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Restoring security for Rohingyas lasting solution: ICRC
Geneva, Nov 2 (IANS) Only restoring security for the Rohingya Muslim minority of Myanmar can lead to a lasting solution to the ongoing crisis, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday.
“Though hundreds of thousands are now in need, the long-term solution is not a reflexive over reliance on humanitarian assistance, but the long-term restoration of law and order,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Public services such as healthcare must be restored,” the ICRC was cited as saying by Efe news.
The Rohingyas are from Myanmar’s Rakhine state where they have been ostracized and persecuted for decades.
The latest and most serious Rohingya crisis began at the end of August when groups of Rohingya rebels attacked government posts, spurring the Myanmar Army to launch a violent crackdown which saw more than 600,000 Rohingyas flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.
Most of those refugees now live in southeastern Bangladesh in camps or temporary shelters near the Myanmar border.
Faced with mounting international pressure, the Myanmar government said it will allow refugees who can prove they were residents of Myanmar to return to the country.
Earlier crises and episodes of violence resulted in the expulsion of thousands of Rohingyas to Bangladesh in recent years.
It is therefore important that “people must be assured that if conflict does return, those not taking part in hostilities will be protected”, according to the ICRC.
Dominik Stillhart, ICRC head of global operations, said after the latest exodus, all communities were in shock and people feel it’s dangerous to move, preferring to stay in place, which means “limited access to schools, farm fields, markets and healthcare”.
“Even with the beginning of a return of legal order, a dark cloud still hangs overhead, a collective feeling that tomorrow might not be better than today. People don’t know where to go or what to do,” he said.
While many international organisations are working from outside Myanmar to help the Rohingyas because the government does not allow them access, the ICRC said the authorities have allowed the Red Cross Movement to operate in Rakhine state.
“We encourage authorities to facilitate the work of humanitarians, as the Red Cross family alone cannot meet the massive needs,” Stillhart said.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.