Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 5 May 2020 (HL 3447 ), how UK health workers disseminate public health messages on COVID-19 in Rohingya refugee camps.

The UK is reaching refugees with information and support to reduce rumours, myths, fear and panic about COVID-19, through the Communications with Communities Working Group. This includes a large array of methods to disseminate messages to refugees and the host community including community meetings where possible; radio, posters and leaflets; videos, loudspeakers and information service centres. Messages are being endorsed by the Cox’s Bazar Civil Surgeon, translated into the Rohingya language and Bangla, and are being developed in consultation with Rohingya people, including religious leaders, to ensure they are effective. We are reaching out to vulnerable older people directly and child-friendly messaging is also being used.

We continue to make representations to the Government of Bangladesh to lift internet restrictions so public health messages can be shared more easily.