Night Light Aid | Press Release
Helping protect Rohingya refugee families in Cox's Bazar.
Manchester, UK: Humanitarian aid charity Global Rahmah Foundation (GRF) launches empowering Night Light Aid project, improving safety for Rohingya refugee families in Cox’s Bazar.
Background
Located in Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar is home to almost 1 million Rohingya refugees who have fled violence in Myanmar. It also houses the biggest refugee camp in the world. In recent years, the rise of gender-based violence towards women and girls has posed an alarming concern for their psychological and physical health.
There is no lighting in the area, and WASH facilities are located 10 – 15 feet away from camps. Therefore, when using sanitation facilities at night, vulnerable groups are exposed to violent attacks, and the population is at risk of falling. As a result, sadly, many choose not to use facilities in fear of what may happen. This leaves them vulnerable to further health concerns.
Furhermore, children are unable to study after sunset due to the lack of lighting. Despite their challenges, some try to make it work by gathering around a dim candlelight, but it remains difficult. Education remains the only hope for a better future, but without the necessary equipment, children risk falling behind.
About Night Light Aid
Our Night Light Aid project aims to meet the urgent needs of Rohingya refugee women, girls and families, improving safety, sanitation and overall wellbeing within camps. GRF has installed 10 solar-powered streetlights and distributed 100 flashlights to families. This will improve lighting during the night, leaving people feeling safer when using sanitation facilities and increased visibility leaving attackers deterred.
The project further allows children to study during the evenings, giving them a chance at a better future for themselves and their families.
“Light brings more than visibility; it brings comfort, dignity, and hope. With the Night Light Aid project, we aimed to create a safer community in Cox’s Bazar, where individuals, especially women and children, can move forward with confidence. Seeing this project shine, quite literally, is a reminder of why we remain committed to the work we do.” - Programmes Department
About Global Rahmah Foundation
Global Rahmah Foundation (GRF) is a humanitarian aid charity based in Manchester, supporting those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters worldwide. Established in 2013, we work in 24+ countries to empower vulnerable communities in some of the world’s hardest to reach areas.
For more information about the project, please contact h.iqbal@grfuk.org.