Creating a resilient future for Rohingya refugee youth: Building social inclusion through sports
Creating a resilient future for Rohingya refugee youth: Building social inclusion through sports
UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe, the German Partner of UNHCR
Partner
Bangladesh
Location
3 Years
Duration
Introduction
The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, works with the Rohingya refugee community living in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh to create opportunity and change through sports
Community details
The Rohingya refugee community, a stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar, faces significant challenges in Bangladesh. Fleeing violence, nearly a million reside in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar. They experience limited access to education, livelihoods, and essential services, exacerbated by gender-based violence and cultural barriers. Many young people lack educational or livelihood opportunities, and safe spaces for activities, particularly for women and girls, are scarce. Despite these hardships, efforts are underway to provide new opportunities, including through sports programs.
About the project
The project invests in people and places to address the challenges the Rohingya community in Cox’s Bazar faces. Through the Sport for Protection (S4P) program, sports facilities are renovated and built, and local sports clubs are supported to provide safe and inclusive places for everyone to play. This includes areas just for women and girls and ensuring spaces are accessible for people with disabilities. A tailored curriculum is implemented throughout the accessible and inclusive sports spaces.
The program focuses on using sports as a tool to advance gender equity, equip young people with leadership and life skills, and train coaches to help players with challenges on and off the field. The project's goals are to empower communities, achieve gender equality, increase social awareness and respect for diversity, help female youth realize their potential and increase leadership opportunities, and help youth with disabilities feel like valued team members.
Moving for Change
Through structured sports activities and mentorship opportunities, the UNHCR is working with the Rohingya community to build resilience and discover new opportunities. These efforts work to reduce social tensions, foster respect and empathy, and open doors for individuals to take charge of their futures. In an area shaped by perseverance, sport has become a symbol of hope and joy.
Requested grant amount
€807,500
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