Government Deployment of Talent Development Project Graduates to Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh HTS and Context graduates were deployed to the field on 25 th September to respond to the Rohingya crisis. All of them are working as government representatives. Over half a million Rohingya refugees have arrived in Bangladesh since 25 August 2017, due to ongoing violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is responding to the crisis, and in doing so has requested support from 10 graduates of the Humanitarian Trainee Scheme (HTS) and Context programmes, run by the Talent Development project of the Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme. Seven were deployed on 25 th September and the remaining three on 1 st October. Below, the seven graduates share their experiences of deployment and offer some reflections. Engaging in the emergency response process after arriving in the crisis area 24 th & 25 th September Seven graduate humanitarians and Talent Development Project Manager left Dhaka by night bus and arrived in Cox s Bazar at 8:30 a.m. the next day. Immediately after arrival, the team met two government officials, a Project Implementation Officer (PIO) and Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Officer (DRRO), in Cox s Bazar Sadar. The meeting was facilitated by Mr Abul Kalam Azad, a government official and graduate of the HTS. In the meeting, graduates explained what they had learnt from the trainee scheme and how they could add value to the Rohingya response. In particular, graduates highlighted their learning from
simulations and previous deployment experiences. DRRO was pleased that they had learnt how to work in conflict zones, developed skills in complexity analysis, and understood how to engage with affected populations. In the meeting, the DRRO advised the team to visit the Rohingya camps to develop an understanding of the current situation, and issued immediate permission for them to do so. Immediately after this meeting, the team started the journey to the camps to complete a rapid needs assessment. It took 6-7 hours to visit seven camps in Teknaf and Ukhia. Some of these were established and others were temporary camps. Even if our actions do not create the biggest change, it s important to show our solidarity by accepting this opportunity created by the government to share our skills and knowledge in such a period of crisis. Graduates reflections whilst travelling to Cox s Bazar As part of the rapid needs assessment in the camp, the team interviewed: Army officials that had been deployed to support with crowd management during relief distribution, set up a process to bring all the mobile Rohingya into one area, and facilitate biometric registration Cyclone preparedness government programme (CPP) volunteers Government and non-government medical teams Affected Rohingya population Government and non-government representatives Graduates consult government officials and deployed army officials for statistical data on the current intervention
Statistical data from the interviews: Around 500,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh o 60% of these are children, 20%-25% are under 1, and 40-45% children are under 10 o 20 25% are women 80,000 are pregnant, and it is expected that 50,000 babies will be born in the next six months 220 babies have already been born, and 12 have been identified as HIV positive Government s current interventions: 2000 acres of land has been allocated for semi-permanent shelters; Plans to construct 14,000 temporary shelters to accommodate over 500,000 Rohingya (each shelter will accommodate 6 families 1 family has 6 members on average) 14 medical centres have been set up in the camp and 40 medical teams have begun operating Public health department has provided 4000 sanitary latrines, 500 water pumps, and 14 water treatment plants which provide 8000 litres of water per day 12 relief centres have been established in Ukhia 20 biometric registration booths are being operated by the army Khairul (HTS) and Billah (Context) consult CPP volunteers engaged in relief distribution in the temporary camp to understand their role and required skills
Collaboration initiatives by the government The NGO Affairs Bureau has appointed two bureau officials at Cox s Bazar and opened a temporary office. Its role is to facilitate collaboration with NGOs involved in responding to the Rohingya crisis and make sure stakeholders are aware of gaps and strengths of current activities, priorities, and next steps. One of the bureau officials is Mr. Bahadur, a HTS graduate, who has been able to use the skills he acquired in the training programme to facilitate collaboration in this context. District Commissioner of Cox s Bazar issued a policy that all relief items, whether sourced by government organisations, NGOs, private sector, or individuals must first be registered in the Distribution Control office in Cox s Bazar, before being distributed by Army officials and representatives of the relevant organisations. One of the camps in Ukhia Observations and reflections by the Talent Development project graduates A humanitarian response to this crisis is necessary to save lives. However, as Bangladesh is already densely populated, accommodating a high number of refugees for the long-term is a big challenge and could turn into a complex situation The international community s focus on Rohingya and aid distribution has led to the local population beginning to feel vulnerable, as it anticipates that a further increase in population density may affect existing livelihoods In addition to the arrival of almost 500,000 Rohingya within a few weeks, a huge number of people are travelling to the area to assist with crisis response. This is further affecting the local poor and middle class populations due to sudden price
increases in essential commodities. Ensuring market stability and sustaining livelihoods of the local population is a key challenge. Environment is another key area for immediate attention. Due to the population density and lack of appropriate and adequate water, sanitation and hygiene, there is a danger of disease outbreak, which may primarily affect children. Deforestation in the hilly areas to put up shelters may lead to landslides. There is a risk of acute child malnutrition in Rohingya children if relief food does not contain the necessary nutrients. It is also important to ensure lactating mothers receive the necessary nutrients, to avoid malnutrition in children under 1 year. Child protection is another key concern as there is a high number of unaccompanied children. Feedback systems in the camps are inadequate. Some NGO/INGOs have introduced a complaint box system, helplines, and leaflets in the information booths, but utilisation is extremely limited due to low literacy levels and limited understanding of how to use these systems. Boundaries must be set up in the densely populated areas to prevent violence 26 th September The graduates shared their observations with government officials and were then issued with their postings. Five were deployed to Kutupalag Camps 1 and 2, and five were deployed to three areas - Baharchara, Shah Parir Dip and Unichiprang - in Teknaf. 27 th September Graduates started their camp based work. Three more graduates joined on 1 st October. Stay tuned for regular updates from the graduates on the frontline