Rohingya crisis deepens, demands sustainable solutions

In 2017, the world bore witness to a devastating humanitarian catastrophe as millions of terrified Rohingya refugees were forcibly displaced from Myanmar, seeking safety in the neighboring Bangladesh. The United Nations promptly labeled this unfolding tragedy as 'ethnic cleansing.'

Fast forward six years, and the crisis continues to simmer, with no tangible progress toward repatriation. Today, Bangladesh plays host to a staggering 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, and the Kutupalong camp in Cox's Bazar has become the largest refugee camp globally.

Since 2017, Bangladesh has shown concern for financing the basic needs of these refugees, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The international community pledged to assist Bangladesh in addressing the Rohingya crisis through the Joint Response Plan (JRP), administered by the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG).
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the World Food Programme (WFP) have been providing food, clothing, shelter, fuel, and medical care to the Rohingya refugees in the camps. UNICEF is also providing education assistance. The living conditions of the Rohingya have been ameliorated by the combined efforts of approximately 150 humanitarian organizations, addressing essential aspects such as sanitation, access to clean water, and electricity facilities.

However, despite the valiant efforts of these organizations, the sheer magnitude of the crisis has resulted in a stark imbalance between the growing Rohingya population and the pace of aid delivery. The funding shortfall is not merely a concern; it is a pressing issue, leaving many questions unanswered. The ISCG's figures paint a disconcerting picture: only 37 percent of the promised 875.9 million dollar in aid for the year has been received as of September.

This follows a pattern seen in previous years where pledges fell considerably short of expectations, making it an arduous task to provide adequate support for the continuously expanding refugee population.

Compounding this issue is the fact that international attention has gravitated away from the Rohingya crisis, with global focus being diverted by the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating conflicts in Europe, and the ever-evolving Middle East crisis. This has left the Rohingya's pursuit of fundamental human rights on the back burner, with their plight often obscured by more immediate global crises.

Donor countries have reneged on their commitments, which has forced humanitarian agencies to reduce life-saving aid to the entire Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar. Notably, the World Food Program has had to decrease food vouchers to 8 dollars per person per month since June, and further reductions are anticipated.

This impending reduction will likely intensify food insecurity and malnutrition within the Rohingya camps, exacerbating the refugees' desperation. The result could be a higher likelihood of refugees seeking employment outside the camps, often embarking on perilous journeys and risking their lives.

As desperation deepens, the security situation within the Rohingya camps is deteriorating. Reports of murders, kidnappings, shootings, and drug smuggling have become alarmingly frequent, presenting a grave threat to the overall security of Bangladesh. It is a disheartening and dire situation that requires immediate attention and intervention.

Furthermore, the financial burden on Bangladesh has escalated, with an annual expenditure of 175 million dollars on the Rohingya crisis. As foreign aid diminishes, this burden becomes increasingly burdensome, straining the nation's limited resources and diminishing its capacity to address other pressing domestic issues.

Additionally, the environmental impact on Cox's Bazar has been catastrophic. The construction of the refugee camp led to the destruction of 6,800 acres of protected forest, which has had a profound and lasting impact on the region's biodiversity. Cox's Bazar, known for its natural beauty, has been irrevocably scarred by the establishment of the world's largest refugee camp.

To resolve the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh's diplomatic circles have consistently emphasized repatriation as the ultimate solution. An agreement was signed in 2017 to facilitate repatriation, but to date, not a single displaced Rohingya has been able to return to their homes in Myanmar. The repatriation issue has reached a standstill, further complicating the situation in Cox's Bazar.

Moreover, the International Court of Justice has been hesitant to take a strong stance against Myanmar for its actions, leaving the Rohingya without the justice they so rightfully deserve.

Bangladesh Prime Minister has been unwavering in her calls for the implementation of UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions to ensure a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. She has also implored the global community, particularly ASEAN member countries, to unite their collective efforts to repatriate the Rohingya to their homeland, Myanmar.

The government of Bangladesh must clarify its policies and intensify multi-dimensional efforts to address this crisis effectively. It is imperative to act promptly, as the Rohingya crisis poses not only a humanitarian challenge but a looming threat to the security and sustainability of Bangladesh. The situation calls for concerted efforts from the international community, recognition of the crisis's complexity, and an urgent commitment to finding a resolution that respects the rights and dignity of the Rohingya refugees.

The writer pursuing LL.M from Department of Law, University of Rajshahi