Experts for taskforce to curb violence against Rohingya women

Violence against women is a serious concern at Rohingya camps in Bangladesh, and to tackle this key issue, the government should form a taskforce with camp-in-charges and other stakeholders to provide a coordinated and speedy response for supporting the victims.

Experts made the urge at a dialogue titled “Reality Check: Gender Based Violence in FDMN Camps,” held jointly by ActionAid Bangladesh and Office of The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner in Cox’s Bazar on Tuesday.

ActionAid Country Director Farah Kabir moderated the programme, while speakers discussed the possible reasons behind violence against women in Rohingya camps, current situation and what steps should be taken to mitigate the issue, a press release read.

At her inauguration speech, Kabir said, “Our aim is the work for the betterment of Myanmar citizens taking shelter in Bangladesh, and we work in coordination with the Bangladesh government, United Nation and various development organisations.

“The Rohingya here suffer from gender-based violence in different ways, sometimes at the family level, and other times at the community level. This dialogue is part of a 16-day campaign to curb violence against women globally.”

Flora Macula, head of UN Women Sub-office Cox’s Bazar, said, “In case of Rohingya camps, we only know about the incidents that are being reported and only the serious incidents are getting reported to authorities.”

Echoing the same, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative Fatema Sultana said, “Not all cases are being reported. We must look into why not all cases are being reported. We must create an atmosphere that will encourage a survivor to reach out for support.”