Rohingya response management needs jointly-led single authority

Speakers at a programme on Tuesday stated there should be a government-United Nations (UN) led single authority in Rohingya response management. It would see the participation of local government, local civil society organisations (CSO) and refugee representatives, deputy commissioners, and the Inter Sectoral Coordination Group (ISCG).

Cox's Bazar's CSO NGO Forum (CCNF), a network of more than 50 CSO non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in Rohingya response, held a press conference on the eve of the upcoming donor conference to be held on 22 October organised by: the UK, the US, the UN, and Japan.

They have also criticised the role of donor and developed countries and urged that they redouble their efforts for early repatriation of Rohingya refugees, read a press release.

Cox's Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Abu Morshed Chowdhury said for a long time the CCNF has been pleading for a joint fund to promote sustainable local CSOs/NGOs and direct funding because of the Grand Bargain commitment. It has also accepted the localisation task report drafted under the leadership of UN agencies, but it is being delayed.

He also said since 2018, CCNF has urged Joint Response Planning to be security and conflict-sensitive. Amid the backdrop of recent violence in camps, he recommended the involvement of local government and local CSOs for peacebuilding.

Urged for full transparency of support to the host community, Rashed Mahmud Ali, chairman, Hnila Union, Teknaf, said host communities are well taken care of but the fishermen community of the River Naf is still suffering.

Jahirul Alam of IDF urged donors to use a proportionate approach on the country and redouble their efforts for repatriation as the only sustainable solution.

Bimal Dey Sarker of Mukti Cox's Bazar said, so far $2.63 billion aid has come for Rohingya which is around $432 per family a month. Studies show that only one-third of the direct benefit has reached the grassroots level.

President, Agrajattra, Cox's Bazar, urged for full access of local government and CSO/NGOs' access to the ISCG.

Abul Kashem, executive director, HELP, Ukhiya, said response management has to be bottom-up with the participation of local actors and refugee representatives.

CCNF co-chair Rezaul Karim Chowdhury moderated the virtual press conference.