Years of conflict in Rakhine State, Myanmar, has forced nearly 1 million Rohingya refugees to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh where they now live in makeshift camps.

More than half of the refugees are children, and tragically, many arrived alone, without either of their parents, and are now living in crowded, unhygienic camps, in close proximity to each other – ideal conditions for the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

CARE has been working in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar for five years, since the beginning of the crisis in 2017. We are providing shelter and lifesaving supplies for those who have been forced to live in horrendous conditions, and helping prevent a devastating outbreak of COVID-19.

“Their resilience and strive for self-reliance is highly commendable,” says Ramesh Singh, CARE’s Country Director in Bangladesh, but stresses: “We cannot have any more generations growing up as refugees, not knowing their origins, not knowing their heritage. It is a loss to the youth, a loss to the population, and an incredible loss to the world.”

CARE is also gravely concerned for the safety, rights, and wellbeing of the people of Myanmar in light of the unfolding crisis and suppression of protests, and the impact this will have on vulnerable communities. 

CARE has worked in Myanmar since 1995, partnering with local communities to reduce poverty and fulfil their human rights. We are deeply concerned that recent events will undo decades of hard-won progress by the people of Myanmar in overcoming poverty and promoting human rights.

Your donation today could help provide lifesaving supplies to a family who has lost everything. Please give generously to CARE Australia’s Global Emergency Fund.