Safe harbour
The agony and uncertainty of fleeing her home in Myanmar is still fresh for Shatara Begum.
While the flow of Rohingya refugees slowed significantly since the beginning of 2018, almost 12,000 people have arrived since January. Shatara, her husband, mother, mother-in law, and 14-month-old daughter Shatara are among them.
It took Shatara and her family five days to reach safety, clambering over mountainous terrain as monsoon rains and winds raged.
The journey was hard and horrible. We had to walk day and night,” she explained.
“We took shelter along the way under trees and, when we could, with villagers who agreed to help us.”
When they reached the Naf River—the border between Myanmar and southeastern Bangladesh—Shatara’s family had to pay the equivalent of about US$60 to cross in a makeshift boat. Soon after disembarking and setting foot in Bangladesh, they were told where to find the UNHCR transit centre and what help they could expect.
“When we arrived, we received food and water, and also health care,” Shatara said. “And then we were given a temporary shelter.”
UNHCR will relocate her family to a more permanent shelter. For now, Shatara said that she and her family feel safe—and she’s especially grateful for the support she’s receiving for her baby daughter.
Shatara is participating in a mother’s group where she’s learning about breastfeeding, hygiene, nutrition and play activities. She’s also receiving therapeutic food for her baby, who is malnourished as a result of their harrowing journey from Myanmar.
“The counselling centre here has told me how to keep my baby happy and healthy,” Shatara explained. “It’s really good advice. I’ve never had any help like this before.”
Humanitarian in action
Dr. Amany Sadek, 35, is a public health officer for UNHCR. For the past nine months she has worked with Rohingya refugees in settlements near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. We spoke to her recently about her experiences.
What has the UNHCR health team been able to accomplish for/with Rohingya refugees over the last year?
A year ago, there were only four health units in the Kutupalong and Nayapara refugee camps. Today, there are 22 health care facilities under UNHCR coordination, spread throughout the camps. These include primary health care units, in-patient facilities, delivery units and women-only spaces. In addition, we’ve established an extended network of ambulances to transport patients with severe illnesses or other critical needs to secondary health facilities outside the camps.
Is there a particular story from a Rohingya refugee that has stayed with you?
Once while conducting a household health survey, an elderly Rohingya refugee lady invited us into her shelter. She was pointing at us, to herself and to the sky. Her neighbours helped translate, and this is what she said:
“God sent you to save our lives and to care for us…we love you all dearly.”
What are some of the ongoing needs for Rohingya refugees?
For so long, Rohingya refugees have been deprived of basic human rights and basic human needs, deprived of proper health care access, education and protection. Now that Bangladesh has provided them a safer place to live, it’s a great opportunity for humanity to help us support them and show them kindness by providing a better and healthier future for children, mothers, the elderly and all Rohingya refugees. R
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