Geneva/Cox’s Bazar, 14 March – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 119 million to support nearly a million Rohingya refugees in the world's largest refugee settlement in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, and the vulnerable community generously hosting them. 

"The world today has many crises, but we cannot forget the urgent needs of the Rohingya refugees and the response efforts in Bangladesh," said Amy Pope, IOM Director General. "We urge the international community to help us ensure that the Rohingya refugees receive the unwavering support that they need and deserve.

“Nearly one million people are living in abject poverty, with no prospects for a better future. They do not have other options available if we walk away from them. Together, we must offer real help and hope in this desperate situation." 

IOM's Appeal is part of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis which seeks to raise USD 852.4 million to reach 1.35 million people with the support of 117 partners. The JRP was launched yesterday (13 March) in Geneva by UNHCR and IOM who co-lead the Rohingya Humanitarian Response in Bangladesh, under the overall leadership of the Government of Bangladesh.

Building on the efforts and success of previous years, IOM's Appeal aims to ensure the continued provision of much-needed humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees. This includes shelter, basic household items, health care, water and sanitation, and protection against the threats they face.

Since the massive Rohingya influx in 2017, nearly a million Rohingya refugees have sought temporary refuge in Cox's Bazar. The Government of Bangladesh and the international community have provided humanitarian assistance over this period, however, ongoing commitment is critical until the refugees can voluntarily return to Myanmar in a safe and dignified manner. 

Women and children account for over 75 per cent of the refugee population, living in densely populated and precarious camps. This year, the crisis enters its seventh year with dwindling funding posing a significant challenge.

In 2024, IOM will focus on providing wide-ranging support including helping Rohingya refugees to maintain their identity and culture, while also providing aid and assistance to the most vulnerable members of the host community.

Innovative and climate-resilient solutions are at the core of IOM's approach in serving 500,000 refugees sheltering in 17 of the 33 camps it manages with partners. Most of the camp infrastructure is built using treated bamboo. The IOM-run Bamboo Treatment Facility – the largest of its kind, has processed over a million bamboo poles. Treatment lengthens the bamboo's lifespan, helping minimize pressure on forests.

IOM also supports with alternative fuel sources for cooking for more than 98,000 families on a monthly basis, contributing to food security and reducing the environmental impact of the camps.

Health care is another major area of focus. Funding towards the Appeal will enable IOM to maintain its network of community health workers and the 38 primary and secondary health-care centres it supports. Together, these centres provide over 100,000 medical consultations each month.    

The provision of clean water and sanitation is a priority. IOM provides access to latrines and clean water, reaching almost 300,000 people daily. This includes running the largest solar-powered water treatment and distribution facilities in a humanitarian setting, alongside waste management and plastic recycling.

IOM's innovative Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the refugee community while enhancing their psychosocial well-being and cultural identity. IOM also works to protect refugees from gender-based violence (GBV), human trafficking, and child abuse, among other risks to refugee populations.

"IOM remains dedicated to providing life-saving assistance to Rohingya refugees, placing their needs at the forefront of our mission,” said Abdusattor Esoev, IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh. “Our commitment also extends to supporting the most vulnerable within the host community affected by the crisis. We urge the international community to support our efforts to meet the pressing needs of this protracted crisis in Bangladesh."

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For more information, please contact: 

In Cox's Bazar: Tarek Mahmud, tmahmud@iom.int  

In Bangkok: Itayi Viriri, iviriri@iom.int.