Introduction Nine months ago, the first of more than 74,000 ethnic minority Rohingya streamed into Bangladesh, seeking refuge from abuses in Myanmar. The influx of refugees and the harrowing stories they carried brought needed international attention to the abuses taking place in Myanmar. But less focus has been given to the humanitarian crisis and inadequate support the situation exposed not only for the new arrivals, but also for the 33,000 Rohingya officially recognized as refugees and as many as 500,000 undocumented Rohingya already living in Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh has long refused to recognize the vast majority of Rohingya in the country as refugees and has been reluctant to do more to address their humanitarian needs or to accept international assistance to do so. The response has improved in recent months, but significant gaps remain, particularly regarding needs for food, adequate shelter, and protections against gender-based violence and trafficking risks. Many Rohingya continue to live in crowded conditions in makeshift shelters vulnerable to the high winds and heavy rains of the ongoing monsoon season, some within heartbreaking sight of their homeland. Recent pledges by the Government of Bangladesh on the global stage are encouraging and should be implemented along with ideas for better coordination being discussed by international humanitarian agencies. For more durable solutions, bilateral and multilateral engagement along with pressure when necessary on the Government of Myanmar on issues of safe returns, accountability, and citizenship will be crucial for addressing the root causes of the plight of the Rohingya. Recommendations To the Government of Bangladesh: • • • • • Expand protection services to Rohingya in Bangladesh by: o Establishing temporary police outposts and developing camp management systems to protect and support Rohingya in makeshift settlements; o Expanding the UN Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) mandate beyond official refugee camps in order to provide protection by presence activities and counseling services in the makeshift settlements, with a particular focus on gender-based violence (GBV), including by opening a UNHCR field office in the city of Teknaf in southern Bangladesh; o Promoting access to the legal system for all persons in line with Bangladesh’s constitution, along with training local officials and conducting awareness campaigns on access to the legal system and the risks of human trafficking. Approve a longstanding World Food Programme (WFP) request to expand its electronic food voucher system beyond refugees to the so-called Undocumented Myanmar Nationals (UMN) community and new arrivals who entered in late 2016, to ensure more equal and efficient distribution of aid. Lift restrictions on the use of more durable building materials in the makeshift camps and provide training so that makeshift shelters are better able to withstand the high winds and heavy rains of the monsoon season. Ensure contingency plans are in place for rapid replenishment of shelter materials in emergency cases. Release the results of the census of Rohingya in Bangladesh carried out in 2016 and conduct further surveys to update information as needed to better identify requirements and best use of resources. Fulfill a pledge made at the Leaders’ Summit on Refugees at the United Nations in 2016 to deliver information cards to Rohingya in Bangladesh that provide protection and access to basic services, including freedom of movement, access to livelihood, and informal education opportunities. Front cover photo: This Rohingya girl in Shamlapur told RI her father was shot, and she had to flee Myanmar when security forces attempted to rape her. | Photo to right: Kutupalong Makeshift Settlement. 2