FE REPORT
The chairperson of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR has called for sustained support to 'prevent disaster' for Rohingya refugees as the official paid a four-day visit to Bangladesh.
UNHCR high official Marcelo Vázquez-Bermúdez, also permanent representative of Ecuador to the UN in Geneva, underscored UNHCR's steadfast commitment to supporting the Rohingya.
He also highlighted the criticality of the humanitarian response by the UNHCR and its partners to address the complex challenges faced by more than a million refugees in Bangladesh.
During his visit, Mr Vázquez-Bermúdez witnessed first-hand the immense scale of the humanitarian crisis-now in its eighth year-as he engaged with refugee groups in camps to realise their assistance needs and protection challenges.
"I'll ensure that these voices are heard by member states of the UNHCR executive board, providing much-needed visibility to their plight," he said.
While meeting with young refugees receiving English and vocational training in a skills development centre at Teknaf, he saw signs of hope despite tremendous difficulties.
"These young people are eager to contribute and build a better future, if given the opportunity," said Mr Vázquez-Bermúdez. He heard from the refugees about their strong desire to return to their homes in Myanmar, when the conditions are in place.
At the same time, the UNHCR executive said, "Sustainable peace and security in Rakhine are essential to ensure they are not forced to flee again."
He expressed deep concern over a drastic reduction in funding that all humanitarian partners are currently facing.
"We must prevent a disaster," urged Mr Vázquez-Bermúdez.
"More than 1.0-million Rohingya refugees are dependent on humanitarian assistance for the most basic needs of food, water, cooking fuel and shelter. States and other stakeholders must act now to foster the self-reliance of refugees in Bangladesh, until it is safe for them to go back to their homeland."
He praised the generosity of Bangladesh and the host communities while recognising the challenges faced by the country during its own transition.
The ambassador emphasised the need for new measures to be considered and implemented to address the ongoing crisis, particularly in the area of self-reliance and livelihoods.
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