Fact Finding Trip to India and Bangladesh: Rohingya Refugees By: Amy Marchildon—Lutheran Social Services of NE Susan Anderson—Lutheran Family Services of Colorado James Horan—Lutheran Family Services of Colorado

1. Fact Finding Trip to India and Bangladesh:Fact Finding Trip to India and Bangladesh:
~Rohingya Refugees~~Rohingya Refugees~
September 2009September 2009
Amy Marchildon—Lutheran Social Services of NEAmy Marchildon—Lutheran Social Services of NE
Susan Anderson—Lutheran Family Services of ColoradoSusan Anderson—Lutheran Family Services of Colorado
James Horan—Lutheran Family Services of ColoradoJames Horan—Lutheran Family Services of Colorado
““I have a small request, give our message to the world” –Rohingya refugeeI have a small request, give our message to the world” –Rohingya refugee

2. Brief History of the RohingyaBrief History of the Rohingya
• Who are the Rohingya?Who are the Rohingya?
• Why are they considered stateless?Why are they considered stateless?
• Why they fled to BangladeshWhy they fled to Bangladesh
• WhenWhen
• Camps establishedCamps established
• Difference between the official UNDifference between the official UN
camps and the “unofficial” campscamps and the “unofficial” camps

4. Urban Refugees in DelhiUrban Refugees in Delhi
Visit with UNHCRVisit with UNHCR
 India has not ratified the 1951 UN Convention or the 1967 ProtocolIndia has not ratified the 1951 UN Convention or the 1967 Protocol
• UNHCR states India has a history of giving shelter to refugee and asylum seekersUNHCR states India has a history of giving shelter to refugee and asylum seekers
• If meet criteria, refugees and asylum seekers may be able to receive residencyIf meet criteria, refugees and asylum seekers may be able to receive residency
permitspermits
 UNHCR states there are approximately 12,000 registered refugeesUNHCR states there are approximately 12,000 registered refugees
in Delhiin Delhi
•Unexpected increase from year before—number continues to increaseUnexpected increase from year before—number continues to increase
•Afghan (of Hindu or Sikh faith)—have path towards citizenship if meet criteriaAfghan (of Hindu or Sikh faith)—have path towards citizenship if meet criteria
•Burma populations—continue to increase in numbersBurma populations—continue to increase in numbers
ChinChin
KachinKachin
BurmeseBurmese
KarenKaren
Rohingya (small number)Rohingya (small number)
•SomaliSomali
•PalestiniansPalestinians
•IraqiIraqi
•Eritrean, Iranian, SudaneseEritrean, Iranian, Sudanese
 Asylum seekers---increase throughout the past few yearsAsylum seekers---increase throughout the past few years
•Same populations as refugee groups, plus Tibetan and Sri LankanSame populations as refugee groups, plus Tibetan and Sri Lankan
 Refugees resettled to Norway, Sweden, US and CanadaRefugees resettled to Norway, Sweden, US and Canada
•Internal Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) was OPE in Delhi, now IOMInternal Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) was OPE in Delhi, now IOM

5.  India hasn’t “pushed back” on agencies helping refugeesIndia hasn’t “pushed back” on agencies helping refugees
 India is struggling to help all people in needIndia is struggling to help all people in need
 UNHCR works with partners to provide assistanceUNHCR works with partners to provide assistance
 YMCA, Don Bosco, Socio Legal Information CenterYMCA, Don Bosco, Socio Legal Information Center
 Housing assistanceHousing assistance
 Minimal financial assistanceMinimal financial assistance
 Access to health services and education resourcesAccess to health services and education resources
 Youth ClubsYouth Clubs
 Income generating activitiesIncome generating activities
 Vocational trainingVocational training

6. UNHCR’s Refugee Women’s Protection ClinicUNHCR’s Refugee Women’s Protection Clinic
 Funded by the Australian GovernmentFunded by the Australian Government
 Established to help refugee women from BurmaEstablished to help refugee women from Burma
 All different ethnic groups from Burma, but majorityAll different ethnic groups from Burma, but majority
are Chinare Chin
 Most women have suffered abuse and/or are widowsMost women have suffered abuse and/or are widows
 Motto— “Every Voice Heard”Motto— “Every Voice Heard”
 Safe space to talk about issuesSafe space to talk about issues
 Concerned about their childrenConcerned about their children
 Education, health, transportation and financialEducation, health, transportation and financial
assistanceassistance
 Vocational training and income generatingVocational training and income generating
activities, e.g., weaving and selling foodactivities, e.g., weaving and selling food
 Advocacy (help report abuse, fair wages,Advocacy (help report abuse, fair wages,
discrimination)discrimination)

