His Eminence Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny, S.J., Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Vatican City State, visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar to observe ongoing humanitarian work and express solidarity with the displaced community.
Cardinal Czerny was accompanied by Fr. Joseph Savarimathu, Secretary to His Eminence; Ms. Francesca Dona, Regional Coordinator for Asia Mainland; Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall, Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh; Archbishop Lawrence Subrata Howlader, C.S.C., Archbishop of Chattogram; and Bishop Gervas Rozario, D.D., Chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace. Fr. Liton Gomes, C.S.C., Secretary of the same Commission, was also present.
The delegation was received by Mr. Daud Jibon Das, Executive Director and Project Director of the Emergency Response Programme (ERP), along with senior Caritas Bangladesh officials.
During the visit, the Vatican delegation interacted with Rohingya families and observed various humanitarian activities run by Caritas Bangladesh. They visited the MCAC Centre at Camp 4 and Camp 4 Extension, where children greeted them with songs, flowers, and smiles. The team later observed WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) initiatives at the ERP Warehouse-cum-Distribution Centre and visited Shelter projects in Camp 19, where Cardinal Czerny distributed Shelter Upgradation Materials (SUM) to refugee families.
At a community consultation meeting, Rohingya representatives expressed deep gratitude to Caritas Bangladesh for its long-standing support. “Even when the world’s attention fades, Caritas Bangladesh stays — standing with us, listening to us, and working for our people,” a community member said.
Cardinal Czerny praised Caritas Bangladesh’s efforts, saying the organisation had built “a true community of care” among the Rohingya. “The benefit of WASH is lifelong — here, where we live, and all over the world,” he said. “What I see here is not only humanitarian service but compassion and solidarity that strengthen the entire community.”
He added that the positive practices in hygiene, mutual respect, and care for creation are “seeds of hope that must continue to grow” and would serve as foundations for a healthier, peaceful future when repatriation becomes possible.
Reflecting on his visit, Cardinal Czerny said, “People are facing many serious challenges in their daily lives, yet they have a deep desire to return home. I am very happy with the different activities that Caritas sponsors, as they continuously support people and prepare them for a hopeful future.”
The Cardinal called on the international community and faith-based organisations to continue supporting the Rohingya. “The situation is very difficult, with funding cuts and less attention from the world. The world should show more solidarity, not less,” he said.
Concluding his visit, Cardinal Czerny said he was inspired by the strength and resilience of the Rohingya people. “I pray and wish that one day they will be able to return safely to their homeland and live in peace and dignity,” he added.
AU/BP
