Cate Blanchett called for increased aid during her visit to Bangladesh.
More than 670,000 men, women and children have fled to Bangladesh in recent months, escaping persecution in their native Myanmar.
And while the United Nations has been working tirelessly to help vulnerable Rohingya Muslims now living in refugee camps, one A-lister has called for extra support.
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Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett visited camps in Kutupalong, Nyapara and Chakmarkul last month, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees revealed, where she met those seeking safety.
The Carol star heard the tales of families forced to leave their homes, as she warned of a “race against time” to protect refugees from the upcoming monsoon season.
Camps are at risk of floods and landslides when the rain hits, which Blanchett said could cause an “emergency within an emergency”, according to UNHCR.
More than 100,000 Rohingya refugees living in congested settlements could be affected by the weather.
“The Rohingya refugees have already experienced targeted violence, human rights abuses and horrific journeys. They have shown unimaginable resilience and courage,” Blanchett said in a statement.
“But now, as the monsoon season approaches, the Government of Bangladesh, supported by UNHCR and its partners, are in race against time to ensure the refugees are as safe as they can be to deal with potential floods and landslides.”
While acknowledging the work of UNHCR, its partners and the government of Bangladesh, the Australian-born actress said “more [aid] is urgently needed to ensure refugees stay safe”.
“I cannot stress how much more help is needed for these vulnerable stateless refugees, the majority of whom are women and children,” said Blanchett.
“This is the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world, the monsoons are coming and it is critical that the international community, private sector and individuals all do what they can to support these stateless refugees and the communities hosting them.”
The star isn’t the first to reach out to refugees on the ground either – Queen Rania of Jordan visited Bangladesh in October to meet with families.
“Just walking around the camp today, the residents have spoken to me of unimaginable acts of violence that they have witnessed,” the royal said during her tour.
“Before coming here, I had braced myself to witness some desperate conditions, but the stories I heard today were heartbreaking and harrowing.”
HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein have also called for world powers to step in, as well as organising multiple shipments of aid to Bangladesh.
Just this week, Princess Haya revealed that a further Dhs2.2 million worth of supplies had been flown to Rohingya refugee camps on plane provided by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“The flights will deliver essential supplies to those in need, helping to avert potential health crises and further suffering as the Rohingya refugee camps prepare for the arrival of the monsoon season,” the royal added on Instagram.
Images: UNHCR/Instagram
