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Bangladesh + 1 more

UNHCR Bangladesh Operational Update, 8 - 15 January 2018

Attachments

The first meeting of the Bangladesh/Myanmar Joint Working Group was held on 15 January in Naypiydaw, Myanmar. Discussions reportedly focused on the modalities for the return of refugees.

The right of refugees to return voluntarily should continue to be at the core of the dialogue between the Governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar. In addition to voluntary returns must be safe, dignified and sustainable.

The relocation of 9,400 refugees from Bandarban, near the border with Myanmar, to Kutupalong settlement began on 14 January 2018. It will continue in the next weeks.

POPULATION FIGURES

  • 655,000* Estimated new arrivals in Bangladesh since 25 August 2017
  • 307,500 Estimated refugee population before 25 August 2017
  • 963,000 Estimated total refugee population currently

STAFFING & PARTNERS

190 staff currently working on the emergency compared to 49 prior to the crisis. 122 are national staff. 23 partners compared to 7 prior to the crisis

FUNDING

USD 83.7 million Requested for UNHCR’s initial emergency response from Sept 17 to Feb 18. Out of this amount, USD 26,4 million are the requirements for Jan-Feb 2018:
USD 14.3 M Received 54%
USD 12.1 M Remaining needs 46%

Operational Context

Some 655,500 refugees have fled Myanmar to Bangladesh since 25 August 2017. Between 1 and 13 January 2018, more than 960 refugees crossed into Bangladesh, a decrease compared to the first two weeks of December 2017, during which more than 1,300 refugees arrived.

Bangladesh is now enduring its coldest winter in fifty years, with average low temperatures dropping to 15 degrees Celsius. Rohingya refugees lack adequate clothing and shelter, and are therefore vulnerable to even modest temperature declines, especially at night. Children, who make up 55 percent of the Rohingya refugee population, are particularly vulnerable. Women and girls, who represent more than half of all refugees in Bangladesh, are likewise vulnerable, as are the estimated ten percent of Rohingya refugees who are either disabled, have serious medical conditions or are older persons at risk. UNHCR and its partners have distributed sweaters and shawls to ensure that refugees can stay warm.

UNHCR is working with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and partners to ensure protection and the delivery of much needed assistance to refugees through various sectors and with monsoon rains fast approaching, stabilization of the terrain to mitigate the effects of landslides and flooding. They also continue to expand basic infrastructure and services in the existing settlements of Kutupalong and Nayapara. In addition, UNHCR is assisting local host communities affected by the unprecedented influx.

On 23 November 2017, the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a bilateral ‘arrangement’ on the return of refugees to Myanmar. A Joint Working Group (JWG) consisting of government representatives from Myanmar and Bangladesh was subsequently formed on 19 December 2017 with a mandate to implement the said arrangement. The JWG held its first meeting on 15 January 2018 in Naypiydaw, Myanmar. UNHCR understands that the discussions between the two governments focused on the modalities for the return of refugees to Myanmar. Although UNHCR is not a party to the arrangement or the JWG, UNHCR is keen to be part of these discussions, to ensure that the voice of the refugees is heard and that they are protected in Bangladesh and upon any future return to Myanmar. In any refugee situation, UNHCR hopes that refugees will be able to return home when they themselves choose to. However, any returns must be sustainable and premised on international standards of voluntariness, safety and dignity.