The marginalized get....

It is certainly a truism that in difficult times, the already marginalized simply get more marginalized. Unfortunately this is accurate for both the Rohingya and the Bangladeshi marginalized before COVID-19 seized our world. Their situation has worsened. 

This study by the Asia Foundation on Rohingya households in Bangladesh reports on some of that marginalization. Here are some of the striking statistics (all the graphics come from this study): 

1. While marginalization isn't limited to one's financial situation, finances do say something about marginalization (84 BDT = $1). Those of you reading this blog probably know someone who has been marginalized by COVID-19. Compare those people to the 95% of Rohingya households who say their savings amount to just under $60. And the gap between their income and expenses are basically that amount of money. 

2. Another aspect of marginalization is educational opportunity. As we have stated in the past, there are basically no educational opportunities in the camps. Unfortunately, this isn't new to the Rohingya. They were discriminated against in Myanmar in regards to educational opportunity as well. But one of the most disheartening aspects of their lives as a refugee for mothers and fathers is the lack of educational opportunity for their children. Nearly one in five Rohingya households in the camps have had no education at all. I guess education is a really tricky issue for children in the Western world these days as well, with COVID-19. But I don't personally know any families who have had no education whatsoever - no one in the family. 

3. Finally, family separation is another aspect of the marginalization of the Rohingya. The diaspora of Rohingya persons has them scattered around the world. And families are so fractured by this reality. Of course the remittances from family members around the world also help around 25% of Rohingya camp families to survive. So it can be seen as a strength, financially. But maybe we can relate a bit to family separation in this time of COVID-19. 

Were any of you unable to go be with family over Thanksgiving because of the surge? I suspect all of you know people who have had a family member in the hospital or a care facility who they couldn't visit. Maybe family separation is one of the areas where we can relate a bit more. 

The following story poignantly tells one Rohingya camp family's reality of family separation: 

As Amin, in the story above, say, he has no idea when he will see his sons again. And that may be the difference in the marginalization of the Rohingya from our own - they currently have little hope of alleviating any of these factors of marginalization in the short- or medium-term. And so we cry out to God for these people, marginalized by genocidal violence, discrimination and a refugee existence. Yet, made in the image of God - even as you and I. 

Please join us in prayer for the Rohingya

Praise for: 

• Christine joining me in Bangladesh in late October! The passport and visa processes are now a distant memory. 
• Respite from (at least the most egregious) violence in the camps - thanks for your prayers!
• Return to the same time zone as our staff!

 Prayer for: 

•  Safety for the Rohingya in the camps.
• The COVID-19 surge in the US and Western Europe at the time of writing this (the latter having one of the worst mortality rates due to the disease) - for action leading to the lessening of the toll of the disease. 
• For health care workers around the world giving of themselves to care for COVID-19 patients in trying circumstances.