitarian Manager for Oxfam Canada.