Ceremony for the Delivery of 6.36 Million Bars of Soap to the Rohingya Refugee Camp
On December 2, 2024, JTS delivered 6.36 million bars of soap to the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh.
△ Commemorative Photo of the Delivery of Supplies to UNHCR for the Rohingya Refugees
Arriving at the airport early in the morning, the JTS team immediately traveled to the UNHCR office in Cox’s Bazar, where they met Senior Operations Coordinator, Jing Song (景松). He provided a detailed explanation of the situation at the Rohingya refugee camp.
△ The Group Traveling to the UNHCR Office in Cox’s Bazar
△ UNHCR Explaining the Situation at the Rohingya Refugee Camp
Current Situation at the Rohingya Refugee Camp
“Currently, about 1 million Rohingya refugees are living in Cox’s Bazar. Of these, 97% reside in the Cox’s Bazar camps, while the remaining 3% have relocated to Bhasan Char Island. The main reason for moving to Bhasan Char was the safer security environment. Over the past two years, the security situation in the camps has significantly worsened. Clashes between various criminal groups within the camps have caused the crime rate to double, leading to a serious deterioration in security.”
Due to budget cuts by the World Food Programme (WFP), the monthly food assistance per person dropped from $12 to $8 last year. Although the support amount was restored to $12.5 earlier this year, the reduction has had a serious impact on the nutritional status within the camps. For example, a survey conducted in 2023 found the malnutrition rate to be 15.1%, exceeding the standard threshold of 15%.
Most shelters in the camp are temporary structures made of bamboo and tarpaulin. Since the Bangladeshi government maintains a policy that all refugees must eventually return to Myanmar, it does not permit long-term or durable housing improvements.
△ Senior Operations Coordinator Jing Song of UNHCR Explaining the Situation at the Rohingya Refugee Camp
Venerable Pomnyun asked several questions to gain a deeper understanding of the current situation at the Rohingya refugee camp. Jing Song provided detailed explanations about the present conditions and constraints, based on concrete data. Venerable Pomnyun first inquired about the recent influx of Rohingya refugees.
△ Venerable Pomnyun Asking Questions About the Situation at the Rohingya Refugee Camp
“Are new refugees still continuing to arrive? If so, approximately how many?”
“This year, there has been an increasing trend of Rohingya refugees attempting to cross the border into Bangladesh. While most have been blocked by the Bangladeshi border guards, it is estimated that around 50,000 have managed to reach the camps. However, since the government has not granted official registration, it is difficult to verify the exact number. Some refugees are living with relatives and receiving limited support, but those without such connections face even harsher living conditions.”
“How many Rohingya people currently live in Rakhine State, and what is the likelihood that they might cross over into Bangladesh?”
△ Meeting at the UNHCR Office in Cox’s Bazar
“It is estimated that about 640,000 Rohingya people live in Rakhine State, Myanmar. However, most of them are unwilling to cross the border, as doing so would risk losing their land. Additionally, since the ongoing conflict in Myanmar is not directly targeting the Rohingya issue, there has been no large-scale influx. However, recently, the Rohingya people have once again been exposed to the risk of violence due to allegations that they are supporting insurgent activities.”
Upon hearing the report that about 30,000 babies are born annually in the refugee camp, Venerable Pomnyun asked, “Are newly married couples or new families recognized as separate households? Do they receive housing?”
Jing Song replied, “In the registration system, new families are recognized as separate households. However, due to the lack of space in the camps, it is difficult to provide them with new housing. Currently, most families are living together in shelters that are 10 feet by 15 feet, with more than 10 people sharing each unit,” pointing out the overcrowding issue in the camp.
Venerable Pomnyun highlighted that the stability of the refugee population and the potential for additional influxes are key factors in addressing the problem.
△ Meeting at the UNHCR Office in Cox’s Bazar
“Whether the number of Rohingya refugees is stable or continues to increase is crucial for solving the issue moving forward. If the number of refugees keeps rising, it will be very difficult to resolve the problem. However, if the influx of new refugees has stopped, we can be more optimistic about the possibility of addressing the current refugee crisis.”
Jing Song expressed concern about the ongoing conflict within Myanmar as the biggest variable.
“The current number of refugees is generally considered stable. After a large influx of about 750,000 people in 2017 and 2018, the Bangladeshi government’s strict border blockade policy has significantly reduced the number of new arrivals. However, the worsening conflict within Myanmar still presents a potential for future influx.”
After the discussion, they met with Director Yoko Akasaka, who is responsible for managing the Cox’s Bazar camp. She expressed her gratitude to JTS for supporting the gas stove supply.
