Britain joined the UN in warning about the safety of Rohingya Muslim refugees when they return to Myanmar AFP PHOTO / Ed JONES
Britain joined the UN in warning about the safety of Rohingya Muslim refugees when they return to Myanmar AFP PHOTO / Ed JONES

UK announces more aid for Rohingya Muslims



Britain has announced £12 million of extra UK aid to help Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Burma.

An estimated 620,000 men, women and children have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh following persecution from the Burmese military in their native state of Rakhine.

The British government estimates that international funding for the crisis will start to run out by February. The extra money will bring the UK’s total support to £59 million since August this year and will be spent on food, clean water and improved sanitation.

"While every refugee expressed the desire to return home I have made it clear to prime minister Sheikh Hasina that any returns must be voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable,” said Penny Mordaunt, a minister in charge of the UK’s aid programme, following a visit to Bangladesh.

Company profile

Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space

Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)

Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)

Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi 

Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution) 

Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space  

Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019