8. Unaccompanied Refugee MinorsUnaccompanied Refugee Minors
 Have child expert to conduct BIDs duringHave child expert to conduct BIDs during
refugee registration processrefugee registration process
 Many from Burma (Chin ethnic group)Many from Burma (Chin ethnic group)
 Pre-teens, but getting youngerPre-teens, but getting younger
 Not exactly sure how they are getting toNot exactly sure how they are getting to
DelhiDelhi

9. Kutupalong Camps-
both official and unofficial
Nayapara
Camp
Leda Site
Unofficial Camp

10. Life in the CampsLife in the Camps
““Life is not well, we are just suffering well”Life is not well, we are just suffering well”
Refugee woman from Nayapara CampRefugee woman from Nayapara Camp

11. Registered and UnregisteredRegistered and Unregistered
RefugeesRefugees
Camps for RegisteredCamps for Registered
RefugeesRefugees
____________________________________________
 Nayapara INayapara I
 Nayapara IINayapara II
(combined approx. 17,000)(combined approx. 17,000)
 KutupalongKutupalong
(approx. 11,000)(approx. 11,000)
Sites for UnregisteredSites for Unregistered
RefugeesRefugees
____________________________________________
 LedaLeda
(approx. 13,000)(approx. 13,000)
 Surrounding area ofSurrounding area of
official camps andofficial camps and
scattered in villagesscattered in villages
throughout Cox’s Bazaarthroughout Cox’s Bazaar
and Teknaf regionsand Teknaf regions
(approx. 250,000)(approx. 250,000)

13. ShelterShelter

14. Shelter: Registered campsShelter: Registered camps
 GOB constructed temporary shelters for the firstGOB constructed temporary shelters for the first
wave of refugees in 1991.wave of refugees in 1991.
 Today, most of the housing maintains itsToday, most of the housing maintains its
temporary nature and hardly withstands thetemporary nature and hardly withstands the
monsoon season.monsoon season.
 UNHCR recently began the ShelterUNHCR recently began the Shelter
Replacement Project to improve conditions.Replacement Project to improve conditions.
 Many refugees extend their small sheds withMany refugees extend their small sheds with
spare materials that they can find.spare materials that they can find.

16. Shelter: Unregistered SitesShelter: Unregistered Sites
“Allah runs the camps, I just build the buildings.” Head of“Allah runs the camps, I just build the buildings.” Head of
Engineering, Leda CampEngineering, Leda Camp
 Makeshift structures are built withMakeshift structures are built with
bamboo, plastic sheets and tarp,bamboo, plastic sheets and tarp,
and corrugated metal, etc.and corrugated metal, etc.

17. Limited SpaceLimited Space

18. Limited SpaceLimited Space
 There is much tension between the registeredThere is much tension between the registered
and unregistered refugees and between theand unregistered refugees and between the
locals and all refugees—much competition forlocals and all refugees—much competition for
resources.resources.
 GOB has leveled homes of the unregisteredGOB has leveled homes of the unregistered
claiming they are getting too close to the officialclaiming they are getting too close to the official
camps.camps.
 Overcrowding coupled with restrictions ofOvercrowding coupled with restrictions of
staying within the confines of the campsstaying within the confines of the camps
contributes to low morale.contributes to low morale.

19. SecuritySecurity
 Majee system: male refugee, selected by theMajee system: male refugee, selected by the
Camp in Charge, who oversees security.Camp in Charge, who oversees security.
Corruption is rampant.Corruption is rampant.
 There is much violence—UNHCR is trying toThere is much violence—UNHCR is trying to
humanize the camps.humanize the camps.
 Women are subject to sexual violence, and evenWomen are subject to sexual violence, and even
children are being raped.children are being raped.
 Trafficking, and arranged marriages (describedTrafficking, and arranged marriages (described
as syndicated) are big concerns.as syndicated) are big concerns.

21. SanitationSanitation

22. SanitationSanitation
 GOB prohibits permanent structures,GOB prohibits permanent structures,
therefore latrines are in need of constanttherefore latrines are in need of constant
repair.repair.
 Placement of latrines and bath-houses doPlacement of latrines and bath-houses do
not consider gender and culturalnot consider gender and cultural
sensitivities.sensitivities.
 Limited space makes it difficult to buildLimited space makes it difficult to build
new latrines and bath-houses.new latrines and bath-houses.
 Erosion over the years is a major concern.Erosion over the years is a major concern.

