UAE Distributes 5.4 Million Foods For Rohingya Refugees In Bangladesh

Illustration of the Rohingya Muslim refugee camp Rohingya in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. (Wikimedia Commons/Tauheed)

JAKARTA - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) distributed around 5.4 million meals to people living in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, through the 'One Billion Food Campaign' program.

The distribution of food in the form of smart vouchers that can be exchanged instantly is carried out in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

By using an electronic code sent to their mobile phone, beneficiaries can buy food and drinks from shops, supermarkets, and bakeries that are WFP certified.

"For the 'One Billion Meals' initiative, reaching beneficiaries in one of the largest refugee camps in the world is a logistical challenge in itself," said Sarah Al Nuaimi, director of Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI), launching The National News 28 February.

"However, MBRGI, in partnership with the UN WFP, managed to overcome this challenge and distribute food equivalent to 5.4 million portions to individuals and families in Cox's Bazar camps in Bangladesh," he said.

However, it was not stated when the distribution work began.

The world's largest refugee settlement Cox's Bazar in southeastern Bangladesh is the world's largest refugee camp, housing nearly 1.2 million people housed in 34 overcrowded camps run by local and international NGOs.

About 750,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar in 2017 to escape persecution and ethnic cleansing by the military. Human rights groups have described their treatment as genocide.

Currently, there are 250,000 Rohingya in Bangladesh, with limited access to assistance and no opportunities for education or livelihoods.

“In Bangladesh, the Joint Response Plan 2022 for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis calls for more than US$881 million to support approximately 1.4 million people, including Rohingya refugees and the most affected local communities,” said Mageed Yahia, WFP Representative for the GCC Region.

"Therefore, the distribution operation of the 'One Billion Meals' initiative, in collaboration with WFP, arrived at the right time, offering food assistance to those who are less fortunate," he said.

The 'One Billion Food Initiative' is the largest of its kind in the region, providing food and helping to fight hunger in 50 countries.

This campaign helps food aid programs reach those most in need, especially women, children, refugees, and displaced people.

During Ramadan 2020, the '10 Million Food Campaign' supports communities affected by COVID-19 across the UAE. In Ramadan 2021, the "100 Million Meals Campaign" delivers instant meal plans and smart vouchers to millions of people across four continents.

Meanwhile, the 'One Billion Meals Initiative', launched in 2022, is an extension of the 100 Million Meals campaign.