Rohingya Refugee Camps Research Articles

Water Insecurity and Rights Erosion: A Comprehensive Analysis of Rohingya Refugee Camps in New Delhi

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the critical issue of water insecurity and its multifaceted impact on and relationship to the human rights and environmental justice conditions within Rohingya refugee camps located in New Delhi, India. A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was employed to investigate water-related challenges within a refugee camp in Madanpur Khadar, region in Delhi. Qualitative methods including focused group discussions and one-on-one household interviews were conducted to allow residents’ perceptions from diverse groups and examine their experiences. Structured surveys were administered to gather quantitative data on water access, sanitation, health, and socio-economic factors. Additionally,, literature surveys and document archival research provided contextual insights. This study underscores the pressing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) challenges faced by Rohingya refugees in the area, revealing irregular water supply, impacting residents’ daily lives and hygiene practices. The majority of families in the camp, with an average of 6 members in each family, can only collect 30–40 L of water to meet all their needs, from consumption to personal hygiene, which is significantly insufficient. This situation has resulted in severe health consequences for the camp residents. Alarmingly, over 90% of the female respondents reported experiencing issues such as urinary infections. This paper gives a comprehensive analysis of the multidimensionality of rights that intersect with and are affected by WaSH issues. The poor WaSH conditions in the camp directly hinder the fulfillment of fundamental human rights. It not only disrupts the basic sanitation need but has negative economic repercussions and causes mental distress. This study concludes by targeted recommendations aimed at improving the conditions prevailing within the camp.

Assessment of mental well-being and its socio-economic determinants among older adults in the Rohingya refugee camp of Bangladesh

Older adults residing in refugee settlements with unhealthy living environments, inadequate access to health care services, and limited psychosocial support are vulnerable to experience mental health problems jeopardizing their mental well-being. The present study aims to explore the mental well-being status and its socio-economic determinants among the older adults living in the Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥ 60 residing in five sub-camps within the Rohingya refugee camp of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted between November and December 2021. The 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale was used to assess mental well-being. A cumulated score was derived using the scale ranging from 14 to 70, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mental well-being. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the socio-economic factors associated with the mental well-being of older adults. A total of 864 older adults participated in the study having a mean mental well-being score of 45.4. Regression analysis revealed that the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly lower among participants aged 70–79 years (β: − 1.661; 95% CI: − 2.750 to − 0.572; p = 0.003), aged ≥ 80 years (β: − 3.198; 95% CI: − 5.114 to − 1.282; p = 0.001), and those with any non-communicable chronic conditions (β: − 2.903; 95% CI: − 3.833 to − 1.974; p < 0.001) when compared to their counterparts. Conversely, the difference in the logs of mental well-being score was expected to be significantly higher among individuals with formal schooling (β: 3.370, 95% CI: 1.855 to 4.886, p < 0.001) and those having additional income besides aid (β: 1.629; 95% CI: 0.642 to 2.615; p = 0.001), compared to their respective counterparts. Our findings highlight the need to provide psychosocial assistance to older individuals, particularly those who live in large families, suffer from chronic diseases, and live in socio-economic deprivation.

Rohingya Persecution in Myanmar and Thoughts on Repatriation: Evidence From Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh

Rohingya Persecution in Myanmar and Thoughts on Repatriation: Evidence From Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh

Climate-resilient water resource management for Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh

The Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh face severe water resource challenges, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. With a rapidly growing population, the demand for water in these camps has surged, leading to over-extraction of groundwater and deteriorating water quality. Seasonal variations, including monsoons and dry spells, further strain the limited water resources, creating periods of acute scarcity and contamination risks. Climate change intensifies these issues by altering precipitation patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, jeopardizing the sustainability of current water supply systems. This paper explores sustainable water resource planning strategies tailored to the unique context of the Rohingya camps, emphasizing climate resilience and community-based approaches. By integrating innovative technologies and policy interventions, the study aims to propose solutions that ensure long-term water security for the refugee population. Sustainable water resource planning is crucial for addressing the compounded challenges of water scarcity and quality in Rohingya refugee camps, particularly under the escalating pressures of climate change. As climate change alters precipitation patterns and increases the frequency of extreme weather events, the vulnerability of water systems in these densely populated settlements intensifies. Effective planning must integrate climate resilience, ensuring reliable access to safe water despite environmental uncertainties. This involves adopting adaptive management strategies, leveraging innovative technologies, and fostering community participation to enhance system robustness and flexibility. Sustainable planning not only addresses immediate water needs but also builds long-term resilience, reducing dependency on overstressed groundwater resources and mitigating the impacts of climate-induced disruptions. This paper underscores the importance of holistic and forward-thinking approaches in securing water resources for the Rohingya population in the face of a changing climate. The study identifies critical gaps in current water resource management practices within Rohingya refugee camps and emphasizes the necessity for sustainable planning amidst climate change impacts. Key findings reveal that over-reliance on groundwater, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and seasonal variability, significantly undermines water security. The research recommends the implementation of integrated water resource management (IWRM) strategies, incorporating both traditional and innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting, solar-powered water purification, and community-led water conservation practices. Enhancing policy frameworks to support sustainable water management and fostering collaborations among stakeholders are also crucial. Furthermore, climate resilience measures, including infrastructure fortification against extreme weather events, are imperative for long-term sustainability. These recommendations aim to establish a resilient water supply system that can adapt to future climate conditions while ensuring equitable access to safe water for the Rohingya population.

Comprehensive strategies for effective fecal sludge management in Humanitarian Settings: A case study of Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Response

The influx of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) into Bangladesh has necessitated the development of robust Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) strategies in Cox’s Bazar to ensure safe and sustainable sanitation solutions. Effective fecal sludge management (FSM) is crucial in humanitarian settings for public health, environmental protection, and dignity. This study investigates comprehensive FSM strategies in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya refugee camps, one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines quantitative data from surveys and field observations with qualitative insights from interviews and document analysis to examine the FSM value chain, including sludge production, containment, collection/emptying, transport, treatment, and disposal/reuse. Findings show high sludge production rates require frequent desludging, with challenges in containment due to structural weaknesses and privacy concerns. Collection and emptying face logistical and health issues, while transport is hindered by difficult terrain and limited vehicle availability. Treatment facilities are often inadequate, leading to operational challenges and environmental risks. Despite these issues, disposal and reuse practices in agriculture show promise but need safety and community acceptance improvements. The study recommends increasing desludging capacity, enhancing containment designs, improving transport infrastructure, expanding treatment facilities, and promoting safe disposal and reuse practices. Emphasizing community engagement, technological innovations, and coordinated efforts among stakeholders is crucial for sustainable FSM systems. Future research should focus on innovative technologies, long-term sustainability, and scalability of FSM strategies across contexts. This research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving sanitation in similar emergency contexts worldwide.

Power in coordinating supply chain projects in humanitarian settings: A case study of Rohingya refugee camps

AbstractHow and why is power used in humanitarian projects? Coordinating organizations, such as UN agencies, carry power and influence over NGOs to advance the interests of beneficiaries. However, coordination can be managed by a single authority or by multiple authorities that share or delegate responsibilities. Furthermore, coordinators may leverage different types of power, including non‐mediated forms like referent and expert power, or mediated forms such as reward, legitimate, or coercive power. This research draws upon 57 interviews regarding organizational behavior with members of international and local non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), UN agencies, and government officials involved in managing Rohingya refugee camps in Southern Bangladesh. The observations suggest that in single‐authority layered projects, referent and expert powers are commonly employed, leading to improvements in quality and delivery performance. Reward power is typically wielded informally and is linked to cost performance. In dual‐layered projects, legitimate power is used to enhance quality and delivery performance. This article's originality lies in its extension of the use of power to multi‐tiered supply chain settings; its contribution is to organizational theory regarding the resolution of principal‐agent issues; and its insights are into the nuanced effects of different types of power based on project types. It offers valuable guidance to policymakers and practitioners, highlighting effective approaches for coordinating inter‐organizational efforts in challenging and unconventional supply chain settings.

Experiences of children's self-wetting (including urinary incontinence) in Cox's Bazar's Rohingya refugee camps, Bangladesh.

