The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, visited a soap production centre at Rohingya Camp No 20 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, on Tuesday afternoon.
She inspected the centre, which is operated under the initiative of the non-governmental organisation PULSE.
During the visit, she was accompanied by the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Carol Flore-Smereczniak; the Acting Representative of the UNHCR Bangladesh Representative Office, Juliette Murekeyisoni; Political Affairs Officer at the Special Envoy’s Office, Duncan Wilson; and Associate Public Information Officer, Pyae Thet Chel.
During the inspection, the delegation observed the complete soap production process. They were also briefed on initiatives aimed at job creation, skill development, and attaining self-reliance for Rohingya refugees and the local host community through the livelihood activities of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between IOM and PULSE with assistance from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It aims to strengthen self-reliance, dignity, hygiene adherence, and social cohesion among both Rohingya refugees and the local population.
In addition to local soap manufacturing, the initiative creates opportunities to supply necessary items for emergency humanitarian aid operations.
Simultaneously, the project plays a key role in generating employment, building skills, and enhancing self-reliance across the refugee and host communities.
