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Current Requirements (US$)$875.9 million
Analysis of the context, crisis and needs
Bangladesh has generously provided safety to Rohingya refugees from Myanmar for several decades, most notably in the aftermath of the events of August 2017, during which thousands of Rohingya were forced to flee their homes due to armed attacks, massive-scale violence, targeted persecution and serious human rights violations. Moving into the sixth year of the crisis, the Government of Bangladesh and the humanitarian community are providing critical support in an increasingly resource-strained environment. The humanitarian community is committed to supporting Bangladesh in leading the humanitarian response for close to 980,000 Rohingya refugees until conditions allow for their return to Myanmar in a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable manner, and to supporting the communities that host them. Rohingya refugees reside in 33 extremely congested camps within the Cox’s Bazar district and on the remote island of Bhasan Char, where they rely entirely on humanitarian assistance. Groups or people with specific needs, such as people with disabilities, female-headed households, and people without access to livelihood opportunities, reported the most significant unmet needs, leaving them vulnerable to negative coping strategies.
Bangladesh
A Bangladeshi volunteer works in a Bamboo Treatment Centre, providing quality shelter materials for Rohingya refugees.
ISCG/Syed Md TafhimCox’s Bazar District has a total Bangladeshi population of 2,823,000, with approximately 538,000 residing in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazila, where the refugee camps are located. Humanitarian operations have increased local employment and economic opportunities for local populations. However, the growing multifaceted needs of Rohingya refugees have compounded existing socioeconomic challenges, exacerbating pressures on public services and infrastructure. The Ukraine crisis has also negatively affected the food, energy and fiscal situation in Bangladesh, including in the communities hosting Rohingya refugees. High levels of inflation, a depreciating local currency, and price hikes for basic goods and commodities have been recorded, increasing existing vulnerabilities among people already at risk. To prevent potential tensions between communities, it is critical that support continues to be extended to vulnerable Bangladeshi communities.
Multi-Hazard Response Plan
To enhance multi-hazard preparedness and response capacities due to the particularly vulnerable locations of Rohingya refugee camps and surrounding areas, the Government of Bangladesh and humanitarian partners have stepped up their efforts to address disaster risk management, energy, and environmental issues. The Multi-Hazard Response Plan (MHRP) for the Rohingya refugee camps and surrounding host communities was developed and adopted in 2022, containing comprehensive disaster contingency planning.
In 2023, the humanitarian community in Cox’s Bazar will continue to operate under the overall framework of the MHRP. In addition, a camp level Disaster Management Committee Guideline has been developed jointly with the Government of Bangladesh and the implementation of both planning and guidance documents will be further strengthened in 2023 as a priority. Together with structural reinforcements, slope protection, and adequate drainage systems, efforts in the camps will be prioritised to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as support environmental rehabilitation and protection. Regular after-action reviews will serve to strengthen future emergency preparedness and response, to limit negative impacts on Rohingya communities and address immediate needs in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Projected situation in 2023 and beyond
In 2023, sustained and strengthened assistance will continue to be required in areas including food, nutrition, water, health and sanitation, education, shelter and non-food items. The enhancement of education and skills development opportunities for refugees also remains a critical priority.
The overall protection environment and living conditions in the camps and on Bhasan Char remain challenging. To mitigate these challenges, investment in quality education, including transition to the Myanmar curriculum, skills development and livelihoods will be prioritized, while also ensuring that the community is better prepared for eventual and meaningful repatriation to and reintegration in Myanmar. Addressing the specific needs of those most vulnerable, including women, girls and boys, as well as people with disabilities, will remain critical.
Rohingya Regional
Over the years, Bangladesh has made immense strides to mitigate the loss of life and property due to weather-related hazards, such as cyclones and heavy monsoons, that result in landslides, flooding and a spike in communicable diseases. Nevertheless, Rohingya refugee camps and surrounding areas continue to be particularly vulnerable to monsoon floods, fires and the effects of climate change more broadly. As such, building on Bangladesh’s well-established and effective disaster response capacities, and guided by the Multi-Hazard Response Plan (MHRP) for Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar district and on Bhasan Char, activities in 2023 will strengthen disaster risk reduction and disaster risk management, which is critical to ensuring the safety of Rohingya refugees and host communities.
Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Bangladesh and UNHCR (on behalf of the UN) in October 2021, UN involvement on Bhasan Char aims to complement the national NGOs’ humanitarian activities under the overall coordination and consultation with the Government of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh
A volunteer from the refugee Disaster Management Unit raises awareness among his community.
ISCG/Syed Md TafhimStrategic objectives and sectoral priorities
Under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, the humanitarian community will continue to strengthen protection and assistance for Rohingya refugees and vulnerable host communities. Five strategic objectives will guide the response across all sectors:
- Work towards the sustainable repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar, focusing on developing refugees’ capacities by using the Myanmar curriculum, building skills that will support their reintegration upon return, and strengthening community-based efforts.
- Strengthen the protection of Rohingya refugee women, men, girls and boys, placing affected individuals and communities at the centre of the response.
- Deliver life-saving assistance to populations in need, including maintaining and rationalizing services to ensure equitable access to humanitarian assistance.
- Foster the well-being of host communities, including through facilitating access to quality services, strengthening public service infrastructure and supporting livelihoods activities.
- Strengthen disaster risk management by improving preparedness for multi-hazard crises and addressing the impacts of climate change within refugee camps and host communities.
A protection framework will guide the response, putting protection central to the response. The framework will mainstream protection throughout all sectors; coordinate specialized or targeted protection services for affected populations, notably the most vulnerable children, women, people with disabilities and other specific needs; and promote community-led, needs-based and participatory approaches to assistance. The humanitarian response will also be underpinned by age, gender and diversity mainstreaming, disability inclusion, a comprehensive approach to protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, and enhance community engagement and accountability to affected populations.