Rohingya Human Rights Initiative (ROHRIngya)
assisting the refugees. Nearly 88% of Rohingya respondents said they had
received assistance from these organisations, while Rohingya-led
organisations, particularly R4R, reached above 33% of community members
with assistance. Aid from government bodies reached below 4% of Rohingya
refugees. However, overall, the assistance fell notably short of meeting the
refugees' needs during the crisis. For instance: a significant number (83%) of
refugees have pointed out that the assistance or rations they have received
from international and local NGOs were insufficient for their families. We
found that above 72% of Rohingya refugees need everyday essentials, 38% for
housing facilities and almost 34% need cash for medical treatment. Hygiene
items and water and electricity supply at affordable cost are also on the list of
immediate needs for the Rohingya. The Rohingya refugees have also sought
intervention to help them exercise right to work and access to education and
health services.
• Our study found that the distribution of aid was uneven. Some refugees
received assistance during the first wave, while some did not. Less than 24%
of respondents said they received it during all three waves of COVID-19. It
should be noted that more than one percent of the Rohingya have claimed
that they have not received assistance during any of the three waves.
HEALTH
• Refugees reported facing many problems accessing medical treatment and
medicines during COVID-19. However, COVID-19 infections remained low
among the refugees. In our survey, 90% of respondents said that neither they
nor their family members got infected. Only 6% reported an infection, while
4% were unsure about the infection. The Indian government’s eventual move
to allow refugee communities to take the vaccine and the support of local,
national and international refugee-rights organisations has clearly had a
positive impact. Out of 148 refugees, only two persons reported not receiving
the vaccine. While one has not gone for vaccination because of the fear of
related side effects, the other was unaware about accessing the vaccine. Some
98% of refugees have already been vaccinated through UNHCR, its partner
organisations, and government vaccination camps. Only 2% of refugees went
to private hospitals and clinics to vaccinate.
• We found that most refugees have experienced psychological and mental
issues such as fear, depression or anxiety, and physiological issues such as
hypertension and high blood pressure. They have sought counsel mainly from
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