: Myanmar: 5 years since Rohingya mass exodus, UNHCR urges solutions #IndiaNEWS #International This week marks five years since more than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya fled military persecution from Myanmar

Myanmar: 5 years since Rohingya mass exodus, UNHCR urges solutions #IndiaNEWS #International
This week marks five years since more than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya fled military persecution from Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Tuesday, appealing to the international community for greater support.

“The latest exodus from Myanmar is now officially defined as being a protracted situation,�? UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told journalists at a regular press briefing in Geneva.
Stepped up assistance
Since the onset of the humanitarian crisis, the Bangladesh Government, local communities and aid agencies have been quick to assist refugees arriving in what is now the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar.
Many Rohingya there continue to tell UNHCR that they wish to return home to Myanmar – so long as conditions for safe, dignified and sustainable returns are met and they can enjoy freedom of movement, access to documentation and a pathway to citizenship.

This week marks 5 years since 700,000+ Rohingya women, men and children fled Myanmar for Bangladesh, joining hundreds of thousands of others. We are appealing for much greater efforts to secure both financial support and solutions for the Rohingya. t. co/GB557H9TiB
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) August 23, 2022

They also underscore the importance of accessing services and income-generating activities.
Dependent on aid
For the almost one million Stateless Rohingya refugees, conditions in Bangladesh are extremely overcrowded, and they remain fully reliant on humanitarian assistance for survival.
“With decreased funding, they face many challenges in their daily lives,�? said Ms. Mantoo, citing multiple humanitarian assessment surveys that found proper nutrition, shelter materials, sanitation facilities and livelihood opportunities to be among the most commonly unmet needs include.
“Some have resorted to dangerous boat journeys to seek a better future�?.
The UNHCR spokesperson also pointed out that violent incidents, especially for women, children and people with disabilities, are often under-reported.
Violence against children and women, especially gender-based violence, is “shrouded in stigma�? that can render survivors voiceless, often unable to access legal, medical, psycho-social or other forms of support, she said.
Education needs
Support must be “stepped up�? for education, skills development, and livelihood opportunities, Ms. Mantoo continued, reminding that these will not only prepare refugees for eventual return but also help them remain safe and productive during their stay in Bangladesh.
While some 10,000 Rohingya children in Bangladesh are already enrolled in the Myanmar curriculum, taught in the Myanmar language, support for sustained and expanded access to the curriculum is needed.