UNHCR's programme to protect Rohingyas from elephant attacks

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature have launched an action plan to prevent Rohingya deaths from wild elephant attacks at a refugee camp that lies between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

At least 10 refugees, including young children, have been killed in such incidents at the Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp, bdnews24.com reported.

The camp located along the migratory route between Myanmar and Bangladesh is used by the critically endangered Asian elephants, the UNHCR said in a statement on Friday.

The "tusk force" will install watch-towers at key lookout points around the settlement and organise an Elephant Response Team to raise an alarm if elephants enter the camp.

The programme will also set up elephant routes and corridors so refugees know what areas to avoid during an incident. It will also implement an awareness campaign regarding the risks.

The project is part of wider initiatives by the organisations to mitigate the environmental impact of the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.

--IANS

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