Devastating Fire Displaces Thousands In Rohingya Refugee Camps In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Statement by UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, Tomoo Hozumi
NEW YORK (March 22, 2021) – “UNICEF expresses its deepest sympathy to the Rohingya refugees affected by the fire in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The fire has already caused enormous devastation, spreading rapidly through refugee camps and displacing thousands of people. While large-scale evacuations have taken place, the full extent of the disaster is yet to be confirmed.
UNICEF and our partners are on the ground addressing the immediate and urgent needs of children and families. UNICEF has mobilized health teams for first aid support as well as volunteers to evacuate refugees from their shelters.
While the situation continues to evolve into the late night, initial reports are that children are among the injured, and that there are also children who have been separated from their families. UNICEF child protection personnel and their partner organizations are working to assist children in need including separated children. Our partners are also delivering emergency supplies and safe drinking water.
UNICEF thanks the local authorities and front-line responders who have been working tirelessly to bring the fire under control while Rohingya refugees and humanitarian workers are brought to safety.
Our priority is to secure the immediate safety, security and protection of children in coordination with the concerned authorities, first responders and partner organizations in the UN and NGO community.”
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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.
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For more information, contact
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2480, evogel@unicefusa.org
Gabby Arias, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1306, garias@unicefusa.org