Challenges Faced by Rohingya Refugees in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amit Barua,Rutu Hitesh Karia

doi:10.5334/aogh.3052

Abstract

In August 2017, Bangladesh saw a massive influx of Rohingya refugees following their violent persecution by the Myanmar authorities. Since then, the district of Cox’s Bazar has been home to nearly 900,000 Rohingya refugees living in the densely populated and unhygienic camps. The refugees have been living in makeshift settlements which are cramped into one another, making it extremely difficult to maintain “social distance”. The overcrowded conditions coupled with the low literacy level, lack of basic sanitation facilities, face masks and gloves and limited communication make these camps an ideal place for the virus to spread rapidly. As nations struggle to contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, refugees are one such population who are extremely vulnerable to the effects of this outbreak. If issues are not addressed at an early stage, its effects can be catastrophic.

Highlights

In August 2017, Bangladesh saw a massive influx of Rohingya refugees following their violent persecution by the Myanmar authorities
Mandatory measures like use of thermal scanners in workplaces, prohibition of domestic and international travel, and quarantine period for incoming travellers were enforced by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB)
While a vast majority of the world population have confined themselves to the walls of their homes, implementing the new norms of “social distancing” and “handwashing”, one cannot help but ask: how does a refugee incorporate these new norms into their daily life while living in the densely populated camps?

Summary

Introduction

In August 2017, Bangladesh saw a massive influx of Rohingya refugees following their violent persecution by the Myanmar authorities. The testing capacity for COVID-19 was increased in Cox’s Bazar with the help of the United Nations and other aid agencies. While a vast majority of the world population have confined themselves to the walls of their homes, implementing the new norms of “social distancing” and “handwashing”, one cannot help but ask: how does a refugee incorporate these new norms into their daily life while living in the densely populated camps?

Results

Conclusion