Bangladesh Acute Crisis Joint Response

Violence broke out on the 25th of August in Rakhine State in Myanmar. This has casued a mass exodus of Rohingyas (a muslim ethnic minority) to cross border into the neighbouring country of Bangladesh ). As of mid - October more than 540,000 people have seeked refugee in Cox's Bazar, fearing for their lives. The new arrivals join an existing refugee population of between 200,000 and 500,000 who arrived in previous months and years, and had settled in formal refugee camps and makeshift camps. . UNHCR and IOM estimate that there will be 1 million newly-arrived Rohingya Children and adults in Bangladesh by year's end. Population movements remain highly fluid, with increasing concentration in Ukhia district. The initial influx of Rohingyas to Bangladesh dates back to 1978, with a large arrival in 1991-1992. The needs of the Rohingyas are significant. Many arrive exhausted, sick, hungry and traumatised after the events in Myanmar. The Rohingyas, are now settling down in host communities, makeshift settlments and spontanious settlements. The pressure is high and the major concerns are; accessing to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, food, shelter and (child) protection. All settlements are severely overcrowded and continue to grow. One of the major needs in all sites is Shelter/NFI. NFI such as blankets, clothing and kitchen items are of high need as people fled empty-handed. The majority of new arrivals do not have any form of shelter and are staying in open air exposing them to severe health risks, include an increase of reported cases of children with pneumonia (internal assessment). The living conditions, overcrowding and lack of shelter especially in new settlements also cause grave protection concerns for children (unaccompanied and separated), girls and women, as they are at risk of trafficking, SGBV, abuse and exploitation.