Redouble ‘Int'l actors’ effort for solution of the Rohingya crisis

The ultimate solution of the Rohingya crisis is the dignifirf repatriation, and to ensure that, there should be the redouble effort from international actors for putting pressure on Myanmar government.

Speakers participated at a webinar organized by Cox’s Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) opined these.

They also urged all stakeholders to ensure human dignity of the Rohingya community, social cohesion until the repatriation.

On the occasion of the World Refugee Day, CCNF, a network of 50 NGOs working in Cox’s Bazar organized the webinar title ‘World Refugee Day : Together We Heal, Learn and Shine’.

The webinar was jointly moderated by two Co-Chairs of CCNF Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director COAST Foundation and Abu Morshed Chowdhury, Executive Director-PHALS.

Arifur Rahman Chief Executive YPSA, Bimal Chandra Dey Sarker, Chief Executive Mukti Cox’s Bazar, Abul Kashem, Executive Director of HELP Cox’s Bazar, Jahangir Alam Member Secretary of CCNF and Assistant Director of COAST Foundation placed specific interventions on behalf of the organizers.

Among others Ms. Shireen Haq of Naripokkha, Mr. Gowhar Nayeem Warha of Disasater Forum, Mr. Manuel Moniz Pereira of IoM in Coxsbazar, Mr. Pius Mulonzya of NGO Platform Coordinator, Ms. Soo Jin Rhee, Deputy Representative, UNHCR spoke at the occasion.

Abu Murshed Chowdhury said, Myanmar holds the main responsibility to ensure sustainable repatriation for the Rohibgya community. International actors should redouble their effort, they should not be only limited to humanitarian assistance only. Along with UN initiative, government diplomacy and track two civil society diplomacy is needed too.

Abul Kashem said, underground water is being used to supply water to the camps, thus local residents including farmers are suffering since the water level has been gone down. It is making frustration and grievance among local people. Utilizing water of Naf River and Reju khal canal can be an effective alternative. Plastic use should also ban in the camps.

Gowhar Nayeem Wahra said, ground water exploration must be stopped immediately, rain water harvesting can be a successful option in this regard. Instead of LGP gas cylinder, rice husk based coking solution should be promoted. Dry fish and salt purchasing will ensure economic integration.

Ms. Shireen Haq said, local people and local organizations were the very first responders, but that is why localization of aid is a rational demand. Unfortunately, we can see very little development in ensuring localization.

Bimal Dey Sarker said, Youth should be involved with skill-based education so that they can ensure sustainable employment while they will back. We need to ensure certification of the education of the camp.

Jahangir Alam said, social cohesion is must until repatriation.

Arifur Rahman said, trafficking is an organized crime. Many people including influential are trapping Rohingya people to be victim of trafficking. We need to promote awareness on this.

Manuel Moniz Pereira said, total dependency on humanitarian support is not a sustainable solution. Demand based economic cooperation and communication among the Rohingya and host community needs to be promoted. Afforestation should get emphasize as much as possible, agroforestry should also be get attention. Pius Mulonzya, for the effecting Rohingya response management Local-national NGOs and INGOs should have good relation and trust with each other.

Soo Jin Rhee said, it is unfortunate that, during last 10 years, number of refugees has been doubled. Bangladesh has opened door for more than one million Rohingya, which is really worth appreciated. Sacrifice of the local people is praiseworthy, now, we need to ensure dignity of the Rohingya people until the repatriation.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, as fund is decreasing for the Rohingya response, we need to think of maximum services with minimum expenditure.

He also said that, along with aid transparency and localization of aid we need to consider third country repatriation and communication with neighboring countries is needed.