Opinions of four key groups of stakeholders on Human Security of Refugees in Bangladesh
Humanitarian Staffs
The findings from humanitarian stuff
cover four main themes: violence, healthcare, livelihood, and social support.
Violence: All of the humanitarian staff
responded affirmatively when asked whether Rohingya refugees face these issues,
stressing the structure of their lives in camps. A health professional from
Ukhia Camp 12 suggested that it is as though part of their daily lives.
The humanitarian stuffs reported
that the relations between the Rohingya refugees and the local people are
antagonistic overall, as the local people have struggled since the influx. An
overseer of security and relief division of an international organization
stressed this point. However, some Rohingya respondents from Balukhali camp
claimed that they ‘love Bengali people’. However, I am unsure whether this was
under duress or this is how they actually feel about it.
On the issue of security in the
camps, according to some staff members, the Bangladesh government wanted to
deploy military forces, but donors and international organizations prevented
them from doing so. Some staff members and Rohingya respondents stressed the
need for more security, especially between the designated security checkup
points and humanitarian offices, as many women staff members and other staff members
talked about their vulnerability. However, other respondents reported that any
increase in security forces would not actually improve the situation, as they
claimed that security forces either are complicit with illegal activities or
simply do not want to put their lives at risk. They also mentioned the increase
in ‘crime and murders’ in the past couple of years.
Healthcare: The author also found that
healthcare services are inadequate and underfunded in the camps. The issue of
funding was brought up by many staff members, who said that the funding has
been decreasing and they were paid less than previously. The health
professional from Ukhia Camp 12 said that she was not looking to continue her
service as they were being contracted for only three months. She also stressed
the lack of staffing and security in the camps.
The social support is rather a
secondary form of need for most refugees and most need direct health
intervention. The staff at camp 12 stated that mostly, social and psychological
support is provided to those who have undergone severe trauma. They have
mechanisms and systems in place for one-to-one counselling and other supports.
They also said that they have been reporting their needs to the donors at this
time.
Livelihood: The research found that livelihood
programs are taking on speed in the camps, and the UN has provided many
livelihood opportunities for women, including sewing training, making of
plastic bags, and electrical wiring training to a specific age of the
population. A respondent claimed that the Livelihood program at the UN camp 10
was a big success, according to an interview, which is being replicated into
other camps and also had relative success in camp-4. Many camps are also taking
initiative at this. However, most of the data suggest that these programs are
primarily relegated to mostly young people and women.
The research also found that some
refugees still find a way to illicitly go outside the camp to find livelihood.
Some are related to drugs, which supposedly gets them quite a lot of money than
other jobs. These are also people of that age who are mostly not focused on
Livelihood programs. The overseer of security and relief division of an
international organization pointed out that they are the ones who might choose
to stay in Bangladesh, as they have found illicit means of income and do not
share the goodwill of the community as a whole. He further claimed that they
are in good communication with the ‘majhis’, who are the leaders of Rohingya
community in the camps.
Long-term solutions: The research found that the
prospects of long-term solutions for the Rohingya refugees are bleak and
uncertain. When asked how hopeful they are that Rohingya refugees will find
long-term solutions soon, a healthcare professional from pointed out that it
depends on the cohesion of the Rohingya community. A Rohingya respondent from
Balukhali camp answered in a similar manner, saying that it depends on the
cohesion of the Rohingya community.
All the humanitarian staff claimed
that it is part of their mandate to hold meetings and include the voices of the
Rohingya refugees. However, this is in contrast with the Rohingya respondents
from Balukhali camp, some of whom being volunteers, stressed that they were
‘under-violence’ from their own community structure, which bars them from
engaging in a free manner that would be beneficial to them.
Policymakers and Academia
When asked about violence all
opinioned that violence is a daily occurrence in the Rohingya camps, affecting
the well-being and resilience of the refugees. The main perpetrators of
violence are groups which often use children, abduct humanitarian workers, and
engage in illegal activities. According to an administrative official of an
international organization, all children in households have experienced or
witnessed violence and shared a story about how a child was abducted from child
center of their humanitarian organization because his of his father’s rivalry
with gangs. The official also mentioned that one of the growing problems is
that these groups forcibly take away vests of humanitarian workers, often at
gunpoint, and use them for other illegal activities, such as avoiding
checkpoints, fighting each other, or smuggling and trafficking. This brings a
bad reputation for the organization and puts the humanitarian workers at risk.
