Rohingya crisis in uncertainty; WASH sector faces growing challenges, say speakers

Cox’s Bazar, 29 January 2025: Recent global circumstances, geopolitical dynamics and funding crises are pushing the Rohingya situation in Bangladesh further into uncertainty. To address these challenges and for a sustainable future of this Rohingya response consorted efforts are required from the international community, government, donors and partners. 

Speakers reflected these at the ‘Plumbers of the World: Legacy and Realities of Rohingya Response,’ jointly organized by Oxfam in Bangladesh and the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) at a hotel in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday. The event showcased Oxfam’s innovation, best practices, and key learnings from the Rohingya response, particularly in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) innovations, and addressed current challenges, including funding constraints, resource depletion, and shifting international attention.  

Speaking at the inaugural session, the RRRC Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman noted that the Rohingya issue is becoming increasingly complex. He stated, ‘Recently, the U.S. administration announced a pause in funding for Rohingya refugees, which will worsen the Rohingya crisis. When it comes to WASH management in the camps, this is one of the most critical sectors among 8-9 others. Ensuring safe water, sanitation, and health protection for such a large population in a limited area is a significant challenge.’

Special Guest Sumbul Rizvi, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh, remarked, ‘In principle (Rohingya refugees) would all like to return to their country, and they would like to return in safety and in dignity. That is the only sustainable way of finding a solution.’

She also added: ‘We need to shift from emergency humanitarian response to more sustainable approaches promoting self-reliance and resilience of the refugee community.’

During the opening remarks, Ashish Damle, country director of Oxfam in Bangladesh said, ‘When the Rohingya arrived in droves, it was the local communities who first offered help, sharing their homes, food, and clothes. The Government of Bangladesh, despite its own challenges, allocated resources, ensured safety, and facilitated humanitarian aid.’

The event featured two discussion sessions. One focused on the current state, challenges, and future of WASH for the local community and Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar. The second session addressed actionable steps to ensure a sustainable future for both communities. A two-day photography exhibition showcasing various inspirational stories of the Rohingya community was also part of the event.

The event was attended by several notable figures, including Mohammad Salahuddin, District Commissioner of Cox's Bazar; David Bagden, Principal Coordinator of the Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) for the Rohingya Refugee Response; Mohammad Nazmul Abedin from the Refugee Cell of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; and Dr. Silja Rajendran, Head of Sub-Office at UN Women. Additionally, representatives from various government, non-governmental, and international organizations, as well as NGOs, INGOs, and civil society, participated in discussions related to the Rohingya issue.

It is noteworthy that Oxfam has established the world's largest faecal sludge treatment plant in the Rohingya camps, which plays a crucial role in the humanitarian sector. This facility ensures the management of 180 cubic meters of waste daily, benefiting approximately 150,000 people. Furthermore, organic waste is transformed into compost within 40 days, which is then used in local agriculture. As a result, soil fertility has improved for both the Rohingya and local communities, significantly increasing crop production.