△ Director Yoko Akasaka Describing the Rohingya Refugee Camp Transformed into a Green Zone
Thanks to JTS, the devastated environment has been transformed into a green zone
“Thanks to JTS’s support with gas stoves, the refugee camp has been transformed into a green zone. In the past, refugees used to burn wood as fuel, which led to the degradation of the surrounding environment. However, since JTS provided the gas stoves, they no longer cut down trees. Now, the focus is on planting trees and making the camp even greener.”
She then went on to explain that they are seeking long-term solutions to the various issues faced by the Rohingya refugees, including environmental challenges, education, and support for self-sufficiency.
△ Director Explaining the Situation of the Rohingya Refugees
“The Rohingya refugee issue is a situation that is difficult to resolve in the short term. While returning to Myanmar is the best solution, both the international community and the Bangladeshi government believe that the likelihood of this happening in the near future is low. Therefore, it is crucial to seek long-term solutions to ensure that refugees do not continually rely on humanitarian aid. Over the past two years, UNHCR has focused on vocational education, skills training, and income-generating activities. They are exploring ways for refugees with trades such as carpentry and plumbing to work independently and become self-sufficient. The COVID-19 pandemic made us realize the serious sanitation issues within the camps. Particularly in the southern camps, water scarcity is a severe issue during the dry season. Addressing the sanitation and water issues is a very important task for the health and survival of the refugees. Therefore, the support of soap from JTS will be of tremendous help.”
Venerable Pomnyun expressed his appreciation for UNHCR’s efforts to address the difficulties faced by women living in the refugee camps.
“Newly married couples and especially young girls have faced many inconveniences living in cramped shelters with male family members, especially when it comes to changing clothes or performing daily tasks. Thus, it was a relief to hear that UNHCR is now providing communal bathing facilities for women.”
The director also shared that children in the refugee camps have started receiving elementary education in the Myanmar language.
△ Director Explaining the Situation of the Rohingya Refugees
“Children in the camp have started receiving elementary education in the Myanmar language, but there is an issue with not receiving diplomas. There is a need for a system that can officially recognize academic achievement, along with improving the quality of education.”
Venerable Pomnyun responded in agreement.
“It’s a relief to hear that elementary education is being conducted in the Myanmar language. While the issue of not receiving diplomas is important, I believe the fact that education is taking place at all is the most important aspect.”
Then, Venerable Pomnyun asked about the relocation of refugees to Bhasan Char Island, saying, “When the refugee camp was being set up on the island, there were many concerns due to the isolated conditions. What is the current situation?”
Director Yoko Akasaka responded, “The island is in an isolated environment with limited freedom of movement, and the shelters are not suitable for family-based living. Of the 100,000 people originally planned, about 36,000 are currently residing there, but further relocation plans are still undecided.”
Finally, Venerable Pomnyun expressed his gratitude to the director and the UNHCR staff.
“I am pleased to hear that JTS’s support with gas stoves has contributed to making the refugee camp greener. I thank UNHCR for its efforts in environmental protection and improving the quality of life for the refugees.”
△ Commemorative Photo with the JTS Group and UNHCR Staff
After taking a commemorative photo outside the office, the JTS team traveled for 1 hour and 20 minutes by car and arrived at Camp 4 at 1:00 PM.
We hope this soap will help improve the difficult conditions
The person in charge of Camp 4 expressed their gratitude to the JTS team.
△ Ven. Pomnyun Expressing Gratitude to the Person in Charge of Refugee Camp 4
“Thank you for the continued support from JTS. The soap provided this time will be distributed to all refugees residing in the 16 camps under UNHCR’s management.”
△ Person in Charge of Refugee Camp 4 Expressing Gratitude to JTS
Venerable Pomnyun also spoke on behalf of the JTS supporters.
“We hope this soap will help improve the difficult conditions in the refugee camp.”
In the warehouse where the soap was stored, there were 1.06 million laundry soaps, 1.06 million facial soaps, totaling 2.12 million soaps. A total of 6.36 million soaps will be provided in three stages: at this time, and in June and December of next year. The soaps will be distributed to 450,000 people in 16 camps, with each person receiving one soap per month for a period of 18 months.
△ Warehouse Storing Laundry Soaps and Facial Soaps for Distribution to Refugees
On April 5th, representatives from the UNHCR High Commissioner’s Office visited the JTS Korea office and requested support for soap. As international attention shifted to Ukraine and the Middle East, the budget for the Rohingya refugee camps was drastically reduced, leading to the request for JTS’s assistance. Since then, the JTS representative made several trips to Bangladesh for market research and to explore suppliers. In October, a contract for soap production was signed, and today, the soap distribution ceremony finally took place.
