Rohingya Response

For the Rohingya in Bangladesh, 2023 marks the sixth year since their mass displacement from Myanmar. While the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and the international community have maintained the provision of immediate lifesaving assistance, the needs are immense and complex challenges continue to emerge in the response. Almost entirely dependent on humanitarian aid, the possibility of concrete and lasting solutions for the Rohingya refugees remains uncertain.

Hosting nearly one million Rohingya, Cox's Bazar is the world's biggest refugee settlement where refugees reside in 33 extremely congested camps. Currently, they encounter several obstacles in their everyday lives due to dwindling support and shifting global priorities. The lack of resources and opportunities in the camps has resulted in negative coping mechanism including the Rohingya undertaking perilous boat journeys in search of a better future elsewhere.

As the crisis protracts, the prospect of a safe, dignified, and voluntary return to Myanmar remains unpredictable. The international community continues to promote sustainable solutions for the Rohingya in Myanmar that would eventually facilitate their safe return home, an outcome that the Rohingya have consistently bid for. The need to maintain support for humanitarian operations has grown more pertinent in 2023, as the humanitarian space is becoming increasingly restricted. In addition, the impact of the crisis on the Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar requires concerted efforts to support the host communities affected by price hikes and strained livelihoods.

In 2023, IOM will continue its comprehensive humanitarian support for lifesaving assistance based on community feedback. IOM’s overarching priorities include the dignity, safety, and protection of the Rohingya and the provision of quality services across a comprehensive set of sectors. IOM is also committed to continue supporting the most vulnerable host community members and mitigating the impact of the refugee influx on the environment through integrated and environmentally responsible programmes. Aside from the activities conducted across different sectors, IOM remains actively engaged in addressing human trafficking and cross-cutting concerns such as protection, gender-based violence (GBV), and accountability to selected populations (AAP).