Reuters/AFP/Nick Donaldson
Reuters/AFP/Nick Donaldson
Reuters/AFP/Nick Donaldson
Reuters/AFP/Nick Donaldson


Weekend Essay: Rohingya refugees are being forced to suffer even more


Thomas Andrews
Thomas Andrews
  • English
  • Arabic

March 10, 2023

This week, just a few weeks before the start of Ramadan, a fire displaced 15,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who are living in refugee camps in Bangladesh after escaping attacks by the Myanmar military.

Images of the raging fire captured the attention of people around the world. Unfortunately, an even more dangerous threat to the nearly one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has generated little to no attention – the lethal impact of international indifference that has led to an unconscionable cut in food rations for the refugees.

Last week the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh were told that the World Food Programme (WFP) had cut their food rations by 17 per cent. Even worse, without a commitment of new funding from the international community, food rations may be cut even further in just a few weeks, forcing the Rohingya to try to make do with food rations valued at $0.27 per day.

The reason for this nightmare is simple – UN member states have short-changed the WFP’s food ration fund for Rohingya refugees by $125 million. The Rohingya, who are commonly referred to as the world’s most persecuted minority, are now being forced to suffer even more.

This week I spoke with desperate families in the camps who had already been forced to cut back on essential food items due to a spike in prices. Indeed, even before the announcement of cuts, food rations were already woefully inadequate for the Rohinyga confined to refugee camps in Bangladesh. Forty per cent of Rohingya children are currently suffering from stunted growth; 51 per cent of Rohingya children and 41 per cent of pregnant and breastfeeding Rohingya women are anaemic; 45 per cent of all Rohingya families in the camps are living with insufficient diets.

Rohingya refugees try to salvage their belongings after a major fire in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, on March 5. AP
Rohingya refugees try to salvage their belongings after a major fire in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, on March 5. AP

WFP staff report that the impact of these cuts could be catastrophic and long-lasting. Malnutrition and adverse health outcomes could spike in the community and the development of Rohingya children could be severely impaired. Perversely, the present rations cuts will drive up future budgetary needs, compelling the WFP to implement supplementary programmes to deal with acute malnutrition.

This is shameful. Many UN member states have offered rhetorical support for the Rohingya. But Rohingya families cannot eat political rhetoric. Frankly, governments that continue to refuse to provide adequate funding for Rohingya food rations should spare us their hollow expressions of concern and support.

For decades the Rohingya have faced discrimination, persecution and violence in western Myanmar. Rohingya women have been targeted with sexual and gender-based violence. They have been systematically denied citizenship and deprived of basic rights, including freedom of movement. Decades of persecution and state-sponsored violence led to attacks in 2016 and 2017 that pushed more than 700,000 Rohingya into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they joined Rohingya that had arrived years earlier. The more than 600,000 left behind in Myanmar continue to be denied basic rights, none more so than the 130,000 who remain confined in internment camps.

The February 2021 military coup further dimmed hopes of a safe, dignified and voluntary return of Rohingya to Myanmar in the near future.

In December 2021, I visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh in my capacity as UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. Living conditions were dire. Substandard housing and severe overcrowding threaten the health and lives of camp residents. Armed groups have murdered community leaders, and girls and women face the constant threat of sexual and gender-based violence.

More refugees could soon seek dangerous ways out

Rohingya refugees, unable to leave the camps, told me about restrictions on small-scale economic activities, leaving them entirely reliant on assistance from the international community. I spoke to aid workers who, despite valiant efforts to provide sustenance and support to refugees, were concerned about widespread malnutrition and other adverse health impacts.

The impact of the ration cuts will extend beyond dietary and health concerns. I was told that the cut in food rations has already increased tensions in the camps, making life even more dangerous. Women and adolescent girls are facing the heightened risks of trafficking and forced marriage. Domestic violence may rise.

More refugees could soon seek dangerous ways out. According to the UN refugee agency, last year more than 3,500 Rohingya people made perilous boat journeys across the Indian Ocean to try to escape deprivation in Bangladesh and persecution in western Myanmar. This is a 360 per cent increase over the previous year. More than 300 people are believed to have drowned or died from hunger or dehydration. Thousands more undertook dangerous overland journeys to try to reach Malaysia or other locations. If the rations cuts are not quickly reversed, these numbers are certain to rise as people decide it is better to gamble their lives at sea than slowly starve in refugee camps.

The WFP’s rations cuts are a symptom of world indifference and a chronic underfunding of the response to the Rohingya refugee crisis. In 2022, donors provided only 63 per cent of the $881 million required for humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya. The UN is expecting this unconscionable trend to continue in 2023.

