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February 20, 2018

Why this Rohingya refugee mother has a reason to smile

USA for UNHCR donors help this Rohingya mother feel safe again

 

“My husband carried his mother and I carried my two children. We couldn't carry anything else with us,” said Alin Nisa, a 22-year-old Rohingya refugee now safe in Bangladesh. Despite enduring unimaginable trauma, Alin’s bright smile shares her hope for her family's future.

The family was forced to flee when armed men came to their village in the middle of the night. After a treacherous 10-day journey across rivers and mountains, they reached the border of Bangladesh. Exhausted and hungry, Alin was relieved to finally see UNHCR staff members whose distinctive blue vests symbolized safety and hope.

Once settled in a refugee camp, the UN Refugee Agency supplied materials for the family to build a shelter. These included plastic sheeting and a tarp to protect against the region's heavy rains. The Nisa family also received kitchen supplies, mats, blankets and other humanitarian relief items.

With a sturdy shelter to call home and the means to feed, clothe and care for her children, Alin is smiling again because she feels safe — for the first time in quite a while.

Alin and her family are survivors of the fastest-growing refugee crisis in the world today. Since August 2017, approximately 647,000 Rohingya, an ethnic minority in Myanmar, have fled violence and persecution.

With the generous support of caring Americans, UNHCR has responded to the massive need by:

  • Airlifting humanitarian aid including blankets, plastic sheets, sleeping mats, family tents, plastic rolls, kitchen sets, jerry cans and buckets.
  • Constructing 8,000 latrines to protect refugees against potentially deadly, water-borne diseases and diarrhea.
  • Establishing safe spaces within refugee camps where survivors of sexual and gender-based violence can receive counseling and referrals for legal support.

Here’s how you can help…

Refugees like Alin and her family may rely on the UN Refugee Agency for years, if not decades. The need is immense and long-term. You can help by becoming USA for UNHCR's newest monthly donor. Join this special group of caring Americans by making your monthly gift today.