An Agenda for a Dignified and Sustainable Rohingya Refugee Response in Bangladesh ➢ ➢ 5. presence of more than 800,000 Rohingya refugees in the district as well as develop a better understanding of their needs and priorities. Providing accurate information on a regular basis to the local community to build awareness on the host community initiatives implemented by the humanitarian community in Cox’s Bazar and assess its impacts. Facilitating direct engagement between host communities and Rohingya refugees, including through the use of digital communications tools, where possible, to identify common concerns and resolve disputes in an amicable manner, with the support of Bangladeshi authorities and humanitarian actors. Specific issues 5.1 Relocation to Bhasan Char a. The Government of Bangladesh should constructively engage with Rohingya refugees and humanitarian community to address legitimate concerns regarding the relocations to Bhasan Char. Some 18,000 Rohingya refugees have been relocated to Bhasan Char, amidst concerns expressed by humanitarian and human rights groups. A group of 306 Rohingya refugees who have been on the island since being rescued at sea in May 2020, are yet to be permitted to return to their families in the Cox’s Bazar camps, despite repeated requests. Along with the Bangladeshi authorities, many humanitarian partners are already operational on the island providing basic services. UN teams and donor missions have concluded initial visits to the island, shared their recommendations and offered to discuss the possibility of future operations with the Government of Bangladesh. Despite these developments, concerns continue to be expressed by refugees, humanitarian agencies and human rights groups regarding the adequacy of the protection environment, voluntariness of relocations, accessibility of emergency medical care and justice mechanisms, and the general conditions on the island. The Government of Bangladesh should: ➢ ➢ Facilitate the return and family reunification of 306 Rohingya refugees being held in Bhasan Char since May 2020 to Cox’s Bazar camps. Allow the UN to conduct independent, detailed technical assessments of the habitability of the island, physical safety/ protection environment and feasibility of humanitarian operations to ensure the well-being of Rohingya refugees on the island and facilitate future humanitarian engagement and support. Act for Peace / May 2021 71