Update: Recent Humanitarian Crisis in Rohingya Camps at Cox’s Bazar |
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October 4th, 2024
Justice For All Canada is gravely concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The seasonal monsoon rains have once again wreaked havoc, causing landslides and flooding that have destroyed the homes and makeshift shelters of hundreds of refugees. According to the UN, millions of Rohingya are impacted. This devastation, as reported by field staff, is exacerbating an already precarious situation.
The intensifying impact of climate change has made the seasonal monsoons even more destructive, compounding the humanitarian crisis. Flooding and landslides not only displace families but also further destabilize a population that is already vulnerable and living in extremely overcrowded conditions. With over 1 million Rohingya refugees dispersed across 33 camps, many have been forced to construct makeshift shelters on hillsides, putting them at greater risk of displacement due to landslides.
The crisis has worsened with the continued influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing genocidal violence and ethnic cleansing in Burma/Myanmar. Many have endured harrowing journeys to reach Bangladesh, with reports of family members perishing from starvation or drowning along the way. These individuals are escaping escalating conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw military, both of which have systematically targeted Rohingya villages—burning homes and forcibly displacing residents.
Inside Rakhine State, Rohingya villages remain under a targeted siege, with homes destroyed and residents forced to flee for safety. Those who manage to cross into Bangladesh, predominantly women and children, are left reliant on the already overstretched resources of the Bangladeshi government. Among the most vulnerable are single mothers with children, who face severe shortages of food, clothing, and adequate shelter. Bangladesh is struggling to provide basic necessities to the growing refugee population, further deepening the suffering in the camps.
Recommendations for Humanitarian Response
Justice For All Canada acknowledges the efforts made by U.N. agencies on the ground but stresses the need for urgent and expanded measures to prevent further loss of life and improve the quality of life for Rohingya refugees. We recommend the following actions:
The Rohingya people have endured unimaginable suffering—first in Burma/Myanmar, and now in the camps of Bangladesh. Immediate, coordinated action is required to address their ongoing plight. Their basic human rights must be respected.
Justice For All Canada is a human rights advocacy organization dedicated to preventing and addressing the persecution of religious minorities and genocide. Our Burma Task Force, established in 2012, continues to advocate for the Rohingya people in response to the genocidal violence that erupted in 2017. We call on the international community to act swiftly to provide the Rohingya with the support and dignity they deserve.
Justice For All Canada is gravely concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The seasonal monsoon rains have once again wreaked havoc, causing landslides and flooding that have destroyed the homes and makeshift shelters of hundreds of refugees. According to the UN, millions of Rohingya are impacted. This devastation, as reported by field staff, is exacerbating an already precarious situation.
The intensifying impact of climate change has made the seasonal monsoons even more destructive, compounding the humanitarian crisis. Flooding and landslides not only displace families but also further destabilize a population that is already vulnerable and living in extremely overcrowded conditions. With over 1 million Rohingya refugees dispersed across 33 camps, many have been forced to construct makeshift shelters on hillsides, putting them at greater risk of displacement due to landslides.
The crisis has worsened with the continued influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing genocidal violence and ethnic cleansing in Burma/Myanmar. Many have endured harrowing journeys to reach Bangladesh, with reports of family members perishing from starvation or drowning along the way. These individuals are escaping escalating conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw military, both of which have systematically targeted Rohingya villages—burning homes and forcibly displacing residents.
Inside Rakhine State, Rohingya villages remain under a targeted siege, with homes destroyed and residents forced to flee for safety. Those who manage to cross into Bangladesh, predominantly women and children, are left reliant on the already overstretched resources of the Bangladeshi government. Among the most vulnerable are single mothers with children, who face severe shortages of food, clothing, and adequate shelter. Bangladesh is struggling to provide basic necessities to the growing refugee population, further deepening the suffering in the camps.
Recommendations for Humanitarian Response
Justice For All Canada acknowledges the efforts made by U.N. agencies on the ground but stresses the need for urgent and expanded measures to prevent further loss of life and improve the quality of life for Rohingya refugees. We recommend the following actions:
- Improved Infrastructure: To minimize the risk of landslides within the camps, better land-use planning is essential. Protective infrastructure, such as retaining walls and effective drainage systems, should be constructed to safeguard vulnerable areas. Additionally, reforestation efforts and enhancements to natural features should be prioritized to help mitigate environmental risks.
- Community Involvement: It is crucial that refugees themselves are included in infrastructure development and reforestation initiatives. Their active participation, supported by adequate resources and permissions, will ensure more sustainable and effective solutions.
- Increased Food Assistance: The World Food Programme (WFP) must increase food allocations, particularly for host families who are sheltering new arrivals. This measure is critical to addressing malnutrition and food insecurity, which remain pressing concerns in the camps.
- Expedited Registration and Shelter: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) must accelerate the registration process for new refugees and ensure timely setup of proper shelters. Every individual should have access to adequate protection from the elements, particularly in light of the harsh weather conditions.
- Funding for Climate Mitigation: The international community, led by the U.N., must prioritize funding for climate adaptation strategies. Given the increasing impact of monsoon rains, immediate investments are needed to prevent further humanitarian disasters and support long-term solutions in the camps.
- Support from the Canadian Government: Canada’s renewed strategy on the Rohingya and Myanmar-Burma crises remains uncertain, with no clear mention in the 2024-25 budget. This lack of a defined strategy, especially in light of the ongoing crisis following the 2021 military coup, highlights the urgent need for Canada to recommit to the cause. The Canadian government should allocate funds specifically for the resettlement of Rohingya refugees and for climate change mitigation efforts in Bangladesh. Additionally, diplomatic pressure should be applied to the Bangladeshi government to ensure long-term solutions for both new and existing refugees.
The Rohingya people have endured unimaginable suffering—first in Burma/Myanmar, and now in the camps of Bangladesh. Immediate, coordinated action is required to address their ongoing plight. Their basic human rights must be respected.
Justice For All Canada is a human rights advocacy organization dedicated to preventing and addressing the persecution of religious minorities and genocide. Our Burma Task Force, established in 2012, continues to advocate for the Rohingya people in response to the genocidal violence that erupted in 2017. We call on the international community to act swiftly to provide the Rohingya with the support and dignity they deserve.