The 2021 Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis was virtually launched in Geneva on Tuesday.
The JRP is seeking $943 million to meet the needs of over 880,000 Rohingya refugees and 472,000 vulnerable Bangladeshis in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas in Cox’s Bazar district, according to the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG).
In total, the JRP aims to protect and assist 1.4 million people this year. More than half of this population is women and children.
Around $340 million has been committed towards the 2021 JRP by the international community, so far, amounting to more than 35% of the total requirement.
The JRP brings together the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh, 134 UN agencies and NGO partners. More than half of these partners are Bangladeshi NGOs.
Aid agencies are making a united call on the international community to step up support to the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, which has now entered its fourth year.
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The appeal focuses on strengthening the protection of Rohingya refugees, delivering quality lifesaving assistance to those in need, fostering the well-being of the communities surrounding the camps, and helping Rohingya refugees build their skills and capacities towards sustainable return and reintegration in Myanmar, on a voluntary basis, when conditions allow them to do so, in safety and in dignity.
The most commonly reported needs among the host communities include access to food as well as cash, along with essential health services, reflecting the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak and associated measures needed to mitigate the spread of the virus on food security and livelihoods among the people of Bangladesh.
The Covid-19 pandemic has compounded vulnerabilities for them as well as Rohingya refugees.
“More than 40% of this year’s financial appeal focuses on two of the most basic and critical human needs: food security and health,” says Nicole Epting, the senior coordinator for the ISCG.
“In addition, the priorities for this year include water, sanitation and hygiene, wider health needs including sexual and reproductive health with a focus on women and girls, education and addressing the protection concerns of the Rohingya refugee population in the camps.”
The leadership of the government of Bangladesh and the support of the international community over the years has been crucial in delivering lifesaving protection and assistance and effectively responding to the needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
