Today, we mark one year since the start of our mission to bring humanitarian and medical assistance to Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar for Bangladesh. Read the statement from MOAS co-founder and director Regina Catrambone.
One year ago, MOAS arrived in Bangladesh, following the desperate Rohingya exodus triggered by a new wave of violence and abuse in Myanmar.
At the end of August 2017, we had decided to suspend our SAR mission in the Mediterranean, not wanting to become part of a mechanism focused only on decreasing the number of arrivals on European shores. Having monitored the displacement and persecution of the Rohingya community since 2015, we decided to take immediate action. Pope Francis’ words in support of this vulnerable minority motivated us, once again, to do something concrete.
Since then, more than 75,000 children, women and men have received free, high-quality medical assistance at our Aid Stations. MOAS provides essential healthcare to women and men who are victims of violence and to children who have never seen a doctor in their life. We have participated in vaccination campaigns under the guidance of WHO and the Bangladeshi government, and dealt with the challenges posed by the monsoon season.
MOAS needs your help now more than ever. To support our work, go to www.moas.eu/donate.