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'UNHCR expects Rohingyas to be repatriated with dignity': Regina

Regina de la Portilla of the UN Refugee Agency says youth must be kept engaged

Q/ What is the UNHCR’s view on the Rohingya crisis?

A/ It has been over five years since 7.5 lakh Rohingyas crossed into Bangladesh and the numbers have increased since then. They need humanitarian and emotional support. A majority of them wants to return as long as they can live with dignity and safety. The UNHCR definitely hopes for repatriation with dignity. While resettlement is what some of the people want, it cannot be the ultimate goal. But we are grateful to the Bangladesh government for accepting the refugees in such large numbers and granting them space to live. Right now, we are focusing on developing skill-driven sustainable activities that will help when they go back.

Q/ What about resettlement in the west?

A/ In December 2022, the US announced that it would take Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh. Again, we are very grateful for this. The numbers, as of now, might be small, but it will make a difference.

Q/ In the last five years, we have seen at least one fire incident each year in the camps.

A/ Talks are on to make their shelters with more robust material. But, in the meantime, we have been training the youth in the camps, making them capable of dealing with natural disasters. For example, we are teaching them how to dismantle shelters quickly, so that they can be saved in case of a fire. We are also teaching them how to respond and help their community in case of a fire―like evacuation, first aid and so on. We are equipping them with tomtoms (a type of three-wheeler) that can act as water vehicles so that they can prevent the fire from spreading, rather than wait for help. The fire that took place recently was, in fact, managed well, compared with previous fires. It destroyed 3,000 shelters, but there were no casualties. We have also been training them on safely evacuating themselves in case of a flood.

Q/ Media reports say there are insurgent groups operating in the camps.

A/ The UN condemns any kind of violent or illegal activities. The Bangladesh government, I believe, is very much aware of such activities and are actively taking measures to control the law and order situation. The [refugees] need to be engaged on several levels, or such instances will continue to occur. And the UNHCR and several NGOs are working together to give them counselling-led psychosocial support. It is important to keep the youth engaged. Which is why various organisations are working to help them develop skills, give them education and provide them with livelihoods.