Self-wetting is the leakage of urine, either due to the medical condition of urinary incontinence (UI), or because a person does not want to, or cannot, access a toileting facility in time. This study explored the attitudes towards self-wetting and experiences of children (aged five to 11), their caregivers, community leaders and humanitarian practitioners in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. We particularly focused on how water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and protection interventions might assist in improving these experiences. We purposively selected participants from two camps where our partner organisation works. We conducted Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with community leaders and camp officials, Story Book (SB) sessions with Rohingya children and in-depth Interviews (IDIs) with caregivers of children who participated in the SB sessions, as well as surveying communal toilets. Self-wetting by children was common and resulted in them feeling embarrassed, upset and uncomfortable, and frightened to use the toilet at night; many children also indicated that they would be punished by their caregivers for self-wetting. Key informants indicated that caregivers have difficulty handling children's self-wetting due to a limited amount of clothing, pillows, and blankets, and difficulty cleaning these items. It was evident that the available toilets are often not appropriate and/or accessible for children. Children in the Rohingya camps appear to self-wet due to both the medical condition of UI and because the sanitation facilities are inappropriate. They are teased by their peers and punished by their caregivers. Although WASH and protection practitioners are unable to drastically alter camp conditions or treat UI, the lives of children who self-wet in these camps could likely be improved by increasing awareness on self-wetting to decrease stigma and ease the concerns of caregivers, increasing the number of child-friendly toilets and increasing the provision of continence management materials.

Resurging dengue wave in Bangladeshi Rohingya refugee camps: an alarming burden for healthcare concern

Resurging dengue wave in Bangladeshi Rohingya refugee camps: an alarming burden for healthcare concern

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infections among populations in Rohingya refugee camps, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Purpose: Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that particularly affects the liver. The infection often gets early in life and remains an asymptomatic gradually progressive disease. In Bangladesh, the 8th most common cause of death is the liver disease and the age-adjusted death rate is 19.26 % per 100,000 population. The hepatitis C virus can result in acute or chronic infections. The data on the prevalence of HCV in Bangladesh are limited. Study Design: Our recent study is to undertake a pilot study among the general population in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Our study was conducted with a total of 2,146 samples and tested for anti-HCV among the Rohingya general community in the Camps from January 2022 to December 2022. Results: Out of 2,146 individuals, 35% were positive and 65% were negative. Among the total positive cases, 85% were female and 15% were male. Among all the individuals, the positive cases categorized into old adults, middle-aged adults, and young adults that corresponds to 8%, 33%, and 60%, respectively. The highest number of positive cases were found in June (9.43%), July (15.09%), and August (13.75%). The lowest number of positive cases was found in January (3.37%), April (3.91%), and September (6.60%). Conclusions: Our study has resulted in increased knowledge about the prevalence of hepatitis C in the Rohingya community and there is an urgent need to accelerate the implementation of hepatitis elimination strategies among the Rohingya community and other marginalized populations in Bangladesh.

A Computational Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Shelter Construction Material and Fuel Load on the Fire Spread Behavior in Rohingya Refugee Camp

A Computational Approach to Evaluate the Effect of Shelter Construction Material and Fuel Load on the Fire Spread Behavior in Rohingya Refugee Camp

Development of a Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Based Spatial Fire Risk Assessment Framework for Wildland-Urban Interface: A Rohingya Refugee Camp Case Study

Development of a Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Based Spatial Fire Risk Assessment Framework for Wildland-Urban Interface: A Rohingya Refugee Camp Case Study

A Cost‐Effective Epidemiological Exposition of Diphtheria Outbreak by the Optimal Control Model: A Case Study of Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh

A Cost‐Effective Epidemiological Exposition of Diphtheria Outbreak by the Optimal Control Model: A Case Study of Rohingya Refugee Camp in Bangladesh

Non-Puerperal Adoptive Breastfeeding as Lactational Rescue in the Rohingya Refugee Camp: 2 Case Studies.

