Press Release: Humanitarian Crisis in Rohingya Camps, Cox’s Bazar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Justice For All Calls for Urgent Action to Address the Humanitarian Crisis in Rohingya Camps, Cox’s Bazar

September 25, 2024 – Washington, D.C. – Justice For All, through its Burma Task Force, calls for immediate and coordinated action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The seasonal monsoon rains, compounded by the effects of climate change, have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving many Rohingya refugees without shelter or essential resources.

Overcrowded Camps, New Arrivals and Climate Impact

The refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar house over 1 million Rohingya refugees, leading to severe overcrowding and forcing many to build shelters on vulnerable hillsides. The arrival of new refugees fleeing genocidal violence and ethnic cleansing in Burma/Myanmar has worsened the situation, with many making perilous journeys only to arrive in camps that are overwhelmed and under-resourced.

“The Rohingya refugees have already survived unimaginable atrocities, and now face new challenges in the form of climate-related disasters and overcrowding,” said Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, President of Justice For All. “The international community must act now to prevent further loss of life and to ensure that these vulnerable populations are protected.”

“On September 13, 2024, the disaster struck hard,” reports Saif Arkani, Justice For All’s team member on the ground. He describes how the rains flooded or destroyed shelters, leading to the death of three family members and 15 injured. More than 500 Rohingya refugees were displaced from their homes in Cox’s Bazar. Over 100 shelters were submerged in water at Ukhiya camps.

Arkani pleads for the U.N. to relocate these vulnerable families to safer areas and prevent further loss of life.

Contact Information: Hena Zuberi, Justice For All, Director Of Advocacy
Email: hena@justiceforall.org
Phone: (202) 922-5878
Website: www.burmataskforce.org

About Justice For All: The Burma Task Force, a key initiative of Justice For All, a faith-based human rights organization accredited by the United Nations, has been at the forefront of advocating for the Rohingya people since 2012, following the escalation of violence and displacement in Burma/Myanmar.

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The Statement is at https://www.justiceforall.org/burma-task-force/statement-on-the-humanitarian-crisis-in-rohingya-camps-coxs-bazar/