RECENTLY, we travelled to Cox鈥檚 Bazar, where around one million Rohingya refugees live in 33 congested camps. Among them are hundreds of thousands of children 鈥� more than 50 per cent of the population 鈥� whose lives have been confined to these camps. These children have no memory of their homeland and are growing up without the basic rights every child deserves: education, safety, freedom and opportunities for a brighter future.
As we watched children play in narrow alleys among endless rows of makeshift shelters, it became painfully clear 鈥� they are at risk of becoming a lost generation. But it doesn鈥檛 have to be this way. These children have the potential to shape a better world. With proper support, they can rise as leaders, innovators and contributors to humanity. A number of humanitarian organisations are working tirelessly to provide education, health and protection services to these children, but we cannot do it alone.
The world must not close its eyes to their plight. Every child, regardless of where they are born, deserves a chance to dream, learn and succeed. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these children have the opportunity to grow into empowered individuals, capable of shaping a better tomorrow.
The situation for youth in the camps is equally dire. More than 30 per cent of Rohingya refugees are young people, packed with untapped energy and potential. Yet, with no access to formal education, employment or income-generating activities, they are left idle and vulnerable to negative coping mechanisms.
Their frustration mirrors that of the youth in host communities, who also face limited opportunities. During our visit, we heard both Rohingya and Bangladeshi youth express a common desire: 鈥淲e want to work, run businesses, do jobs and lead meaningful lives.鈥�
Investing in these young people is investing in peace and progress. Different organisations are supporting a process of empowering youth through skill-building initiatives and entrepreneurship programs, helping them channel their potential into positive contributions. Hundreds of Bangladeshi youths are now running small businesses, promoting social cohesion. But more needs to be done. Together, we can draw more solutions by collaborating with those young people to become agents of change rather than victims of circumstances.
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Harsh truth of vulnerabilities
LIFE in the camps is precarious. Refugees experience extreme weather conditions due to climate change, including heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and fires while women and girls disproportionately face gender-based violence. Alarming statistics from the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System reveal that nearly all gender-based violence survivors in the camps are female, with physical assault and psychological abuse being the most reported incidents.
Adolescent girls face the threat of child marriage, while boys are forced into child labour. With a few alternatives, many risk sea journeys in search of safety and a better life. The growing insecurity within the camps is a grave concern, voiced repeatedly by residents.
Despite these challenges, the government of Bangladesh has shown remarkable generosity in sheltering nearly one million refugees. Even with limited resources and its challenges, Bangladesh continues to offer refuge to those fleeing violence and persecution.
The global community owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Bangladesh and its people. But gratitude is not enough. Donors, diplomats and global leaders must step up to support this humanitarian crisis.
We urge the United Nations to convene a high-level conference to address this forgotten crisis, as proposed during the recent UN General Assembly. The world must commit to sustainable solutions that ensure dignity, opportunity and safety for the Rohingya while alleviating the burden on Bangladesh.
This is not just about one community or one country; it is about humanity. These children and youth are looking to us with hope that they, too, can one day live with freedom, dignity and purpose. Let us not disappoint them.
The time to act is now. Together, we can transform despair into opportunity and create a future that reflects the best of humanity.
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Adnan Junaid is regional vice president-Asia, International Rescue Committee. Hasina Rahman is country director, International Rescue Committee.