Health care services are relatively
good and accessible in the camps, as per report, but there are some barriers
and problems that prevent the refugees from receiving adequate and quality
health care. One of the main issues mentioned by a high official is that after
the menstruation of adolescent girls, or as Rohingyas call it ‘urna newa’, they
stop coming to school and do not seek any medical assistance. This indicates a
lack of awareness and education about reproductive health and hygiene, as well
as a possible stigma or taboo associated with menstruation. Another issue is
the lack of specialized services for mental health, which is a crucial need for
the refugees who have experienced trauma, violence, and displacement. A third
issue is the shortage of medicines and equipment, which limits the capacity and
effectiveness of the health care providers.
Repatriation to Myanmar is the
paramount interest and priority of the Bangladesh government, as per interview,
but the prospects are bleak due to the inappropriate conditions and security
risks in Myanmar. A high official of the government reported that there was a
visit from the UNHCR about the possible relocation site in Myanmar in April and
August 2023, but the site seemed unsuitable and unsafe for the refugees. The
official claims that the Bangladesh government is committed to repatriate the
Rohingya under the purview of international law and regulations, and with the
involvement of the UNHCR and other international actors.
The relations between the Rohingya
refugees and the host communities in Bangladesh are complex and ambivalent. On
one hand, there are some instances of intermarriage, trade, and cooperation
between the two groups, which indicate a degree of integration and acceptance.
On the other hand, there are also tensions, conflicts, and resentment, fueled
by the competition for resources, the perception of injustice, and the
involvement of criminal elements.
There are signs of deterioration of
social fabric at camps, which affect the dignity and self-reliance of the
refugees. One of the interviewees mentioned that they have found out that
someone sold their baby for 26000 BDT, which is a shocking and heartbreaking
example of the desperation and exploitation that some refugees face. The
interviewee also mentioned that teens are engaged in subversive activities,
some even have access to firearms, and that there is an open culture of not
saying ‘no’ when asked, as that would result in direct detriment of the teens’
well-being. Adultery is a very common phenomenon in the camp, and often many
children are left on their own.
One of the interviewees remarked
that it is very common for local people to have a wife in the camp, although
the marriage between the local and the Rohingya is illegal. The interviewee
further remarked that this has possible links with the forging of illegal
documentation, the movement of Rohingya women outside of the camp, and the
exploitation of the women. Another interviewee mentioned that some people of
the local populace are severely affected by the presence of a large number of
refugees, who have increased the demand and prices of goods and services, and
have encroached on the land and environment of the host communities.
Social and psychological support are
available in the camps, but they are rarely sought or utilized by the refugees,
who prefer to rely on their own coping mechanisms. One high-level official
International organization suggested that the camps are equipped with health
officials and humanitarian actors who are proficient in providing social and
psychological support, but they are rarely approached by the refugees. The
official attributed this to the lack of awareness and the stigma attached to mental
health issues among the refugees, who may not recognize or admit their need for
such support.
The ability of the Rohingya refugees
to make decisions with dignity and self-reliance is affected by several
factors, such as the lack of legal status, the restrictions on movement and
work, the dependency on humanitarian aid, the insecurity and violence, and the
uncertainty and hopelessness about the future. These factors also affect the
interventions and strategies of the humanitarian actors, who face challenges
and opportunities for improving the livelihoods and income of the refugees,
such as the provision of skills training, cash assistance, and
income-generating activities. One of the interviewees mentioned that there are
some initiatives to provide skills training and cash assistance to the
refugees, but they are limited and insufficient to meet the demand and the
potential of the refugees. Another interviewee mentioned that there are some
income-generating activities in the camps,mentioning- tailoring, handicrafts,
and shops, but they are not sufficient. Overall opinion on Livelihood programs
form respondents suggests that they are a success as more regulated and
livelihood projects are being taken.
