World Vision CEO visits the world’s largest makeshift settlement for refugees HK$2.33 million allocated to support refugees in Bangladesh Public called on to donate and help

Since violence erupted in Rakhine State, Myanmar in late August, over 600,000 people, of which 60% are children, have fled to Bangladesh, leading to a large-scale humanitarian crisis. World Vision Hong Kong CEO Kevin Chiu made a visit in early November to the world’s largest settlement for refugees, in Kutupalong at the border of Bangladesh, where he was able to meet with refugees arriving from Rakhine State, Myanmar to understand their needs. The camps there are in a serious lack of food, basic hygienic and medical facilities. World Vision Hong Kong has allocated HK$2.33 million to support the refugee children there.

“The people here have nothing. There is a great need for food, clean water, sanitation and medical care, but the facilities are poor,” said Chiu. 21% of the children under the age of five affected by this humanitarian crisis are malnourished. One of the heartbreaking moments of this trip was when Chiu held an eight-month-old baby who weighed just like a newborn. According to World Vision staff working on the ground, due to a serious lack of medical and maternity support, infant mortality is common in the camps. Children who have been through long and difficult journeys are not able to get enough food in the camps, leading to a higher chance of sickness, and even death.

World Vision staff are doing their best to assist refugee children and their families, and have distributed emergency food aid to over 100,000 people. As the needs remain numerous, World Vision is currently carrying out various types of work to provide refugees with aid and resources, such as water, sanitation and hygiene, in order to prevent the outbreak of diseases. It also aims to provide nutrition support for malnourished children, distribute food, tents and mats, set up Child Friendly Space to provide protection for children and women, and support the needs of pregnant and lactating women.

As winter is expected to arrive by December, refugees there will face even bigger challenges and their needs will become even more urgent. World Vision calls on the Hong Kong public to support these refugees urgently and to provide assistance to the displaced children and families.

Donations can be made through:

1. Online donation

2. Direct Bank-in (Hong Kong):
HSBC 018-377077-002
HANG SENG BANK    286-364385-003
BANK OF CHINA (HONG KONG)    012-883-0-002502-5

3. Crossed cheque: payable to “WORLD VISION HONG KONG”

Please send bank-in slip or crossed cheque together with your personal particulars to Freepost No. 69, World Vision Hong Kong (free postage) and mark “Myanmar-Bangladesh Refugee Crisis Response” on the envelope. Donations are tax-deductible with official receipts.

For enquiries, please contact our Donor Services Department on 2394 2394.