UNHCR warns of severe implications for annual monsoon response

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday warned of life-threatening consequences if annual monsoon preparations cannot be completed on time in Bangladesh amid the global outbreak of COVID-19.

As countries around the world fight the pandemic, the coming of the monsoon rains risks worsening the already difficult situation of the Rohingya population in Bangladesh, said the UN agency.

In Bangladesh, so far there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection among the Rohingya population.

"Despite this, both host communities and Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar, with a population density one and a half times higher than New York City, are considered to be among the most at risk globally in this pandemic," said UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic in a briefing in Geneva.

The area is also seasonally prone to both landslides and flash flooding, according to UNHCR.

The UNHCR Spokesperson said they must make every effort to ensure that the possible spread of the virus and the coming monsoon season do not exacerbate the already highly vulnerable situation of the Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar.

The UNHCR urged the international community to stand in solidarity with Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and IDPs to avert a looming mix of natural and public health disaster.

To address the risks of a potential outbreak of coronavirus in the camps, the Government of Bangladesh, together with UNHCR and partners, has ensured the inclusion of Rohingyas in its national response.

Information-sharing has been expanded through a network of more than 2,000 community volunteers, religious leaders and humanitarian workers.

To ensure preparedness measures can proceed safely, personal protective equipment (PPE) is desperately needed, given the magnitude of the increased demands, according to UNHCR.

Overall, the 2020 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis sought some US$877 million to meet the most critical needs before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

To date, the JRP is only 16 percent funded, according to UNHCR.

(Source: UNHCR)