Only 16% of appealed fund met so far; Monday's fire will make things worse, says Bangladesh representative of the UN refugee agency
 

On the heels of the devastating fire at the Rohingya camps, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appealed for urgent mobilization of fund for the continuation of the humanitarian activities in the area.

In a statement issued on Tues day, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Johannes van der Klaauw said Monday’s fire would further worsen the situation with respect to the humanitarian response.

The UNHCR appealed for $294.5 million for Rohingya response for 2021, and only 16% of it has been met so far, he said.

"The effects of Monday’s lethal and destructive blaze will only exacerbate critical needs and further strain already overstretched resources," said the representative.

"UNHCR is appealing for urgent mobilization of government and private sector donors. Their timely contributions are critical for the ongoing humanitarian response and UNHCR’s capacity to protect and assist both the Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts," he added.

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Expressing deep sadness at the loss of life and immense suffering caused by the massive fire, Johannes said that so far, UNHCR had provided some 3,000 blankets, 14,500 solar lamps, 10,400 kitchen sets and 11,500 mosquito nets.

Together with Oxfam, it has also made available emergency water and sanitation assistance, including construction of 20 emergency latrines, emergency tap stands, water tanks, jerry cans and water purification tablets, he said.

Four water tankers are delivering safe water to areas where those displaced by the fire are congregating, he added.

"Using UNHCR’s Interactive Voice Response system, we will be able to call approximately 70% of households in the most affected camps," said the representative.

"UNHCR teams are monitoring the safety and security of temporary shelters for those displaced, and ensuring assistance meets the critical needs including for unaccompanied and separated children," he said.