As the humanitarian crisis in Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh) has grown into of the region’s largest man-made humanitarian crises in decades, and with enormous needs also within Rakhine State, the non-profit global foundation H&M Foundation (Sweden) has decided to contribute to help saves lives and reduce suffering among those affected by the conflict, both in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
H&M Foundation has donating 200,000 USD to the Red Cross relief effort.
“Many have fled with nothing but the clothes they were wearing and are in need of everything: food, shelter, clean water and health care,” says Carola Tembe at the H&M Foundation. Therefore, it is important for us to support the work of the Red Cross for those affected by the conflict.”
Since August 25, 2017, violence has escalated in the state of Rakhine in Myanmar. Even before the most recent escalation, humanitarian needs were great both in Rakhine and in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, where refugees from Rakhine have sought shelter for decades. The Myanmar Red Cross and Bangladesh Red Crescent, together with the International Red Cross movement have been on the ground in both areas for many years, providing lifesaving assistance.
The Red Cross has mobile healthcare teams reaching hundreds of people every day. A Red Cross field hospital has also just been put in place to serve those fleeing.
There is also a lack of toilets and clean water, leading to an increased risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases. The Red Cross is building latrines and purifying water for the refugees and a team of water and sanitation experts from the Swedish Red Cross are on the ground to provide support.
“This donation comes at a time when the needs are huge and support is crucial. We are grateful for the H&M Foundation’s commitment to helping make our work possible,” says Michaela Friberg Storey, Head of International Operations at the Swedish Red Cross.
