Rohingya Refugees Face Mounting Gang Violence in World’s Largest Camp
The Rohingya refugees, who sought safety in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazar after fleeing persecution in Myanmar, now find themselves trapped in the world’s largest refugee camp. This overcrowded settlement not only suffers from poverty and disease but also faces a growing problem of gang violence. According to a BBC report, 40 people lost their lives to gang violence in the camp in 2022, and so far this year, 48 individuals have already fallen victim to this alarming issue.
The Rohingya population, already burdened with uncertainty and fear, falls prey to militant groups and camp mafia that exploit their vulnerable situation. The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), and the Munna Gang are active within the Cox’s Bazar camp, capitalizing on the despair of the refugees and perpetuating a cycle of violence.
The Bangladeshi authorities view the Rohingya as a burden and want repatriation. However, progress has been minimal despite a repatriation agreement with Myanmar in 2017. Bangladeshi officials claim that drug peddlers exploit the refugees as carriers, leading to an increase in criminal activities. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the need to hold these criminals accountable, emphasizing that the absence of opportunities among the refugee population provides fertile ground for violence.
The gangs in the camp engage in various illicit activities, including ransom demands, forced marriages, and the recruitment of children. Former captives have shared their harrowing experiences of beatings and torture. Repatriation is seen as the ultimate solution by Bangladesh, and a pilot project has been initiated with Myanmar to select around 1,000 refugees for repatriation. However, the Rohingya are reluctant to return without guarantees of their safety and security.
The United Nations and aid agencies are stretched in their support for the camp, and resources are limited. Reduced support and the focus on other crises have impacted the assistance provided to the Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh’s aim for repatriation is met with concerns about safety and security. The dire conditions in the world’s largest refugee camp perpetuate poverty, disease, and rising gang violence. The international community faces the challenge of finding solutions while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the Rohingya.
