Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh: Escalating Violence and Its Consequences

Bangladesh: Spiraling Violence Against Rohingya Refugees

Protect Community from Killings, Abductions, Torture

Violence against Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh has been escalating, with armed groups and criminal gangs targeting the community. Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of violence, including murder, kidnapping, torture, rape, sexual assault, and forced marriage. Rohingya leaders are being forced to serve as informants, putting their lives at risk without access to protection. The authorities have failed to provide adequate police, legal, and medical assistance, leaving the Rohingya community vulnerable. The government needs to develop a rights-respecting security policy in consultation with refugees and the United Nations.

The Context

The Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are living in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar and the isolated silt island of Bhasan Char. Most of these refugees fled Myanmar in 2017 to escape military atrocities. The violence in the camps has intensified due to the restrictive measures imposed by Bangladesh on livelihoods, movement, and education in the camps. The authorities have harassed and closed community schools and markets, worsening the situation for the refugees.

The Violence

Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of violence against Rohingya refugees. Majhis (camp community leaders) and activists have been major targets of armed groups and criminal gangs. They have been killed, abducted for ransom, and subjected to torture. Civilians, including women and children, have also been caught in the crossfire. The violence has created an atmosphere of fear and brutality, with refugees constantly living in dread of being targeted.

In addition to physical violence, Rohingya women and girls have been subjected to sexual assault and forced marriage. The atrocities committed against them are deeply alarming and require urgent attention. However, the authorities have failed to address these issues effectively, leaving the survivors without proper medical and mental health care.

The Role of the Authorities

The Bangladesh authorities have not taken adequate measures to protect the Rohingya refugees. There is a lack of accessible systems for refugees to report crimes, and complaints are not promptly investigated. The authorities have also forced Rohingya leaders to act as informants, putting their lives at risk. This dangerous situation highlights the indifference of the justice system towards the Rohingya community.

Philosophical Discussion: Responsibility to Protect

This ongoing violence against Rohingya refugees raises important questions about the concept of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). R2P is a principle derived from international law that holds states responsible for protecting their populations from mass atrocities. In cases where the state is unable or unwilling to fulfill this duty, the international community has a responsibility to intervene.

The situation in Bangladesh highlights a failure on the part of both the national and international community to adequately protect the Rohingya refugees. The government of Bangladesh needs to fulfill its responsibility to protect by creating a rights-respecting security policy and ensuring the safety of the refugee population. Donor governments and UN agencies should also press Bangladesh to remove barriers to justice and provide access to education and livelihoods for the refugees.

Editorial: Protecting the Most Vulnerable

The violence against Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh is a grave violation of their human rights and demands urgent attention. The government of Bangladesh must prioritize the protection of the refugee population and work towards creating a safe and secure environment for them.

Donor governments, including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia, should provide increased support to meet the protection needs of the Rohingya refugees. This includes funding humanitarian initiatives and advocating for the establishment of rights-respecting civilian rule in Myanmar, which would allow for the eventual repatriation of the Rohingya community.

Advice: The Way Forward

The Bangladesh government must take immediate action to protect Rohingya refugees, rather than allowing criminal elements to drive them out. The following steps should be considered:

• Develop and implement a rights-respecting security policy in consultation with refugees and UN agencies.
• Establish accessible systems for refugees to report crimes and promptly investigate complaints.
• Provide adequate police, legal, and medical assistance to victims of violence.
• Remove bureaucratic barriers to accessing local police and courts for the Rohingya community.
• Lift restrictions on access to education and livelihoods to reduce illegal and dangerous economic activities in the camps.
• End the use of Rohingya refugees for compulsory night patrols.

By taking these steps, Bangladesh can fulfill its responsibility to protect the Rohingya community and ensure their safety and well-being in the camps. The international community must also continue to engage with Bangladesh and provide support to address the humanitarian needs of the Rohingya refugees while advocating for long-term solutions to the crisis.

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