Non-puerperal adoptive lactation sometimes requires long preparation and substantial expense for pharmacological intervention to be successful, which are not feasible in refugee camps. Here we report two case studies of non-puerperal adoptive breastfeeding of two infants in the Rohingya Refugee Camp of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Two non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding caregivers with previous experience of breastfeeding brought two adopted infants-one a 12-day-old female with severe acute malnutrition, and the other a 2-day-old male with normal anthropometric measurements-to a nutritional stabilization center for feeding. After counseling, both families opted for adoptive lactation. Both infants were treated with a modified Action Against Hunger protocol of in-patient management of severe acute malnutrition using the supplementary suckling technique, a procedure to feed the baby with supplementary feed. Diluted F100 was used as the supplementary feed; the energy and protein gained from it were just enough to maintain body physiology and were not responsible for any weight gain. When the infants gained weight, indicating that the caregivers were producing milk, we reduced the supplementary feed as per protocol guidelines. The caregivers were prescribed domperidone and counseled on their ability to breastfeed the infants. The cases required 35 days and 20 days, respectively, for the full establishment of breastfeeding. This is the first report of successful adoptive breastfeeding in a refugee camp. With proper counseling and motivation of the caregiver, induced lactation can be started without a preparatory period and with very low-cost intervention.

Electrical Resistivity Imaging for Characterizing the Shallow Landslide Hazard Site at Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camps of Ukhiya, Cox&amp;apos;s Bazar, Bangladesh

Electrical Resistivity Imaging for Characterizing the Shallow Landslide Hazard Site at Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camps of Ukhiya, Cox&amp;apos;s Bazar, Bangladesh

Women's participation in childbearing decision-making and its effects on short-interval births in Rohingya refugee camps of Bangladesh.

Women's involvement in family planning decision-making is significantly low among refugee women, potentially leading to an increased unintended and short interval pregnancies. This study aims to investigate the relationship between women's decision-making in childbearing and short-interval births among Rohingya refugee women in Bangladesh. Data from 719 women residing in three Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, were analyzed. The outcome variable was birth spacing, categorized as short (<33 months between the two most recent births) or normal (≥33 months between the two most recent births). The primary explanatory variable was women's involvement in fertility decision-making with their partner, classified as never, sometimes, and always. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between the outcome and explanatory variable while adjusting for potential covariates. 58% of births occurred within a short interval, while almost 48% of women reported no participation in fertility decision-making with their partner. Short interval birth was found to be increasing with decreasing women's participation in fertility decision-making with their partner. Women who sometimes or never made fertility decisions with their partner had 1.20 times (95% CI, 1.01-1.88) and 1.69 times (95% CI, 1.06-2.29) higher likelihood of short interval births, respectively, compared to women who always decided with their partner. Low women's participation in fertility decision-making with their partner among Rohingya refugees increases short interval births and adverse maternal and child health outcomes, including mortality. This highlights the need for counselling programs to educate and empower women, promoting joint fertility decision-making by couples. This research did not receive any specific funds.

An emerging concern of medical waste management in Rohingya refugee camps at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: existing practice and alternatives

The plight of humanity in refugee camps is an age-old issue, as is the ever-increasing issue of waste management, especially medical waste. Though situations have improved in recent times for refugee camps, the same cannot be concurred about medical waste management, as it increases in amount every day. This is the first study on the refugee camp, which was conducted to assess the status of medical waste management and to quantify and characterize medical wastes disposed of in the Rohingya refugee camp at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional, qualitative, and quantitative study was done. A total of 499 households, 30 solid waste collectors, 30 HCF workers, and 21 solid waste management (SWM) plant workers were interviewed by KoBo Toolbox. Monthly medical waste collection data from February to June 2022 was also collected. Data collection, processing, and statistical analysis were done using Origin Pro and SPSS software. It was found that the camps did not follow any specific guidelines for medical waste management except for a few segregations in healthcare facilities (HCF). Though 88% of the respondents were aware of the hazardous nature of medical waste, most of them disposed of these wastes in open places (49%) and drains (44%), and 70% did not segregate it from regular waste at the household level. Moreover, 73% of solid waste management workers found medical waste daily in communal bins. The HCF did not keep any records on the production of medical waste. Different types of medical waste were found in communal bins; glass bottles containing medicines were common among them. Data from the material recovery facility (MRF) of this camp showed that the highest amount of medical waste found in the communal bins was in April (65 kg) during the seasonal change from spring to summer and the lowest in February (12.7 kg). Moreover, HCF’s existing medical waste management practices were analyzed with SWOT and DPSIR framework. Based on all the findings, a comprehensive on-site and off-site management plan for medical waste is also proposed here. That will help the concerned prepare a camp medical waste management guideline.

