Diplomatic Correspondent

The United Nations and NGOs, in support of Bangladesh government, will launch the 2020 Joint Humanitarian Response Plan in Geneva today, seeking $877 million from the international community for the Rohingya refugee crisis.

“We appeal to the international community to continue to provide vital support to the Rohingya community and humanitarian needs in Bangladesh,” said a statement of UNHCR) yesterday.

Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, IOM Director General António Vitorino, Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Mia Seppo will be present there.

Three Rohingya youths will also attend the event. They were chosen because of their creative pursuits -- poetry, storytelling, and photography -- which are contributing to the richness of their culture and broadening understanding of the lives of Rohingya youths.

A separate event following the launch of the Joint Response Plan will showcase their creative works and provide a forum for them to talk about their lives as refugees and their hopes and vision for future.

“We see their presence as an opportunity for the Member States, UN agencies and NGO partners in Geneva to hear directly the voices of Rohingya refugees,” the statement said.

There are some 1.1 million Rohingyas living in the camps in Cox’s Bazar.