UN, partners appeal for USD 920 million to meet dire needs of 900,000 Rohingyas

United Nations aid ncies and partners have appealed for USD 920 million to help meet "dire needs" of more than 900,000 Rohingyas who have fled to Banglesh to escape violence in Myanmar's restive Rakhine State, triggering one of world's worst refugee crises.

According to UN estimates, over 700,000 mirity Rohingya Muslims have fled to Banglesh, where y joined roughly 200,000 ors alrey sheltering re, since August 25 last year when army launched a military crackdown.

2019 Joint Response Plan for Rohingya humanitarian crisis seeks to raise USD 920 million to assist more than 900,000 refugees from Myanmar and more than 330,000 vulnerable Bangleshis hosting m.

"Our humanitarian imperative today is to stabilise situation of stateless Rohingya refugees and ir Banglesh hosts. We are hoping for timely, predictable and flexible contributions in order to meet goals of this year's appeal," said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Critical aid and services such as food, water, sanitation and shelter represent more than half of this year's funding needs, which include health, education, child protection and dressing sexual and -based violence.

" solidarity shown by Government of Banglesh and commitment of humanitarian partners ensured successful implementation of first Joint Response Plan in 2018," said Antonio Vitori, Director General of International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"Moving forward, we reiterate our commitment to meeting dire needs of this population and urge international community to support se efforts," Vitori said.

new plan brings toger 132 partners  UN ncies, international and national n-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government bodies  to protect refugee women, men, girls and boys, provide life-saving assistance and foster social cohesion.

"But while we tackle se immediate humanitarian needs we must t lose sight of solutions," Grandi said, reiterating his call that Myanmar "take urgent action to dress root causes of this crisis which has persisted for deces, so that people are longer forced to flee and can eventually return home in safety and dignity".

third joint humanitarian appeal builds on achievements me to furr stabilise situation of Rohingya refugees.

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Over past year, 2018 plan has supported aid ncies in improving conditions across refugee settlements by providing basic assistance, upgring living conditions and carrying out disaster risk mitigation measures for monsoon and cyclone seasons.

Despite se and or achievements, Rohingyas remain in an extremely precarious situation.

UNHCR underscored that until root causes of displacement in Myanmar are dressed and refugees can voluntarily return in safety, Banglesh must be supported to meet needs of refugees and host communities.

entire refugee population received basic emergency shelter kits to cope with 2018 rainy season, but y w require safer and more robust shelters.

While some 860,000 refugees regularly receive food assistance, only 240,000 man to diversify ir diet beyond minimum pack of rice, lentils and oil, which must be expanded to ensure better nutrition.

Moreover, continued investments into safe water and sanitation, health and protection services are vital.

"We encour countries in this region and beyond to show solidarity with Banglesh and to support Myanmar to start creating conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees," UNHCR chief said.

2018 plan was funded at 69 per cent, or USD 655 million received against USD 950 million requested.

UN described atrocities by Myanmar military on Rohingya refugees as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing while rights groups called it a gecide.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar, however, rejects charge, saying its security forces launched a counter-insurgency operation on August 25 in response to Rohingya militant attacks.

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