Cox’s Bazar cannot take moreCall for repatriation Road Map on 8th Rohingya anniversary

Local-National organizations and humanitarian actors emphasized on repatriation as sustainable solution of Rohingya crisis. A webinar titled “Forcibly displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh: Steps towards dignity, safety and sustainable solutions” was organized by COAST Foundation and CCNF. 

The seminar was jointly conducted by Mustafa Kamal Akand, Director and Jahangir Alam, Member Secretary CCNF, Assistant Director, COAST Foundation.

Distinguished speakers included Gawhar Nayeem Warha from Disaster Forum, Noor Ahmad Anwari, Chairman of Whykong Union Parishad, Advocate Saki A Kawsar, Mojaffar Ahamed from Palongkhali Union, Imam Khair Journalist, Tauhid Belal, Chairman of Save the Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Helal Uddin from AGRAJATRA, Amir Hossen and Sukarna Abdullah from NGO Platform were present in the Webinar. 

Gauhar Naeem Wara from Disaster Forum and refugee expert said chair of the Webinar said that we will not be able to achieve much without recognizing the Rohingyas as refugee. Education is the right of Rohingya children that we cannot deprive it.

He said that local products and resources should be used for the Rohingyas response for the wellbeing of the country. Above all, a clear roadmap should be developed of what will be done for the Rohingyas.

Md. Shahinur Islam, Assistant Director- Humanitarian Response presented the key notes of the session. He presented the protracted Rohingya crisis and possible sustainable solutions. Around 1,148,529 Rohingya refugees remain entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance for their survival and due to recent funding cuts, it forces humanitarian actors to reduce the assistance.

In his recommendations, he stated that the government should not have any impunity for the Myanmar military and ensure their accountability for the genocide and crimes against humanity. 

Saki A Kausar said that the Rohingya refugees are mainly responsible for the backlog of cases in Cox's Bazar. She said that Rohingya are involved with Yaba business, accuse of rape cases, and human trafficking cases in Cox's Bazar. She said that there should be a separate court for Rohingyas to solve this problem.

Noor Ahmed Anwari said that 25% of the funds should be allocated for local host community but that not working well. In addition, a comprehensive policy should be developed to provide employment to local people.

He also said that law and order has deteriorated due to the Rohingyas. He said that repatriation is the only final and sustainable solution. 

Mojaffar Ahamed said that the Rohingya child who was born in August 2017 has many needs today. They need food, shelter and education as basic rights. Therefore, there is no scope of cut down of humanitarian assistance.

He also said that if humanitarian assistance is not increased for the Rohingya, then its pressure will fall on the local people. 

Imam Khair said that the Rohingya problem remains a demand today. The next elected government should solve it practically as the interim government will expire soon.

Abdur Rahman Hashemy said that the people of Cox's Bazar will not be able to take of even one more Rohingya. Tauhid Belal said that the biggest problem in Ukhia and Teknaf is drinking water. He demanded a master plan for this.

Mohammad Helal Uddin said, the security of the camp is broken and various armed groups are active in the camps, which is delaying repatriation. Therefore, he talked about repatriation to a third country and the future of Rohingya children.

Amir Hossain of NGO Platform emphasized on ensuring long-term life-saving humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya. He also said, peaceful coexistence, combating climate change, and developing the skills of locals must be worked on. 

Sukarna Abdullah said, the focus will be on food security and permanent solutions for the Rohingya. The voice of host community and the Rohingyas must be taken into account. For this, the regional level advocacy, especially ASEAN, must be utilized.