The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar have seen a sharp decline in international aid in recent times. This has led to a severe shortage of food, healthcare and other essential services, which has devastated the lives of more than one million refugees. To address this humanitarian crisis, Switzerland has launched a new program—‘CHANGE’. This program will not only provide assistance to refugees but also to improve the quality of life of the local population.
The ‘CHANGE’ program is strengthening coordination between UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, IOM and UN Women. This will make it possible to implement various projects more efficiently, sustainably and cost-effectively. The alliance, formed with the support of Switzerland, is working to find a long-term solution so that refugees are able to stand on their own feet, rather than relying solely on humanitarian assistance.
Under this initiative, three main sectors are being prioritized—first, improving the education system, with a priority for girls; Secondly, to increase livelihood opportunities and ensure food security; and thirdly, to protect women and girls from violence and abuse. This multifaceted initiative will not only meet the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya population but also have a positive impact on the local community.
Switzerland has dubbed this initiative ‘A Humanitarian Reset’, which is expected to open a new horizon of international partnership in addressing the Rohingya crisis.