Last week I sent a letter to every UN member state, pleading that they respond to the WFP’s appeal for food ration support and fully fund the UN’s Rohingya refugee response plan. Previous donors to the Rohingya refugee response – led by the US, UK and EU – must reaffirm their commitment to the Rohingya and renew or, even better, increase their contributions.

Those who have failed to provide any support for the UN appeal for the Rohingya in Bangladesh must step up. According to public data made available by the UN, Japan and South Korea were the only Asian countries to provide more than $1 million in funding for Rohingya refugees, contributing roughly $15 million and $2 million, respectively. Members of Asean, the regional intergovernmental body in South-east Asia, are notably missing from the list of donors, outside of a $50,000 contribution from Thailand.

Tragically, member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have provided little to no funding to the UN Rohingya response plan. It was reported that the lone financial contribution from an OIC member to the 2022 Rohingya emergency response plan was a $1 million donation from the UAE.

The OIC has been among the most vocal supporters of the Rohingya. They have demanded accountability for the Myanmar military for its crimes against the Rohingya and lead an annual Human Rights Council resolution on the situation of the Rohingya and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar. In 2019, the Gambia brought a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice on behalf of the OIC alleging violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to Myanmar’s persecution of the Rohingya.

Vocal support for the Rohingya is important, but thousands of malnourished Rohingya children and their families need action, and they need it now. The fire that destroyed 2,000 Rohingya refugee shelters this week was extinguished. But hunger and desperation, fuelled by world indifference, continues to rage in the camps. It is long past time for the nations of the world to come to the aid of a people who desperately need our support. It is literally a matter of life and death.

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 390bhp

Torque: 400Nm

Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579

Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Company Profile

Company name: Yeepeey

Started: Soft launch in November, 2020

Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani

Based: Dubai

Industry: E-grocery

Initial investment: $150,000

Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year

hall of shame

SUNDERLAND 2002-03

No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.

SUNDERLAND 2005-06

Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.

HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19

Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.

ASTON VILLA 2015-16

Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.

FULHAM 2018-19

Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.

LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.

BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66

How to come clean about financial infidelity
  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

While you're here
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Profile of Tarabut Gateway

Founder: Abdulla Almoayed

Based: UAE

Founded: 2017

Number of employees: 35

Sector: FinTech

Raised: $13 million

Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.

ENGLAND SQUAD

Team: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Ben Te'o, 12 Owen Farrell, 11 Jonny May, 10 George Ford, 9 Ben Youngs, 1 Mako Vunipola, 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Joe Launchbury, 5 Maro Itoje, 6 Courtney Lawes, 7 Chris Robshaw, 8 Sam Simmonds

Replacements 16 Jamie George, 17 Alec Hepburn, 18 Harry Williams, 19 George Kruis, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Danny Care, 22 Jonathan Joseph, 23 Jack Nowell

The%20specs
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The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

WTL%20SCHEDULE
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How to get there

Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
 

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Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

The specs

Engine: 5.2-litre V10

Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm

Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto

Price: From Dh1 million

On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022 

How to help

Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

2289 - Dh10

2252 - Dh50

6025 - Dh20

6027 - Dh100

6026 - Dh200

Results

Catchweight 60kg: Mohammed Al Katheeri (UAE) beat Mostafa El Hamy (EGY) TKO round 3

Light Heavyweight: Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) no contest Kevin Oumar (COM) Unintentional knee by Oumer

Catchweight 73kg:  Yazid Chouchane (ALG) beat Ahmad Al Boussairy (KUW) Unanimous decision

Featherweight: Faris Khaleel Asha (JOR) beat Yousef Al Housani (UAE) TKO in round 2 through foot injury

Welterweight: Omar Hussein (JOR) beat Yassin Najid (MAR); Split decision

Middleweight: Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) beat Sallah Eddine Dekhissi (MAR); Round-1 TKO

Lightweight: Abdullah Mohammed Ali Musalim (UAE) beat Medhat Hussein (EGY); Triangle choke submission

Welterweight: Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW) beat Sofiane Oudina (ALG); Triangle choke Round-1

Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) beat Saleem Al Bakri (JOR); Unanimous decision

Bantamweight: Ali Taleb (IRQ) beat Nawras Abzakh (JOR); TKO round-2

Catchweight 63kg: Rany Saadeh (PAL) beat Abdel Ali Hariri (MAR); Unanimous decision

Specs

Engine: 2-litre

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 255hp

Torque: 273Nm

Price: Dh240,000

Abu Dhabi Card

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,400m

National selection: AF Mohanak

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 1,400m

National selection: Jayide Al Boraq

6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 100,000 1,400m

National selection: Rocket Power

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh 180,000 1,600m

National selection: Ihtesham

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,600m

National selection: Noof KB

7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 2.200m

National selection: EL Faust

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH

Directed by: Shaka King

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons

Four stars

ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

Updated: March 11, 2023, 8:09 AM