The exploitation of refugees in areas of conflict : the Rohingya in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study aims to determine the extent to which exploitation compromises the human security of the Rohingya in Bangladesh. In so doing, the use of a vulnerability assessment and risk analysis are employed to quantify the impact of these risk in relation to the economic, food, health and personal security of the Rohingya. Consideration is given to the history of deep rooted tensions between minority Muslims and majority Buddhist nationalists in Myanmar, the conditions of the 2017 exodus of Rohingya into Bangladesh as well as their statelessness as key contextual elements in establishing the vulnerability of the Rohingya. Subsequently, this study determines the Rohingya’s stay in overcrowded and under resourced Bangladeshi camps, Bangladesh’s refusal to recognise the Rohingya as refugees and its isolationist policies towards this group, as central elements in the risk analysis. This study thereafter identified the successes and shortfalls in the role of the international community as it relates to providing aid to the Rohingya crisis relief and diplomatic support for the restoration of peace and security to Rakhine state. Furthermore, this paper identifies principal lessons learned and recommendations for moving forward in the crisis relief efforts, to better address and mitigate present and future risks to the human security of the Rohingya in Bangladesh. Finally, this study arrives at the conclusion that while Bangladesh is the key player in addressing the crisis, the international community has a vital role to play in the restoration of peace and security in Rakhine State and upholding international human rights standards by holding Myanmar accountable for the atrocities it has committed.