The relationship between the
Security force and the refugee camps is a challenge. A interviewee opined that
more security is needed in the camps and that the existing security officers
are ‘super inactive’ and need proper training. The interviewee also claimed
that there is a thin line between smuggling and trafficking, and that often the
refugees are confused or coerced by the smugglers or traffickers, who promise
them a better life in other countries. The interviewee recounted 29 refugees
were caught going to Malaysia the previous month, and that there is another
issue of abducting local population and humanitarian workers for ransom. The
interviewee suggested that there is a need to improve the accountability and
transparency of the security forces, as well as to enhance the protection and
empowerment of the refugees.
The unanimous answer for the best
long-term solution for the Rohingya refugees is repatriation to Myanmar, but
this requires the improvement of the political, social, and economic conditions
in Myanmar, as well as the guarantee of the rights, safety, and dignity of the
Rohingya people. The interviewees expressed their pessimism and frustration
about the possibility of a long-term solution, and called for more
international pressure and support to resolve the crisis.
The Rohingya
The findings and discussion based on
the answers from five respondents who live in Balukhali Camp in Bangladesh.
Education: All respondents reported that they
have received some education in the camps up to 7th to 9th grade. However, they
also expressed that there is no work for them. Some of them said that they love
Bangladesh and appreciate the support they receive from the host country and
the humanitarian organizations.
Health care: The respondents did not mention
much about the health care services that they get in the camps, except for one
who said that he had to be secretive to get treatment for his injuries after
being beaten up by a group of people in the camp. He also said that he did not
report the incident to the security forces as he did not trust them.
Decision-making: The respondents
said that they have to take their family into consideration before making any
decisions, especially when they are in trouble. They also said that they often
have to be part of a group in the camp to be safe. They indicated that there
are groups in the camps that are involved in violence and extortion, hinting
that the security forces is complicit with them. Additionally, they have to
take part in guarding the camp with the security forces, but they did not
specify which security forces they meant. This implies that there may be a lack
of participation, representation, and accountability in the decision-making
processes that affect them.
Relations with locals: The
respondents said that the relations between them and the local people in
Bangladesh have deteriorated since 2020. They said that there is more fear and
suspicion, and that they are ‘under violence’. They indicated that there is a
lack of social cohesion and barrier between the refugees and the host
community.
Psychological support: The respondents did not mention any
specific ways of social and psychological support that they get in the camps.
One respondent reported to being depressed and expressed his frustration for
being seen as suspicious for working with a humanitarian organization. He also
said that he has nightmares and flashbacks of the violence that he witnessed in
Myanmar and on his way to Bangladesh.
Livelihoods: All the respondents have previously
served in various humanitarian organization except for one who mentioned the
organization in which he worked doesn’t operate there anymore. They mentioned
many challenges or opportunities for improving their economic situation as they
face restrictions and barriers in accessing the formal labor market and other
income-generating activities.
Hopes for the future: The respondents said that they want
to go back to Myanmar, even if there are better opportunities in Bangladesh.
They also said ultimately it depends on the cohesion of the Rohingya group
themselves whether they will be able to go back or not.
The Locals
The local population in and around the Rohingya refugee camps are aware of the violence, harassment, and discrimination that the refugees face inside and outside the camps. They reported that dangerous gangs operate in the area and they have to be very careful in speaking against them. They also claimed that the security forces are complicit with many illegal activities. They expressed disgruntlement and anger toward the forces for not being able to stop the drug and other problems.
The local population also showed a general disinterest or lack of knowledge about the health care, social and psychological support, decision-making, and livelihoods of the refugees. They assumed that the refugees receive some kind of medical assistance, but did not know the details or the barriers they face. They did not think that the refugees have a say in the decision-making processes or make decisions with dignity and self-reliance. Furthermore, 4 out of the 5 respondents were further unaware that, many livelihood opportunities exist for local population.
The local population had mixed opinions about the relations between the refugees and the host communities. Some said that the refugees are well-off and have access to things that the locals cannot afford, as as one respondent claimed that he have seen 50000 taka t-shirts in shops in designated camp zone and big festive weddings of Rohingya that they are not able to afford. He attributed this to the existence of a drug economy in the camps. They also said that the refugees steal their work and claimed even if we search now we would find many Rohingya roaming freely and working. They opinionated that they want the refugees to go back to Myanmar as soon as possible.
The local population unanimously
agreed that the best long-term solution for the refugees is repatriation to
Myanmar. They did not show any possibility or desire for integration in
Bangladesh. They hoped that the government would send them back and provide
more support and security for the locals.