World Vision prepares response to refugees in Bangladesh

Monday, September 18, 2017

BANGLADESH (18 SEPTEMBER 2017)  - World Vision is preparing to respond in Bangladesh, the epicentre of a growing refugee crisis, where almost 400,000 people have fled since fighting erupted next door in Myanmar in late August. A 6-person fact-finding team is starting three days of site visits on 17 September to refugee settlements in the country’s most affected district, Cox’s Bazar.

Urgent needs, according to preliminary assessments compiled by a UN-led consortium, include emergency shelter, food and nutrition, clean water, WASH facilities, basic health care to address acute injuries and children friendly space for more than 200, 000 children.

“We expect few surprises with our assessment,” said Fred Witteveen, National Director of World Vision Bangladesh.  “Emergencies worldwide, including others we have managed elsewhere in Bangladesh, push people into similar vulnerabilities. What we need to identify here is the exact gap, we are best suited to fill, and how to meet it as quickly as possible.”

Six members of the World Vision team on the ground are collecting primary data on refugees for four days, while others are interviewing refugees, aid workers and government representatives.

Following the assessment, World Vision will request permission from the government to proceed.

 “World Vision is ready to move in as soon as access is granted,” said Witteveen. “Children are the most vulnerable during displacements. If we can reach those in need as quickly as possible, then they can have a fighting chance at recovery.”

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Media interviews:

Annila Harris

Humanitarian Emergency Affairs Communications Manager, World Vision South Asia & Pacific Office

Email: annila_harris@wvi.org 

Mobile:  +919650211822

Skype: annilaharris

 

Saibal Sangma

Communications Director, World Vision Bangladesh

Email: saibal_sangma@wvi.org

Phone: +88 02 982 1004-11

Skype: saibal.sangma

 

World Vision Background

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation conducting relief, development and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

World Vision has been working in Bangladesh since 1972 when it started with emergency relief operations. For 20 years, World Vision has had a regular field presence 67km from the affected area in Cox’s Bazar where it runs a community development program.