23. WaterWater

24. WaterWater
ChallengesChallenges
 Short supply of waterShort supply of water
in the tanksin the tanks
 Water taps are notWater taps are not
open long enoughopen long enough
 Water pumps are tooWater pumps are too
far awayfar away
 Insufficient containersInsufficient containers
AlternativesAlternatives
 Refugees try to get toRefugees try to get to
a water sourcea water source
outside of the campoutside of the camp
 Refugees try to dig aRefugees try to dig a
pond within the camppond within the camp
 Get water from otherGet water from other
refugeesrefugees
 Get water fromGet water from
villagersvillagers

25. RecreationRecreation

26. RecreationRecreation
 There are few opportunities for recreation.There are few opportunities for recreation.
 Women’s and Men’s centers have beenWomen’s and Men’s centers have been
established for support groups andestablished for support groups and
activities.activities.
 Message boards are a place toMessage boards are a place to
congregate.congregate.
 Many refugees do not feel useful as theyMany refugees do not feel useful as they
are forced to stay within the confines ofare forced to stay within the confines of
the camp and cannot work.the camp and cannot work.

27. UNHCR’s Work in the CampsUNHCR’s Work in the Camps
 Bangladesh has not ratified the 1951 UNBangladesh has not ratified the 1951 UN
Convention or the 1967 ProtocolConvention or the 1967 Protocol
 UNHCR has an understanding (MOU?) with theUNHCR has an understanding (MOU?) with the
Bangladesh Government to help refugeesBangladesh Government to help refugees
 Conducts refugee interviews in each officialConducts refugee interviews in each official
campcamp

28. •Only allowed to assist registeredOnly allowed to assist registered
refugeesrefugees
•Able to provide limited assistance,Able to provide limited assistance,
including medical careincluding medical care
•Government of Bangladesh closedGovernment of Bangladesh closed
refugee registration in 1992 afterrefugee registration in 1992 after
230,000 refugees repatriated to230,000 refugees repatriated to
Burma (refoulment) and then fledBurma (refoulment) and then fled
again to Bangladesh.again to Bangladesh.

29.  Work to create structure and stability inWork to create structure and stability in
the campsthe camps
 ““We try to humanize camps” Stephan Sinclair-We try to humanize camps” Stephan Sinclair-
Louitt, Head of Sub-OfficeLouitt, Head of Sub-Office
 Programs in camps (work with NGOs)Programs in camps (work with NGOs)
 Vocational trainings, health care assistance,Vocational trainings, health care assistance,
counseling, education for children (UNICEF),counseling, education for children (UNICEF),
nutritional assistance, computer labnutritional assistance, computer lab
 Centers for both woman and menCenters for both woman and men

33. NGO’s working with the RefugeesNGO’s working with the Refugees
 NGO’s have a fragile relationship with theNGO’s have a fragile relationship with the
Government of BangladeshGovernment of Bangladesh
 Some NGOs have been asked to leaveSome NGOs have been asked to leave
Bangladesh and/or refugee camp area whenBangladesh and/or refugee camp area when
they advocated for change in the refugeethey advocated for change in the refugee
situation.situation.
 Bangladesh is a poor county that needs NGOBangladesh is a poor county that needs NGO
assistanceassistance

34.  Medecins Sans Frontieres (DoctorsMedecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors
without Borders)without Borders)
 Has been serving the Rohingya and the localHas been serving the Rohingya and the local
community since 1992community since 1992
 Largest MSF operationLargest MSF operation
 Operate a clinic outside of the KutupalongOperate a clinic outside of the Kutupalong
campcamp
 Therapeutic Feeding Center, limited medical care,Therapeutic Feeding Center, limited medical care,
emergency room, laboratory, immunization foremergency room, laboratory, immunization for
children, impatient care if neededchildren, impatient care if needed
 With only 3 doctors and 2 nurse practitioners!With only 3 doctors and 2 nurse practitioners!
““If we are quiet, no one will know”If we are quiet, no one will know”
––Grace, MSF project coordinator at MSF clinic outside of KutupalongGrace, MSF project coordinator at MSF clinic outside of Kutupalong

