Burma Human Rights Network’s report: “We also have dreams” Safety and Security in the Camps Refugee camps are too often riddled with dangers for the people who live there. In the Rohingya camps, this seems especially true. Refugees relayed concerns to BHRN over violence, theft, trafficking, arson, criminal activity, and gang activity. Violence in the camps comes in many forms, from gender-based violence to abductions by criminal gangs or militant groups. Refugees had mixed perceptions on whether or not security forces in the camps helped their situation or made it worse. The refugees BHRN spoke with gave an overwhelmingly negative outlook on the safety situation in the camps. About as many said they felt unsafe in the camps. Many reasons were given for this, including violence, gang activity, extortion, and arson. Some also expressed concern about the security forces themselves. Others related this to the threat that they may be moved to Bhansan Char Island, a new isolated campsite many refugees have been moved to despite concern of the island's vulnerability to the elements. Tragically, the variety of threats refugees see around them comes from every direction. www.bhrn.org.uk 17