[Japan UNICEF Association] 7 years of Rohingya refugee crisis: Continued violence in Myanmar, number of internally displaced persons increasing [Press release]
*Japan UNICEF Association*
Press release: August 26, 2024
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Seven years of Rohingya refugee crisis: Continued violence in Myanmar, number of internally displaced persons increasing [Press release] *UNICEF calls for compliance with international humanitarian law* One-year-old Rifa is treated for severe acute malnutrition at a UNICEF-supported nutrition center in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. (Bangladesh, taken on July 16, 2024)
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[August 25, 2024 New York/Kathmandu/Bangkok]
Seven years have passed since the crisis began, when hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people crossed the border from Myanmar into neighboring Bangladesh to escape violence and persecution. As conflict continues to intensify in Rakhine state on Myanmar’s west coast, with casualties and displacement rapidly increasing in Maungdaw district, an increasing number of people are reportedly seeking safe haven and protection in Bangladesh.
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UNICEF has received alarming reports of civilians, particularly children and families, being targeted in attacks or caught in the crossfire, resulting in loss of life or serious injury. Delivering humanitarian aid to Rakhine State has become extremely difficult, threatening the provision of critical services such as clean water and health care. The situation has worsened since January this year, with power, telephone lines, and internet outages. This is impacting both people’s lives and humanitarian operations.
Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, said: “Seven years after thousands of families were forced to leave their homes in search of safety, fleeing a horrific wave of violence, new reports of violence show that children are under threat in Myanmar. It is a painful reminder that not only in Rakhine but across Myanmar, children and their families continue to pay the price of conflict, with their lives, livelihoods, and futures. We must fulfill our duty to protect them.”
A family lives in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. (Bangladesh, taken on July 16, 2024) (C)
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On August 6th and 19th, a boat carrying dozens of people, including women and children, sank in the Naf River, killing many children. There have been a number of rollover accidents involving children.
Since November 13, 2023, an estimated 327,000 people have been forced from their homes in Rakhine State and Parewa District of Chin State due to the escalation of conflict. As a result, it is estimated that there are currently well over 500,000 internally displaced persons in Rakhine State.
Across Myanmar, the humanitarian crisis that worsened in February 2021 continues to rapidly worsen. Children are paying the heaviest price for continued violence, including significant acts of violence, large numbers of displaced people, and health and education systems on the verge of collapse. Escalating attacks and clashes have displaced an estimated 3.3 million people, nearly 40% of whom are children. It is estimated that in 2024, a record 18.6 million people (including 6 million children), nearly one-third of the country’s population, will need humanitarian assistance.
Rohingya people who fled attacks and violence in 2017 joined Rohingya refugees who had previously fled to Bangladesh, bringing their total number to around 1 million. Seven years later, approximately 500,000 Rohingya refugee children are growing up in the world’s largest refugee camp, many of whom were born there. Refugees rely entirely on humanitarian aid and live in makeshift shelters in overcrowded refugee camps. UNICEF works with Bangladesh’s transitional government and partners to install water and sanitation facilities, establish diarrhea treatment centres, and enable access to health and nutrition services and quality education for children and pregnant women. We provide protection and support to children affected by violence, abuse and neglect.
Children wait for nutritional testing at a UNICEF-supported nutrition center in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. (Bangladesh, taken on July 14, 2024)
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“Bangladesh’s continued support for refugees, especially children, is commendable and vital. Over the past 12 months, we have become increasingly concerned about the security situation in refugee camps and reports of child rights violations. UNICEF stands ready to support the new Bangladesh Interim Government in its response to ensure that refugee children are protected and have access to vital services.
In Myanmar, UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and
international human rights law to protect civilians, especially children, and ensure their safety and well-being. . UNICEF also calls for safe and unhindered humanitarian access for all aid workers to deliver humanitarian assistance.
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■ About UNICEF
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is a United Nations agency that works to promote the rights and healthy development of all children. We are currently working with many partners in approximately 190 countries and regions* to translate our philosophy into concrete actions in a variety of ways. We work for all children, everywhere around the world, with a particular focus on supporting those most in need. UNICEF’s activities are funded entirely by donations from individuals, companies, and organizations, as well as voluntary contributions from governments around the world.
https://www.unicef.or.jp/
*Includes 33 countries and regions where UNICEF National Committees (UNICEF Association) are active
■ About Japan UNICEF Association
Public interest incorporated foundation
The Japan Committee for UNICEF is one of the UNICEF national committees in 33 developed countries and regions, and as the only private organization representing UNICEF in Japan, it is responsible for public relations, fundraising, and policy advocacy for UNICEF activities. I am.
https://www.unicef.or.jp/
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