Rohingya crisis – a profile of child protection on host community children

Abstract

New Rohingya crisis is unique in its nature. Bangladesh has suffered for many crisis including Rohingya but the exodus started from August 2017 has crossed all previous record. This was termed as a text book example for ethnic cleansing. Host communities have supported from the very beginning of the influx and it continues. However, people of Ukhia & Teknaf have their own social & economic issues. These places are few of the less developed places of Bangladesh and Rohingya influx have brought immense pressure on them to cope with the situation. Children remains as the most vulnerable in any crisis and it is not different for children’s from Teknaf & Ukhia. Children’s experiences in Cox’s Bazar and the specific vulnerabilities they face are distinct from adults’. At the same time, children themselves are best placed to articulate their own needs and desires. Children in host communities stated that they worry about their safety when leaving their home and immediate neighborhood. These concerns significantly limit children’s freedom of movement and their ability to have a sense of normality in their environment. Children are currently unable or limited in their ability to play freely or learn in preparation for their future. Open areas that were once playgrounds are now occupied by the tents of refugees. Children indicated that they are also concerned about the cleanliness of their living environment and the impact of that on their health. This study was designed to identify the additional needs of the host community children to protect their best interest in the crisis. This research was based on the output from both primary & secondary data.