A Lifelong Saga of Forced Migration and Livelihood Access to Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
摘要
The best example ever to fit a group losing statehood overnight from their own country, undoubtedly, is Rohingya. They took refuge in Bangladesh following the controversial citizenship act, which denied their citizenship rights and organised communal violence by the Government of Myanmar. They found solace in the “refugee” camp in Bangladesh after making a bold move against the Myanmar army, using traffickers and crossing a whirling river. The study was conducted in Kutupalong Refugee Camp located in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, to delve deep into forced migration and their livelihood. Survey data were collected using the interview schedule followed by a qualitative case study. With no surprise, the study reveals that over 90% of the Rohingya have lost their livelihood due to forced migration with almost all Rohingya (95%) have no access to livelihood in camp life. The scenario is even bleak in the case of non-registered Rohingya. Over one-fifth of the respondents get help from different organisations. Almost all (97%) seek regular economic help from any legitimate source, implying a lack of proper economic assistance from Bangladesh. The majority longed to go back to the place they call home, with their rights restored by the Government of Myanmar. Till then, short-term solutions such as food-for-work programs for men, vocational training for young adults, and skill-based training programs for women could unwind the suffering of Rohingya. It is recommended that governments of different countries attend to the necessities of the affected population while promoting durable solutions in line with international standards.