COVID-19-related stigma among older adults residing in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

COVID-19-related stigma among older adults residing in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Educational crisis of Rohingya refugee children in Bangladesh: Access, obstacles, and prospects to formal and non-formal education

PurposeThe article discusses the contemporary educational crisis of Rohingya children in Bangladesh. It aims to identify the challenges of formal and non-formal education faced by Rohingya children and their prospects. In this scholarship, the author attempts to answer the questions-what are the current formal and non-formal educational services in the Rohingya refugee camps and how and to what extent do the existing educational services intensify the other crisis in their lives, and what are the prospects for them going forwards. Methodology: This study is primarily based on secondary sources of data. It focuses on the available educational services and key obstacles that affect Rohingya children's formal and non-formal educational opportunities in Bangladesh and their prospects in Myanmar. FindingsThe study found the absence of formal and non-formal education for Rohingya children in refugee camps has a significant impact on their ability to become an active member of society. Although refugee children and their parents express a willingness to formal education under the Myanmar curriculum, limited educational services and various structural and legal barriers hinder their progress. Finally, the study explores the prospects of formal and non-formal education for Rohingya children in Bangladesh and concludes with recommendations to improve their educational opportunities. LimitationThe study results can differ in other contexts and countries hosting refugees. Practical implicationsFindings of the study may be helpful for policymakers and practitioners.

Power quality improvement of a proposed grid-connected hybrid system by load flow analysis using static var compensator

Renewable resources are most effective for sustainable development of society and economically efficient for small-scale power generation. However, grid integration is challenging because of the randomness of the source effects on power system parameters. This work proposes power quality enhancement by incorporating Static VAR Compensator (SVC) in a grid-integrated renewable hybrid power system. SVC is one of the shunt type Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices that is adopted in this system for the compensation of reactive power requirement. The proposed hybrid system for the Rohingya Refugee camp is energized by a wind and solar based sources. The objective is to enhance the overall bus voltage profile by minimizing both real and reactive power losses as well as boost the power transmission capability of the entire system. Different case studies have been considered by changing the source availability and generation supply for load flow analysis using ETAP software. Moreover, critical system parameters such as bus voltage, power transfer capacity, and power losses have been reported during the inactive time of one or both renewable sources. The results obtained without SVC have been compared against the ones with the presence of SVC. Our analysis reveals that, as a result of using SVC, the voltage profile improves by 2.9–3.3%, branch loss reduces by 2.1–2.4%, and power transfer capability enhances by 7.5–9 units.

Infection prevention and control for COVID-19 response in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh: an intra-action review

BackgroundInfection Prevention and Control (IPC) is critical in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and is one of the pillars of the WHO COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan 2020. We conducted an Intra-Action Review (IAR) of IPC response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, to identify best practices, challenges, and recommendations for improvement of the current and future responses.MethodsWe conducted two meetings with 54 participants purposively selected from different organizations and agencies involved in the frontline implementation of IPC in Cox's Bazar district, Bangladesh. We used the IPC trigger questions from the WHO country COVID-19 IAR: trigger question database to guide the discussions. Meeting notes and transcripts were then analyzed manually using content analysis, and results were presented in text and quotes.ResultsBest practices included: assessments, a response plan, a working group, trainings, early case identification and isolation, hand hygiene in Health Facilities (HFs), monitoring and feedback, general masking in HFs, supportive supervision, design, infrastructure and environmental controls in Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Isolation and Treatment Centers (SARI ITCs) and HFs and waste management. Challenges included: frequent breakdown of incinerators, limited PPE supply, inconsistent adherence to IPC, lack of availability of uniforms for health workers, in particular cultural and gender appropriate uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Recommendations from the IAR were: (1) to promote the institutionalization of IPC, programs in HFs (2) establishment of IPC monitoring mechanisms in all HCFs, (3) strengthening IPC education and training in health care facilities, and (4) strengthen public health and social measures in communities.ConclusionEstablishing IPC programmes that include monitoring and continuous training are critical in promoting consistent and adaptive IPC practices. Response to a pandemic crisis combined with concurrent emergencies, such as protracted displacement of populations with many diverse actors, can only be successful with highly coordinated planning, leadership, resource mobilization, and close supervision.