Rohingya crisis: Australian MPs laud Bangladesh’s efforts

After visiting Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, a delegation of Australian parliamentarians has highly appreciated Bangladesh's role in its ongoing efforts to support Rohingya people, who fled the atrocities in northern Rakhine of Myanmar.

''They (Bangladesh) are undertaking efforts in incredibly difficult and challenging circumstances and and I'm thankful for the opportunity to see their commitment to helping those (Rohingyas) in need','' Shayne Neumann MP, opposition representative of Australia, said in a press release issued by Australian High Commission, Dhaka.

The delegation of seven Australian Parliamentarians travelled to Bangladesh and visited Cox's Bazar to observe the humanitarian response to the Rohingya crisis from August 6 to August 9, said the statement.

The Australian government is committed to working side by side with Bangladesh to support those in need and has provided AUD 70 million for protection and medical services - particularly for vulnerable women and girls, shelter for Rohingya people and support to the host community since September 2017, the statement reads.

Over 720,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, joining more than 85,000 displaced in the crackdown in early 2017.

The visit was arranged as part of the Australian Aid & Parliament Project, an initiative of Save The Children Australia, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The delegation also visited a range of projects supported by Australian Aid, including a Care Women Friendly Space, Plan Temporary Learning Center, Oxfam WASH facility and World Food Programme food distribution point.