Following the mass influx of more than 700,000 Rohingya fleeing neighbouring Myanmar since August 2017, HI is providing emergency response to supply aid to people who are living in extremely difficult circumstances. The organisation has provided rehabilitation care to more than 13,000 people and psychological support to more than 9,100 people. HI has distributed 1,800 mobility aids (wheel chairs, crutches and so on). The organisation has also made available two humanitarian equipment storage centres and a fleet of 15 lorries, transporting humanitarian equipment for HI and other organisations. HI has also distributed more than 1,000 hygiene kits, more than 12,700 food rations and more than 900 accommodation kits. These activities are implemented in addition to the rehabilitation and inclusive employment actions performed by HI in two camps for Rohingya refugees who arrived in Bangladesh many years ago.
HI also works in Bangladesh to encourage the inclusion of the most vulnerable people by supporting their access to services such as rehabilitation and inclusive employment and inclusion in society.
Children with disabilities remain one of the most marginalised groups in the country and very few attend school. As an invisible and stigmatised group, they are more exposed to abuse, exploitation and negligence. Since 2016 and for a period of four years, the organisation’s Growing Together project, supported by IKEA Foundation, will develop accessible and secure play areas for children in refugee camps in Thailand, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This project will enable 13,000 children to play, learn and grow up together in a secure environment. HI also runs a project to enhance the protection of children vulnerable to abuse and violence, including by raising the awareness of families and communities. The organisation also improves access to education for all children, including children with disabilities, developmental delay, psychological problems, and so on.
HI also makes fathers aware of their role in improving the health of mothers and children in refugee communities in Bangladesh, and conducts child and mental health projects. The organisation strengthens the rehabilitation sector in Bangladesh, including by implementing a quality rehabilitation care system, in conjunction with the government. The organisation takes action to ensure that people with disabilities have access to a source of income which gives them financial independence and means they are better accepted within their communities.
HI also conducts a project supported by UEFA Foundation for Children which purposes sport and leisure activities for children and youth with and without disabilities to promote their social inclusion and interact with each other in a safe environment.
