Swiss delegation visit Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar

The delegate of the Swiss Government for Humanitarian Aid and Deputy Director General of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Ambassador Manuel Bessler reiterated Switzerland’s commitments to support Bangladesh and provide humanitarian assistance in view of the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

Bessler is currently in Bangladesh on a five-day visit to obtain a first-hand impression of the latest influx of the displaced Rohingya population into Cox’s Bazar and the related humanitarian crisis.

He already visited a number of Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and met with relevant stakeholders during the trip.

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Ren‚ Holenstein accompanied Bessler during the visit to the camps.

“Switzerland is deeply concerned about the current humanitarian crisis,” Bessler said while visiting a Rohingya camp in Palong Khali.

“The challenges I witnessed here are unprecedented in nature. Therefore, it is very important to devise a well-coordinated response by all actors and extend their support to all those in need, including the local communities.”

Bessler also reiterated that he was concerned about the risks that the most vulnerable groups of the displaced Rohingyas - like unaccompanied children - faced and underlined that impartial humanitarian assistance and the protection for those in need - wherever they are - was of utmost priority. Switzerland has committed to contribute 1.8 million Swiss Francs (approximately BDT 150.5 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya arrivals through the Humanitarian Aid Unit of SDC.

Out of this contribution, 1 million Swiss francs is being channelled through UNHCR and IOM to provide life-saving support and respond to the immediate needs of the new arrivals.

Source: BSS