6 years ago today marks the beginning of the Rohingya refugee crisis as thousands fled violence in Myanmar to seek safety in Bangladesh.

Since 1970, discriminatory policies have been the cause for many Rohingya Muslims seeking refuge outside of their home country, especially in neighboring Bangladesh. However, the uptick in violence started in 2017 and reached an all-time high in terror and fatalities.

Before the severe violence started, Rohingya Muslims faced policies against them, including minimal government aid and resources. However, in 2017, the government allowed the military to act violently against the minority Muslim group under the banner of control and stability. "6,700 Rohingya were killed in the first month," Doctors Without Borders said.

Even with international pressure on Myanmar’s leadership, the violence was not hindered and only escalated. Rohingya Muslims had no choice but to flee. An estimated 1 million Rohingya refugees are in Cox’s Bazaar, Bangladesh. There, they live in 35 refugee camps, making it one of the densest refugee camps in the world. The refugees include families, orphans, and the elderly left to their own devices.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development has been working to provide security through this crisis since 2017. Your generosity provided vital aid: 

• 5,500+ Shelter Homes 
• 1,000+ Orphans Supported 
• 220,000+ Patients Received Health Care 
• 790+ Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Projects 
• 1.6+ million In-Kind Gift Beneficiaries 
• 465,000+ Seasonal Program Beneficiaries (Ramadan, Qurbani, Winter Provisions) 
• 560 students currently receiving education and skills trainings 

The continued support of our donors has allowed HHRD to work alongside local vetted partners in Bangladesh and provide much needed aid to families and individuals looking for emotional, financial, and physical support.

Our work started 6 years ago when the violence began; both aspects continue today. We remember the plight of our Muslim brothers and sisters. We recognize the millions still trapped, facing ethnic cleansing and violence. We cannot rest while they suffer.