Stateless Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh: Life and Livelihood Challenges

Abstract

Rohingya is one of the most persecuted ethnic minority groups in the world, as identified by United Nations. More than one million Rohingya refugees, over half of whom are children, live at various camps in Cox’s Bazar district in Bangladesh. This study uses a mixed methodology approach based on primary data to examine the life and livelihood challenges of Rohingya people in the refugee camps. The study's findings reveal that there is a severe scarcity of basic human needs in the Rohingya camps and a prevalence of widespread human rights violations. Among the life and livelihood challenges in the camps are- poor health services, the weak structure of shelter, scarcity of nutritious food, inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, lack of education facilities after secondary school, gender-based violence, insecurity, congestion and lack of privacy, limited freedom of movement, and high risk of landslide. The study's findings may guide governments and NGOs operating in Rohingya camps to ensure the community's basic needs and human rights.