Cox’s Bazar: Papal Envoy Visits to Rohingya Camps & Host Communities
On March 12-13, 2024, Caritas Bangladesh organized a significant visit to the Emergency Response Project (ERP) and Host Community in Cox’s Bazar led by His Excellency Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall, Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh. His Eminence Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario CSC, His Grace Archbishop Lawrence Subrato Howlader CSC, Archbishop of Chattogram Archdiocese, and Mr. Sebastian Rozario, Executive Director of Caritas Bangladesh, also joined the delegation.
The purpose of the visit was to observe the humanitarian situation and provide support to those in need. During their time in the camps, they experienced the life and struggles of Rohingyas, exchanging opinions on their needs and crises while observing Rohingya Camp 13. Later, attention shifted to Rohingya Camp 4 ext., where discussions centered around child protection initiatives, including early childhood development (ECD) sessions and adolescent life skills programs. Subsequently, Honourable Camp in Charge in Camp-4Ext, Most. Nikhat Ara, also joined the visit.
An exchange-sharing session was organized in the evening with Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, RRRC (Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner), Md. Shamsud Douja, Additional RRRC, UN representatives, and NGO-INGO partners at Hotel Sopnil Shindhu, featuring an Iftar Mehfil. This gathering highlighted the importance of collaboration and unified support for Rohingya refugees.
On the following day, the visit included Rajapalong Union, with a specific focus on disaster risk reduction activities and the Cash for Work Scheme of Caritas Bangladesh. Additionally, the delegation engaged in meetings with beneficiaries of income-generating activities and interacted with community members. There was also a staff meeting with the visitors at the Caritas Office where all staff members of Caritas Bangladesh based in Cox’s Bazar participated actively.
Mr. Liton Gomes, Project Director of ERP, extended sincere appreciation to His Excellency Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall DD, Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario C.S.C., Archbishop Lawrence Subrato Howlader C.S.C., and all participants for their invaluable contributions and commitment to the mission.
