Cope With Refugee Crisis

Bini Dahal

While most people around the globe prepare to welcome a new year, some are battling the ongoing COVID-19, refugee crisis, food insecurity, poverty, and conflict, among others. And among the different issues, the refugee problem is becoming a growing concern worldwide.

The year 2017 saw a large exodus of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to neighbouring countries, mainly Bangladesh. The indigenous community has continued to live in the refugee camps located in Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh. And now reports have it that this community is leaving the camps in massive numbers. 

Recently, dozens of Rohingya Muslims were found in the northernmost province of Aceh in Indonesia. The refugees had made a very risky voyage through the sea on an unsteady boat and their condition was not good. People were suffering from dehydration, and hunger. They were also in dire need of medical assistance. Apparently, the indigenous community had remained in the sea for more than a month.

While the United Nations (UN) is probing into the reason behind this dangerous voyage, one of the common reasons is stated to be their search for a better life. Living as a refugee is not easy and one is put under various restrictions. There could be restrictions on access to education, health services and even to move. Also, the refugee camps are very congested and it is difficult for most to live there. Apparently, survival instinct has forced them to take extreme steps. 

With countries lifting COVID travel restrictions, the Rohingya Muslims have taken this opportunity to head towards South East Asian nations. International humanitarian organisations have been asking countries in South Asian and South East Asian countries to provide the required assistance to the Rohingyas. 

Managing the refugee problem is the need of the hour. If this issue is not addressed, the repercussions will be very costly. Firstly, the refugee crisis can exacerbate poverty and food insecurity conditions. Secondly, it can provide help to the human trafficking networks who will take the wrong benefit from the innocent refugees. Thirdly, as the majority of the refugee population comprises young children, the refugee crisis prevents them from heading towards a better future. So, overall, it would not be wrong to say that the refugee crisis triggers intergenerational problems and traumatic experiences. 

In a world, where we link each and every action to human rights and freedom, it is high time we did the same for the refugees as well. Their basic rights to food, shelter, health and education, among others, should be ensured by the global community. Their need and want for a better life should be supported and necessary opportunities should be provided for the same.

It is necessary to realise that the Rohingya refugee problem that began in 2017 has not come to an end up until now. So it is a reminder for the international community to up their efforts and reevaluate their steps when it comes to refugee management. We still have a long way to go, but we need to take the correct steps first.  With the New Year 2023 round the corner, may the refugees be able to cherish new hopes and dreams. May this year arrive as a beacon of light for them.