Kaniz Kakon
As the seventh anniversary of the Rohingya exodus from Myanmar
passes, the refugee crisis in Bangladesh remains a stark testament to the
enduring struggle for human rights in the region. Nearly a million Rohingyas,
victims of brutal military crackdowns and systemic persecution in 2017, now
seek shelter in the sprawling camps of Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee
settlement. While Bangladesh’s humanitarian response has been significant, the
interim government faces escalating pressure to develop sustainable solutions
that uphold the dignity and rights of refugees and host communities. This
crisis, rooted in decades of severe discrimination and violence against the
Rohingya, underscores a broader moral and global challenge to move beyond mere
survival and ensure justice, protection and the restoration of fundamental
human rights for the Rohingya people. The ongoing violence in Myanmar only
intensifies the urgency for a human rights-centred approach, making it
imperative for Bangladesh to lead international efforts in advocating for the
Rohingyas’ right to a safe and dignified future.
The Rohingya, who consider themselves indigenous to the region,
face severe challenges as Myanmar’s junta government and Buddhist nationalists
view them as descendants of colonial-era migrants, denying their rightful place
in the country. Despite Myanmar’s adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples, indigenous communities, including the Rohingya, continue
to suffer from armed conflict and human rights violations. Myanmar’s refusal to
sign critical international agreements like the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) further exacerbates
these issues. In this context, Bangladesh’s interim government could play a
crucial role by intensifying diplomatic efforts and employing international
human rights frameworks to advocate for the Rohingyas’ right to return safely
and with dignity. A bold step would be for Bangladesh to sign the 1951 Refugee
Convention, affirming its commitment to refugee rights and strengthening its
position on the global stage, urging more vigorous international support and
pressure on Myanmar to end its persecution of the Rohingya.
It is also true that the decision to sign the Refugee Convention
is not without challenges, especially in a country already grappling with
poverty and resource constraints. However, it is essential to recognise that
human rights are universal and indivisible. The Rohingya, despite their status
as refugees, possess the same human rights as any other individual under
international law. By embracing these principles, Bangladesh could pave the way
for a more just and equitable treatment of refugees globally. Moreover, this
move could galvanise international donors and human rights organisations to
increase their support, helping to alleviate the burden on Bangladesh and
ensuring that the rights of both refugees and host communities are protected.
The interim government must prioritise enhancing security and
stability in the refugee camps, with a particular focus on safeguarding the
most vulnerable—women, children and the elderly. The alarming rise in violence
and human trafficking within these camps is a severe human rights issue,
perpetuating a cycle of exploitation that strips refugees of their dignity. To
combat this, the government, in collaboration with international human rights
organisations, should implement stronger oversight and accountability
mechanisms to protect victims and bring perpetrators to justice. Drawing
inspiration from Jordan’s approach to Syrian refugees, where the government has
established safe spaces, education and legal assistance programmes, Bangladesh
could adopt similar measures. By doing so, it would not only meet immediate
needs but also uphold the fundamental rights of refugees to live free from
violence and access justice, ensuring that human rights are central to its
response strategy.
In the long term, the interim government must shift its focus
from immediate relief to empowering refugees through education, skill
development and societal participation. Human rights extend beyond protection
from violence; they encompass the right to education, work and community
involvement. With repatriation uncertain, it is vital to enable refugees to
lead dignified lives in exile, affirming their rights and fostering
self-reliance. This effort requires careful planning and collaboration with
human rights organisations to ensure these programmes benefit both refugees and
host communities. Equally crucial is strengthening the resilience of Cox’s
Bazar’s host communities, where strained resources have heightened tensions.
Addressing this is not merely logistical; it is a matter of social justice. By
investing in shared infrastructure, healthcare and education, Bangladesh can
promote equality and reduce tensions, creating a harmonious environment where
both refugees and host communities can thrive, much like Colombia’s approach to
Venezuelan refugees.
As Bangladesh tackles the Rohingya crisis, the interim
government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus has a unique chance to reaffirm its
commitment to human rights. By boosting diplomacy, aligning with global refugee
standards, improving camp conditions and strengthening host communities,
Bangladesh can steer towards a more just resolution. With Dr. Yunus, at the
helm, there is renewed hope that the international community will recognise
Bangladesh’s immense burden and increase its support, ensuring a future where both
refugees and host communities see their rights and dignity fu|lly respected.
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The writer is an Assistant
Professor in the Department of Philosophy at IUBAT and pursuing a Masters in
Human Rights and Multiculturalism at University of South Eastern Norway
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