Strategy shift need of the hour
In the first three years, the fund received was 26 percent less than the amount sought by the joint response plan. In the last two years during the pandemic, the drop in funds was 33 percent. This year, it declined by an additional 56 percent. That's why we need a strategic shift.
A change in strategy is required to deal with the Rohingya crisis -- focusing on skill development among Rohingyas, helping them find alternative livelihood -- in the wake of a significant drop in funding, speakers told a conference yesterday.
They came up with the suggestion as the repatriation issue has been stuck in geopolitical intricacies, coupled with an alarming decline in the international fund for Rohingyas who fled a military crackdown in Myanmar in 2017 and took refuge in the southern part of Bangladesh.
The dialogue was jointly organised by Brac and Dhaka University's development studies department at a city hotel.
Four papers, related to the basic services in Rohingya camps, their livelihoods and skills, a changing ecosystem of Rohingya crisis responses and changing needs and priorities in Rohingya crisis response, were presented in the dialogue.
Prof Kazi Maruful Islam of development studies at Dhaka University, said over the years, a downtrend in funding for the Rohingya crisis has been noticed, which reached an alarming level this year.
"In the first three years, the fund received was 26 percent less than the amount sought by the Joint Response Plan. In the last two years during the Covid-19 pandemic, the drop in funds was 33 percent. This year, it declined by an additional 56 percent. That's why we need a strategic shift," he said.
Planning Minister M A Mannan, also the chief guest of the dialogue, said, "Many years have elapsed since the Rohingya crisis began. The problem they faced right at the beginning of the crisis no longer exists. However, the need for more financial help remains necessary to deal with the Rohingya crisis.
He also urged the relevant authorities to take the security issue seriously.
Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh said, "The reality is the population scenario in the Rohingya camps is changing fast. There is also a change in solidarity and endurance between the host community and the Rohingya community. Considering all aspects, a mid-term strategy should be in focus for their dignified repatriation."
Soo Jin Rhee, the interim country representative of UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), said it is a long-term crisis. As a UN organisation, they have to look at the crisis through a strategic lens.
"The fund declined in its sixth year. We must think about how to ensure food, sanitation, health and water supply in the camps. We have to invest in education and skill development of the Rohingya community, so they can become a productive part of their society," she said.
Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, secretary (West) of Foreign Ministry; Kathryn Davis Stevens, mission director of USAID; Maksud Kamal, pro-Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University; Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, chairperson of Dhaka University's development studies department; were present in the dialogue among others.
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