Violence in Rakhine State which began on 25 August 2017 has driven an estimated 626,000 Rohingya refugees across the border into Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. On 25 August 2017, insurgents attacked army and police posts in Rakhine, resulting in widespread violence, mass displacement of civilians and the suspension of most aid activities. In the following hours and days, Rohingya began to flee across the border to Cox’s Bazar. Those fleeing are concentrated in two upazilas; Ukhia and Teknaf, putting an immense strain on infrastructure, services and the host population. Pre-existing settlements and camps have expanded with the new influx, while new spontaneous settlements have also formed and are quickly growing. Significant numbers of new arrivals are also being absorbed into the local host community.

The speed and scale of the influx has resulted in a critical humanitarian emergency. The people who have arrived in Bangladesh since 25 August came with very few possessions. They have used the majority of their savings on transportation and constructing a shelter. They are now reliant on humanitarian assistance for food, and other life-saving needs. The Rohingya population in Cox’s Bazar is highly vulnerable, having fled conflict and experienced severe trauma, and now living in extremely difficult conditions.

Massive and immediate scale-up is required to save lives and manage conflict, with urgent needs in Food Security, nutrition, WASH, shelter, site management, health and protection in both settlements and host communities.

All new arrivals, (about 626,000 people) and old unregistered refugees are in need of emergency food assistance.