BD caught in humanitarian crisis: UN
FE REPORT | Friday, 2 August 2024
Bangladesh faces a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions as its political situation has turned volatile with a wave of violence created countrywide over the recent student movement.
The United Nations made the observation while addressing its routine media briefing on early Thursday.
The UN and its partners continue to provide support to the people impacted by a number of emergencies, says Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
"I can tell you that despite the political situation and the violence we have seen, it is important to remind everyone that there are humanitarian crises ongoing in Bangladesh."
He also said their partners continue their work despite operational challenges - which obviously includes internet outages, bank closures and curfews.
Last month, the UN and its partners launched the $80-million humanitarian response plan to support 1.2 million people. The appeal is currently only 18 per cent funded.
On 5 June, $7.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was made available to support the response to the cyclone, while an additional $6.2 million from the fund was released on 4 July, to allow for cash payments to communities in the Jamuna basin.
And of course, there is also a massive humanitarian operation on Cox's Bazaar for refugees from Myanmar and to support the host communities.
Latter, in reply to a question, the spokesman said the UN is always ready to assist governments anywhere who seek help on different issues.
"And, we see how we can best do that. In terms of independent investigations, as you know, that would require, as in any of these cases, a mandate from a legislative body of this organisation," he continued.
He condemned the use of live fire ammunition that they have seen in Bangladesh.
"Governments, whether in Bangladesh or anywhere else, need to be protecting the rights of people to protest peacefully and need to be protecting the right of journalists to do their job in a free and unfettered manner," he added.
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