Humanitarian Response
GUSS collaborates with international donors and has implemented more than 50 projects for the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN) as well as responding immediately to help victims of naturally occurring emergencies. During the 2022 flash floods, GUSS worked in tandem with multiple organisations to provide immediate relief and security to affected areas, including Sunamganj, Sylhet, and Dowarabazar. 3500 households received immediate help in the form of food parcels and 900 households received family kits which included a water filter, basic hygiene items such as soap, toothbrushes, etc and solar lights.
Recognizing the domino effects of floods and heatwaves, which lead to decreased crop growth and displacement, GUSS actively engages in projects addressing climate migrants. These projects encompass food distribution, shelter building, and the creation of livelihood opportunities, ensuring a comprehensive response to the challenges faced by affected communities.
For the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, GUSS has undertaken impactful projects resulting in the construction of approximately 2900 mid-term shelters, accompanied by the installation of 40 street lights. In support of the host community, GUSS has successfully erected 115 permanent shelters. Through dedicated winter support programs, more than 37,000 beneficiaries from both the FDMN and the host community have received blankets.
Extensive food distribution initiatives have been implemented, ensuring sustenance for both FDMN and the host community members and their families. These efforts extend beyond responding to emergencies like flash floods and cyclones, encompassing significant religious events such as Ramadan and Eid-ul-Azha. In locations including Cox’s Bazar, Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rajbari, Lalmonirhat, Patuakhali, Satkhira, and Sirajganj, GUSS has executed Food Security programs, incorporating projects for Ramadan and Eid-ul-Adha. These endeavours have positively impacted over 20,000 families, providing essential daily commodities and qurbani meat.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 2000 households across Sunamganj, Sirajganj, Sylhet, Patuakhali, Rajshahi and Natore received food aid, alongside some hygiene items. GUSS distributed essential supplies such as face masks, hand sanitizers, face shields, and eye goggles to frontline health workers. Awareness campaigns reached around 11,000 households, contributing to the fight against the virus. The organisation’s commitment to health extends beyond emergencies, evident in ongoing projects addressing menstrual hygiene management for adolescent school girls and supporting the health and nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.
