© UNHCR/Roger Arnold
Bangladesh
Five things you need to know about the Rohingya
Learn about the largest stateless population in the world, and how UNHCR is helping them.
Bangladesh
Learn about the largest stateless population in the world, and how UNHCR is helping them.
Violence and persecution have forced nearly one million Rohingya refugees to flee their homes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The majority of Rohingya refugees now live in the Cox Bazar’s region of Bangladesh, home to the world’s largest refugee camp.
Who are the Rohingya?
The Rohingya are a Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar and the largest stateless population in the world. They have faced violence, persecution and displacement for more than 40 years.
Where do the Rohingya find safety?
Most families cross the border into Bangladesh and end up in refugee settlements in Cox’s Bazar. There are more than 900,000 refugees in Cox’s Bazar, as well as a small community on the island of Bhasan Char.
What are the conditions like in the Rohingya refugee camps?
The camps are overcrowded and extremely basic. Shelters are made of bamboo and tarpaulin, offering little protection from the elements. Many families lack access to clean water or proper sanitation. There are also very limited education and work opportunities in the camps.
What challenges do Rohingya refugees face today?
The situation is dire. Food rations have been cut twice in the last few months, putting children in particular at risk of malnutrition. In May, thousands of refugees lost their homes to Cyclone Mocha. Now the monsoon season has begun, washing away shelters and threatening people’s safety.
How is UNHCR helping Rohingya refugees?
In these extremely difficult conditions, UNHCR is providing shelter, protection and essential services such as healthcare for Rohingya refugees. We work with Rohingya volunteers to prepare for and respond to disasters such as fire and flood. In addition, we support a range of livelihood, environment and youth programs.
Your donation in action
Your donation can make a life-changing difference for a Rohingya refugee. With your support, UNHCR can provide malnutrition screening and therapeutic food for hungry children. We can also help communities prepare for and recover from monsoonal flooding, and improve hygiene and sanitation in the camps.
First cases test Bangladesh preparations
One mask at a time.
UNHCR, Bangladeshi authorities and refugee volunteers rush to respond as a massive fire leaves some 45,000 Rohingya refugees without shelter.
The majority of funds raised by Australia for UNHCR are directed to UNHCR’s emergency operations, providing the ready funds and resources to respond quickly and effectively in situations of crisis and disaster.