△ Laundry Soaps and Facial Soaps to Be Distributed to Refugees
△ Laundry Soaps and Facial Soaps to Be Distributed to Refugees
First, a UNHCR staff member explained the soap distribution and management system.
“Starting today, we have begun distributing the soap provided by JTS to the refugees. The distribution process is being meticulously managed based on biometric data and personal information. In a time when humanitarian support is decreasing, the support from JTS and Venerable Pomnyun has gone beyond material aid; it has sent a strong message to the international community not to forget the Rohingya refugee issue.”
After the explanation, a soap distribution ceremony was held. UNHCR spokesperson Romain expressed gratitude to the JTS supporters.
“This soap is not just a hygiene item. It provides the minimum conditions for a dignified human life. Thanks to JTS.”
△ Soap Distribution to UNHCR, Responsible for Rohingya Refugees
After taking a commemorative photo, they moved to the distribution site to personally deliver the soap to the refugees.
△ Moving to the Distribution Site to Deliver the Soap
During the production process at the factory, the JTS KOREA logo was attached to each individual soap.
Each person received one facial soap and one laundry soap, based on the number of family members. Since many refugees have complained about skin diseases, the soaps were prepared with antibacterial properties. Hygiene kits were also distributed to the women.
△ Venerable Pomnyun Distributing Facial and Laundry Soaps to Refugees
△ Park Ji-na, JTS Representative, Distributing Facial and Laundry Soaps to Refugees
△ Park Young-sook, JTS Director, Distributing Facial and Laundry Soaps to Refugees
Next, the team decided to visit a household to see how the refugees are actually using the gas stoves.
△ Venerable Pomnyun Visiting the Refugee Camp
“I am so happy to have a gas stove“
With the guidance of a UNHCR staff member, they entered a house and went to the kitchen. When a woman turned on the gas stove, the flame immediately lit up.
△ Gas Stove Provided by JTS
The woman smiled and said,
“Cooking has become much easier. I am so happy to have a gas stove.”
△ Venerable Pomnyun and the JTS Group on a Home Visit
△ A Woman and Her Child Living in the Refugee Camp
After the home visit, the UNHCR staff offered to show Venerable Pomnyun the warehouse where LPG gas is distributed.
△ Moving to the Warehouse for LPG Gas Distribution
They provided a detailed explanation of how the gas is being distributed.
△ UNHCR Spokesperson Romain Explaining How the Gas is Being Distributed
“The distribution of LPG gas is determined based on the number of family members. For 1 to 2 people, gas is provided once every 52 days, and for 6 people, it is provided once every 39 days. We provide enough for each household’s needs but adjust the distribution to avoid providing it too frequently. To refill the gas, each household must bring their empty cylinder. To reduce cooking time, we introduced pressure cookers. Using a pressure cooker allows for less gas consumption while shortening cooking time.”
Romain proudly pointed to the pillars and ceiling of the building as he made the introduction.
“All the buildings inside the refugee camp are made of bamboo, but if you look at this building, you will see that it is not made of bamboo. After persuading the Bangladeshi government several times, we were able to build a structure to safely store the LPG gas. The building is equipped with safety features such as fans, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers. It took a lot of effort to create this. All of this is thanks to the gas stove support from JTS.”
Everyone clapped and celebrated together. Venerable Pomnyun also asked how they handle gas stove malfunctions. In response, they showed and explained the process of repairing the gas stove.
△ Venerable Pomnyun listened carefully to the explanation of the volunteer showing how the gas stoves were repaired.
“We run a training program for refugees with skills to handle the repair of gas stoves. Currently, about 17 volunteers in the camp are participating in the repair work. This provides refugees with opportunities for self-sufficiency and helps ensure that stove repairs can be done immediately.”
At the gas stove repair area, Venerable Pomnyun asked the volunteer a few questions:
“Where do gas stoves mostly break down? Also, how long can the repaired stoves be used?”
“The main breakdown areas are the knobs and the ignition device. The knobs are prone to corrosion due to exposure to heat, and the ignition device accumulates dust over time, causing blockages. These parts are cleaned or replaced to resolve the issues. Depending on the maintenance, the stoves can be used for about 2 to 2.5 years.”
It became clear that gas stove repairs are an important activity that goes beyond just maintaining equipment, linking to refugees’ self-sufficiency and skill development.
After finishing the visit to the refugee camp, they took a car back to Cox’s Bazar at 3 PM. They stopped at a café and had a late lunch with sandwiches. They then visited the UNHCR office, had more discussions with the staff, and concluded the day by taking a commemorative photo together.
