Leave no one behind: MJF
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) yesterday urged the government to set up a special "Leave No One Behind" fund to alleviate suffering of marginalised communities and workers in the informal sector, caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
"People belonging to various types of marginalised communities and informal sector workers are hardest hit in the absence of economic activities and income, following countywide shutdown due to coronavirus," said Shaheen Anam, executive director of the organisation.
"While we appreciate the government's efforts to offer economic packages for RMG workers and relief for vulnerable groups, the compensation for marginalised communities and informal sector workers are not enough compared to per capita allocation of resources," MJF added.
"The poor and the most vulnerable people need to be protected in this crisis moment, and MJF calls upon the government to set up a 'Leave No One Behind Fund' in the upcoming national budget, to reflect its political commitment of reducing poverty made under the Seventh Five Year Plan and Sustainable Development Goals," the statement added.
"We should also not forget that seasonal floods are likely to begin in July-August, which will further exacerbate the sufferings of those already hardest hit by income loss during the present crisis," the statement noted.
MJF urged the government to rise to the occasion so that lives of millions of needy people are fully protected during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond.
Comments