Since August, 700,000 Rohingya have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh. Many refugees have settled in a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar. Though the Rohingya are now safe from persecution and being supported by organisations on the ground, they are now faced with the risk of flooding from monsoon rains. Heavy rain and high-winds may destroy shelters, create landslides and pose health risks. Caritas is working with Caritas Bangladesh and others to build retainer walls, stronger shelters and to meet the needs of the Rohingya people.
As Pope Francis said, “embrace all those fleeing from war and hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homelands.” The Rohingya are an example of his message. Caritas invites you to stand in solidarity with the Rohingya by supporting our emergency appeal. Right now, each donation is doubled (up to $250,000) by the New Zealand Aid Programme. To give call 0800 22 10 22 or go online to www.caritas.org.nz/donate.