Julie Bishop, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, visited a soap production centre run by PHALS at Rohingya Camp 20 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday to observe an initiative supporting livelihoods and self-reliance among Rohingya refugees and the local host community.
The delegation included UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Carol Flore-Smereczniak, acting UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh Juliette Murekeyisoni, political affairs officer at the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar Duncan Wilson, and associate public information officer Pia Thet Chay.
During the visit, the delegation observed the soap-making process and learned about production, management and livelihood opportunities created by the initiative. PHALS executive director Abu Morshed Chowdhury and the production centre’s chemist briefed the delegation on the manufacturing process and the centre’s overall operations.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with PHALS, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
It aims to promote self-reliance, dignified living, hygiene practices and social cohesion among Rohingya refugees and the host community.
The centre demonstrates how locally established production facilities can help meet essential humanitarian needs while creating employment, developing practical skills and strengthening economic capacity.
The visit highlighted the importance of sustainable livelihood programmes for Rohingya refugees and host communities, as well as initiatives that foster self-reliance and strengthen relations between the displaced population and local residents in Cox’s Bazar.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
