In a significant move, China has granted $1.5 million for the healthcare development of Rohingya women residing in shelters in Bangladesh, a contribution that has been warmly welcomed by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The UNHCR, in a statement released today, disclosed that China’s generous grant will specifically benefit over 60,000 Rohingya women aged between 12 and 50. This aid is part of China’s commitment through the China International Development Cooperation Agency and is expected to continue until the year 2025.
Sumbul Rizvi, the representative of UNHCR in Bangladesh, underscored the importance of this substantial funding from China, particularly as the Rohingya crisis enters its seventh year. She highlighted that Rohingya women and girls already receive annual hygiene kits, and China’s assistance will now facilitate the distribution of an additional 500,000 hygiene kits. The collaborative efforts of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and UNHCR will ensure the supply of these kits, containing essential items such as soap, shampoo, and other necessities.
Yao Wen, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, reiterated China’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a crucial partner and its dedication to enhancing the quality of life for marginalized communities. While expressing hope for future collaborations with UNHCR on more initiatives, Ambassador Wen emphasized that a lasting solution to the crisis lies in the repatriation of displaced Rohingya to Myanmar.
A noteworthy aspect of the initiative involves the active involvement of over 200 women from Rohingya and local Bangladeshi communities in Cox’s Bazar. They will play a pivotal role in producing the remaining items for the hygiene kits, gaining valuable skills for self-reliance, and contributing to sustainable livelihoods within their communities.
Sumbul Rizvi further emphasized, “Refugee women, who have been vocal about their needs, have stressed the critical importance of these kits. They find this assistance indispensable and appreciate the quality of these materials produced by women in their own society.”
The UNHCR collaborates closely with women and various stakeholders in Bangladesh, making significant contributions to the development of people’s lives. Given the ongoing humanitarian crisis, international support from nations like China is crucial to bolster the efforts of the Bangladesh government in providing humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees and local host communities. This allocation from China stands as a testament to global cooperation in addressing pressing humanitarian needs.