UK Minister announces more fiscal support for Bangladesh, Rohingyas

Dhaka [Bangladesh], Nov 27 (ANI): The United Kingdom's International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, pledged the support of her government to stranded Rohingya refugees and the Government of Bangladesh.

London has announced an aid-related support of 12 million pounds that will help around 750,000 Rohingya women and girls globally over the next three years.

Mordaunt, according to a daily Star report, has also pledged to help increase protection for Rohingya women and girls against sexual violence and exploitation

The UK's total support is now 59 million pounds since 25 August 2017, a British High Commission statement issued in Dhaka said.

Mordaunt recently visited the refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, but had then warned that global funds for the Rohingya crisis would be drying up in 100 days.

Mordaunt praised the Bangladesh government and local communities for their continued generosity in helping the Rohingya people. She also urged other countries to follow the UK's lead by promising longer-term support to avert disaster.

"We cannot turn our backs on those trapped in crisis. Other countries must follow our lead and do even more to help children overcome the trauma of war, reunite them with their families and give a future to the next generation," she said.

Mordaunt pledged to help increase protection for Rohingya women and girls against sexual violence and exploitation and

She met some of the 624,000 innocent men, women and children on November 25 who have been tragically driven from their homes in Myanmar and forced to make the treacherous journey to Bangladesh, relying on aid to survive and heard harrowing stories of brutal abuse.

She also met UK experts delivering life-saving treatment including medical, counseling and psychosocial support to female survivors.

She said the UK is absolutely determined to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls and we are increasing protection for Rohingya women and girls against sexual violence and exploitation.

"We're stepping up our leadership - working closely with women leaders and grassroots charities - to help more survivors in some of the world's poorest countries overcome the traumas of violence," she said.

On Sunday, Mordaunt met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and praised the role of Bangladesh government in dealing the Rohingya crisis and appreciated the generous approach of Bangladeshi people towards the Rohingya people.

Shahriar appreciated the active role of the UK government in mounting pressure on Myanmar Government on Rohingya issue. (ANI with inputs)