Statement by UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh Sheldon Yett on fire in the Rohingya refugee camps

NEW YORK (March 6, 2023) – “Our deepest sympathies go out to the 12,000 Rohingya refugees – half of them children – who lost their shelter homes in the fire that broke out in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps yesterday. We commend the brave work of front-line responders who have brought the fire under control.

“While we are thankful that no deaths have been reported, 6,000 children are in urgent need of emergency support. UNICEF and our partners have worked through the night to protect and support traumatized children and their families.

“Two mobile medical units have been deployed and are providing emergency medical aid to injured children and adults. At the same time, children are receiving psychosocial support with special attention to those who may have been separated from their families in the chaos.

"The full extent of the damage is being assessed, but according to initial reports the fire destroyed 2,000 shelters and a large number of facilities that provide critical services to refugee children and their families. Among these are over 20 learning centers, at least one nutrition center, and several sanitation facilities.

“UNICEF’s next priority is to repair and rebuild these facilities so that children can continue their education and will receive essential healthcare, nutrition and sanitation services.

“Our hearts are with the Rohingya children and their families who – after fleeing their country and taking refuge – have once more been left homeless.”

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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.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information please contact:
Jenna Buraczenski, UNICEF USA, (917) 720-1432, jburaczenski@unicefusa.org