A group of Rohingya cyclists, facilitated by International Organization for Migration (IOM), are working to create awareness among Rohingya people, who have fled persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State and took shelter in Cox's Bazar of Bangladesh.
IOM’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) unit in Cox’s Bazar took the initiative so that no one is left without access to lifesaving information.
The UN migration agency is supporting Rohingya participants to use bicycles procured and painted locally to ride throughout pre-identified sections of the camp, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the United Nations 'green recovery' recommendations to encourage a culture of cycling.
The cyclists use megaphones to deliver pre-recorded messages in each area as part of this initiative that has already reached approximately 67,000 beneficiaries across the camp.
The scaled-up messaging will continue as COVID-19 numbers are rising.
The UN migration agency is also delivering important messages through rickshaw and Interactive Voice Response System in this regard.
In Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee camp, the UN migration agency continues to explore new ways to bring key messaging to Rohingya people and host community members throughout the district.
“Globally, we face an unprecedented challenge. As COVID-19 numbers rise inside the camp, new challenging dimensions add to an already complex situation. At IOM, we are adapting our response using sustainable methods to serve the most vulnerable and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Kenny Rasool, MHPSS Capacity Building Liaison Officer at IOM Cox’s Bazar.
As of June 10, 37 Rohingya refugees had tested positive for the virus.