37. •World Food ProgramWorld Food Program
•In the official campsIn the official camps
•Provides rice, lentils and cooking oilProvides rice, lentils and cooking oil
once or twice a month toonce or twice a month to
each householdeach household
•Islamic Relief/Muslim AidIslamic Relief/Muslim Aid
•Helps the unregistered refugeesHelps the unregistered refugees
•Operates the Leda CampOperates the Leda Camp
•Shelter, education, medical care,Shelter, education, medical care,
sanitation, water, education, therapeuticsanitation, water, education, therapeutic
feeding centerfeeding center

39.  Action AidAction Aid
 Donor agencyDonor agency
 Works with both refugees and the host communityWorks with both refugees and the host community
 Provides skill training and income generating projectsProvides skill training and income generating projects
 ACF International—Action Against HungerACF International—Action Against Hunger
 Works with the unregistered refugeesWorks with the unregistered refugees
 Works closely with MSFWorks closely with MSF
 Work to provide clean water and sanitationWork to provide clean water and sanitation
 Only allowed to put up temporary structuresOnly allowed to put up temporary structures
 Provide foodProvide food
 Provide counselingProvide counseling

40. Thoughts on Resettlement When We Were ThereThoughts on Resettlement When We Were There
 Many NGOs asking the question-Many NGOs asking the question-------Where doWhere do
refugees go from here?refugees go from here?
 Where will the Rohingya be in 10 years?Where will the Rohingya be in 10 years?
 Many refugees being told lies regardingMany refugees being told lies regarding
resettlement—fueling hoperesettlement—fueling hope
 Locals will say— “give me money and I can get you toLocals will say— “give me money and I can get you to
become a registered refugee”become a registered refugee”
 UNHCR stated they referred 300 refugees toUNHCR stated they referred 300 refugees to
PRM---many cases were not approved forPRM---many cases were not approved for
resettlementresettlement
 approval rates have recently changedapproval rates have recently changed
 Voluntary repatriation is not a current option forVoluntary repatriation is not a current option for
refugeesrefugees

41.  UN resettled Rohingya to Canada, Australia, andUN resettled Rohingya to Canada, Australia, and
a small number to Ireland.a small number to Ireland.
 Bangladesh Government is nervous that highBangladesh Government is nervous that high
numbers of people being resettled willnumbers of people being resettled will
encourage more refugees to flee intoencourage more refugees to flee into
Bangladesh.Bangladesh.
 The discussion of resettlement with theThe discussion of resettlement with the
Government has been very slowGovernment has been very slow
 UNHCR continues to work on “bigger picture”UNHCR continues to work on “bigger picture”
solutions to the Rohingya---e.g., encouragesolutions to the Rohingya---e.g., encourage
Burma to allow the Rohingya citizenship, workBurma to allow the Rohingya citizenship, work
with other counties in the region to havewith other counties in the region to have
influence on Burma.influence on Burma.

42. Current SituationCurrent Situation
• GOB is still resistant to registering the unregisteredGOB is still resistant to registering the unregistered
Rohingya.Rohingya.
• GOB does not promote resettlement for fear that itGOB does not promote resettlement for fear that it
will be a pull factor for more refugees.will be a pull factor for more refugees.
• GOB placing more restrictions on refugees such asGOB placing more restrictions on refugees such as
banning cell phones.banning cell phones.
• More and more refugees are indiscriminately beingMore and more refugees are indiscriminately being
put in prison.put in prison.
• Desperate refugees are becoming ‘boat people’ toDesperate refugees are becoming ‘boat people’ to
Malaysia.Malaysia.
• The U.S. plans to resettle a small number ofThe U.S. plans to resettle a small number of
Rohingya—the most medically needy are beingRohingya—the most medically needy are being
prioritized. Families are coming out of Malaysia andprioritized. Families are coming out of Malaysia and
some from Bangladesh may surface in the pipeline.some from Bangladesh may surface in the pipeline.

46. Links to ReportsLinks to Reports
 MSF--MSF--
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/publications/arhttp://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/publications/ar
 UNHCR----UNHCR----
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/page?page=49http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/page?page=49
 RCUSA---Refugee International Field ReportRCUSA---Refugee International Field Report
http://www.rcusa.org/uploads/pdfs/RI%20Rohingya,%http://www.rcusa.org/uploads/pdfs/RI%20Rohingya,%
 USCCB: Report on the RohingyaUSCCB: Report on the Rohingya
http://www.usccb.org/mrs/COM_India_Bangladesh_Dhttp://www.usccb.org/mrs/COM_India_Bangladesh_D