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Bangladesh Refugee Emergency Factsheet: Host Community Projects (as of September 2018)

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Bangladesh
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UNHCR
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The Bangladeshi communities were the first to respond to the massive influx of Rohingya refugees in 2017, providing lifesaving assistance together with the Government of Bangladesh. The rapid increase of population however has strained the already meagre local community resources, infrastructure, public services and affected the economy, particularly in Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts. Rise of prices of food and transportation, pressure on water resources and basic services, environmental and infrastructure degradation (e.g. roads), and competition for jobs have contributed to increased social tensions between refugees and host community.

UNHCR recognizes the generosity of local families in assisting refugees and the need to help these communities cope with the influx. UNHCR is working with local government and partners to support communities near refugee settlements. To this effect, quick impact projects (QIPs) are small-scale community-based projects implemented in a short period of time which directly impact the targeted community. UNHCR has also provided livelihood support to the poorest and distributed family kits (tarpaulin, wire, rope, bucket and two sleeping mats) to local families affected by the monsoon.

In addition, UNHCR has repaired public buildings and infrastructure in order to restore host community's capacity to serve local needs, help foster critical support for hosting refugees and therefore create a more favorable environment for refugee protection.

The projects are part of UNHCR's commitment to work with the host community to enhance and develop their capacity in a quick and meaningful way.