REFUGEES who are surviving precariously in refugee areas in Bangladesh are facing further difficulties with the coming of the monsoon season – and many may have to flee yet again.
Many of the latest refugees are surviving in makeshift camps on flat ground which is likely to be flooded when the rains come. They will face physical dangers from the floods, which may wash away their belongings and shelters, or even weaker family members – or cause landslides. They will also face danger from waterborne diseases, which are likely to flourish in the muddy areas where refugees camp without reliable clean water or sanitation facilities.
Working out what to do has been described as a race against time. On the ground, the only solution seems to be to move on yet again – this time, to higher ground. And try t survive a while longer.
Politicians who are uncomfortable with world inaction over the crisis have been putting pressure on Myanmar to let the Ronhingya return. However, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has told the UN Security Council that it would not be safe for refugees to attempt to return any time soon – because Myanmar has not given any indication that the military war on the Rohingya would cease.
While Governments prevaricate, the refugees continue to rely on charitable donations from ordinary people across the world.
• Information and photo from Human Appeal
•To donate to the Human Appeal Rohingya Emergency Appeal, go to: Rohingya Emergency Appeal
•Read more about it: Human Appeal eases suffering in Gaza Rohingya: Human Appeal calls for support
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