CCNF demands localization, aid transparency and peaceful co-existence in Rohingya response

Cox's Bazar CSO NGO Forum (CCNF) demanded all-out efforts from the UN, INGOs, and government to expedite the process of dignified repatriation of Rohingyas but till then their necessary amenities should be ensured.

The network of a total 50 local and national NGOs working with the refugees has reiterated this demand on a virtual webinar on August 18 on the eve of 3rd year of the Rohingya influx at Cox's Bazar, according to the press release.

CCNF reiterated their eleven point demands to reduce the demand of aid but to assist them to become self-sufficient for peaceful co-existence.

The points are -

(i) A government-led single line and single pot fund management

(ii) UN agencies should act as a counterpart to government management rather than parallel

(iii) All local offices of intentional agencies should be shifted to Dhaka or Ukhiya to reduce pressure on Cox's Bazar

(iv) The refugees should be provided with pre-fabricated technical training such as housing, education and income-generating activities

(v) Humanitarian workers should be given 24 hours access to refugee camps to work against drug dealing, human trafficking, gender violence and especially extremism

(vi) Local NGOs and local government should be given access in ISCG, HoSoG, and RRRC meeting system and also in the National Task Force (NTF)

(vii) Aid transparency has to be ensured about expenditure on workplan and management cost for the refugees, so that public know the trail of money

(viii) There should be planned full technology know-how transfer to the locals so that there will reduce the level of dependency on expatriates.

(ix) A pooled fund should be promoted for local NGOs and all field operations should be done by local and national NGOs

(x) All UN agencies and INGOs should follow a partnership policy based on long term objectives, priority should be given to local NGOs

(xi) INGOs should not raise funds in Cox's Bazar and Bangladesh, they should bring money from their origin country.

Abu Morshed Chowdhury, executive director of PHALS and co-chair CCNF said , "While Cox's Bazar has a lot of potentialities for development but the district is suffering multiple problems especially suffering due to price hike and bad communication infrastructure. That's why, the political process has to be redoubled by all international agencies including our government, UN and INGOs."

"Localisation Task Force was formed around 24 months ago but the roadmap is yet to be prepared. Pooled funds for local NGOs should be developed to promote local NGOs, community organisations, and local government to participate in the response, in turn, which will strengthen social cohesion too," said another co-chair of CCNF and CEO of Mukti Cox's Bazar Bimal Chandra Dey Sarker.