Cox’s Bazar, Aug 28 (V7N) — A 10-member delegation from the US Congress visited three Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya , Cox’s Bazar, on Thursday to observe the refugees’ living conditions and various humanitarian activities.

The delegation visited Camp 4, Camp 4 Extension and Camp 18 from Thursday morning until the afternoon. During the visit, the delegation members gathered information about refugee registration, living conditions, healthcare services, skills development and cultural activities.

The delegation was led by Noel Dana, a senior legislative assistant to the US Congress.

At around 9:40am, the delegation visited the Data Registration Centre near Block A-1 of Camp 4. Officials briefed them on the registration and documentation of newly arrived Rohingya refugees. A UNHCR official also explained different aspects of the registration process using a map.

The delegation then visited old and newly constructed shelters in the F-1 Block area of Camp 4 Extension and observed the living conditions and daily lives of the refugees.

At noon, the delegation visited a skills development training centre operated by UNHCR in Block B-1 of Camp 4 Extension. They were briefed on technical training, livelihood programmes and various initiatives aimed at improving the skills of Rohingya refugees.

The delegation subsequently visited a primary healthcare centre funded by UNHCR in Block C-3 of Camp 4 Extension. There, they spoke with doctors and health workers about the number of patients receiving treatment each day, maternal and child healthcare, vaccination, nutrition programmes, emergency medical services, ambulance facilities, medicines and the availability of medical equipment.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC) in Block L-17/B of Camp 18. They toured exhibits and materials documenting Rohingya history, culture, education and way of life.

Officials also briefed the delegation on the activities of the centre, which is operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). A performance of traditional folk music by Rohingya artists was later arranged in honour of the delegation.

The delegation left Camp 18 at around 3:20pm for Cox’s Bazar.

According to sources, during the visit the delegation also enquired about the overall security situation in the camps, drug-related activities, human trafficking and the facilities available to the refugees.

They also observed education, healthcare and skills development programmes run by various organisations in the camps.

The delegation included Robert Sarr, Legislative Director; Ryan Carreiro, Legislative Assistant; Tory Cox, National Security Analyst; Sarah Jacobs, Legislative Director; Maiesha Hossain, National Security Legislative Aide; Hattie Spector, Legislative Assistant; Marshall Bryant, Legislative Director; Jesse Ainslie, External Relations Associate; and Nancy Jackson, Senior External Relations Officer.

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