Despite efforts, Rohingyas remain vulnerable in Bangladesh: WHO
New Delhi, Aug 24: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday expressed concern over the health condition of Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh and said a severe fund crunch has threatened continuation of health services in the refugee camps.
The Bangladesh government, WHO and other health agencies have worked to save thousands of Rohingya lives and prevented the spread of deadly diseases among nearly one million refugees, said WHO in a statement.
"Despite these efforts, Rohingyas remain vulnerable with their evolving health needs, and a severe funding crunch is threatening continuity of life saving health services in their camps" said the organisation.
The persecution by Myanmar's security forces triggered the arrival of nearly 7,00,000 Rohingyas into Bangladesh beginning August 25, 2017.
WHO termed this arrival was one of the largest ever population influxes over a short span of time.
"Women, children and the elderly arrived with injuries, low immunization coverage, high rates of malnutrition, in need of reproductive health care and psycho-social support, and at risk of deadly disease outbreaks" said WHO.
Explaining the challenges, WHO, said 70 per cent of births still takes place outside health facilities as Rohingya population was reluctant to access sexual and reproductive health services.
WHO's Deputy Director- General for Emergency Preparedness, Peter Salama said "we have done things that collectively we can be proud of. However, we need to continue to support the health needs of this vulnerable population and remain vigilant against the spread of diseases."
"This is still a very fragile situation," said Dr Peter, who visited the Rohingya camps in Bangladesh.
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NCW chief condemns rape-murder of 4-year-old girl in Pune, calls for swift action
New Delhi (PTI): National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has condemned the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Pune, calling it "deeply distressing" and a "blot on humanity".
The girl was allegedly raped and killed by a 65-year-old labourer, who has a criminal record, in Bhor tehsil of Pune on Friday. The accused allegedly lured the child to a cattle enclosure on the pretext of giving her food. After raping her, he killed her by hitting her with a stone, according to police.
The accused has been arrested.
In a post on X on Saturday, Rahatkar said the incident in the Nasrapur area in Pune was heartbreaking and has shaken society.
"The brutal torture and murder of a four-year-old innocent girl in Nasrapur (Bhor, Pune) is deeply painful, heartbreaking, and shocking. It is a blot on humanity," she said.
She said Pune Rural police has arrested the accused and noted that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar have assured strict action in the case.
Rahatkar said the NCW has taken cognisance of the matter and written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), requesting the body to ensure necessary and prompt action.
It has also been recommended that the case be pursued under stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and be closely monitored from the filing of the chargesheet to proceedings in a fast-track special court to ensure time-bound justice, she added.
Ensuring justice for the victim and stringent punishment for the accused is a collective responsibility, the NCW chairperson underlined.
In a post on X, the NCW said it has taken suo motu cognisance of the extremely "heinous" incident.
"This heinous crime causes profound pain and outrage, and it highlights serious concerns regarding the safety of young girls," it said.
Strongly condemning this grave "inhuman act", the NCW said such crimes constitute a serious violation of children's rights and raise questions about society's security system.
