Fire ravages Rohingya refugee camp leaving 3,500 children homeless and 1,500 without education
Statement attributable to UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, Mr. Sheldon Yett
DHAKA, 8 January 2024 – “UNICEF offers its deepest sympathies to the 5,000 Rohingya refugees – including 3,500 children – who sadly lost their homes in the fire that broke out in Camp 5 of the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps on 7 January 2024.
“While we are thankful that no deaths have been reported, at least 1,500 children lost access to education when 20 of their learning facilities were destroyed in the fire. As we assess the full extent of the damage, UNICEF and partners will construct temporary tents to enable children to learn whilst classrooms are reconstructed.
“UNICEF and partners worked through the night to protect and support traumatized children and their families. Let us remember, these children have already escaped violence and trauma. So, there is an urgent imperative to work closely with local authorities, UN agencies and partners to provide the most vulnerable with shelter and respond to their basic needs so that all affected children are safe, healthy and protected.”
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