Concluding a four-day visit to Bangladesh, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T Clements praised Bangladesh for hosting one million Rohingya refugees for nearly six years.
She called for increased efforts to promote livelihoods and self-reliance among the refugees, stressing the need to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the refugee camps, according to a press release issued on Monday.
In addition to supporting host communities, the deputy high commissioner emphasized the importance of resilience-building and improving the lives of the Rohingya, enabling them to utilize the skills, training, and education they have acquired in Bangladesh when they are able to return home.
"We continue to advocate for creating conducive conditions in Myanmar so that refugees can go back safely and in dignity, and voluntary returns can be sustainable. Refugees who wish to return should have access to clear and factual information to make free and informed decisions," Clements stated after her visit to the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.
She added: "Under no condition should refugees be forced or coerced to return, which the government assured us would not happen."
Clements emphasized the need for UNHCR to assess the voluntariness of refugees' choices, ensuring they are free from pressure or incentives and are based on accurate information about the situation in Myanmar.
During her visit, Clements met with Rohingya refugees, the country's leadership, donors, and humanitarian actors.
Rohingya refugees residing in the camps rely entirely on humanitarian aid for their basic needs. However, funding for this assistance has been insufficient. On June 1, the UN World Food Program was compelled to reduce food aid for the second time in three months due to lack of funding. This has forced humanitarian agencies to prioritize critical interventions, leaving basic needs unmet with severe consequences.
UNHCR is concerned that the reduction in rations, coupled with a major fire earlier this year and Cyclone Mocha a few weeks ago, will lead to higher malnutrition rates, school dropouts, increased incidents of child marriage, child labor, and gender-based violence. Without adequate support, refugees may resort to desperate measures.
"If the Rohingya are given the opportunity to earn income, they can purchase most of their food themselves. They want to make their own choices. By accessing mobile financial services, they will be able to obtain what they need for their daily lives," said Clements.
In her discussions with government partners, Clements also advocated for policies that allow for the use of durable materials in shelters, making them fire and weather resistant. She emphasized the importance of building back stronger and safer, as the cost of maintaining and rehabilitating shelters and facilities becomes unsustainable each time a severe storm or natural disaster hits the camps.
Humanitarian agencies have appealed for over $876 million this year to support approximately 1.47 million people, including 920,000 Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char, as well as 495,000 Bangladeshis in neighboring communities. As of June 2023, the Joint Response Plan is only 24% funded. Predictable and sustained funding is crucial to prevent a wider humanitarian disaster.
