Against this backdrop, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Human Concern International and Human Concern USA have signed a joint project.
During the winter season, when the sea becomes calmer, human trafficking through maritime routes begins. The main targets of these traffickers are the Rohingya refugees who have taken shelter in Bangladesh. Traffickers smuggle them to countries such as Malaysia and others. Law enforcement agencies have already rescued several groups who were being held for trafficking in the sea and hill areas.
Against this backdrop, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Human Concern USA have signed a joint project aimed at preventing human trafficking, trafficking attempts, and irregular migration within the Rohingya refugee camps.
An allocation of USD 250,000 has been provided for this initiative. A signing ceremony was held today at the IOM Cox’s Bazar office, attended by several Canadian parliamentarians.
IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Lance Bonneau said that the objective of this USD 250,000 project is to strengthen the protection of the vulnerable Rohingya population in the refugee camps and enhance anti-human trafficking efforts. The initiative builds on IOM Bangladesh’s long-standing experience in combating human trafficking. It will help ensure equitable and coordinated service delivery across 33 camps and contribute to improved coordination and standardization in protection activities.
Under this project, mobile protection teams will be formed to conduct targeted awareness campaigns, identify and assist victims of trafficking, and strengthen coordination among protection-related organizations. In addition, community leaders, volunteers, and youth will be trained to identify trafficking risks and report them safely—thus enhancing community-based protection mechanisms.
Lance Bonneau further stated: “The goal of this initiative is to ensure that every refugee receives equal protection services and support. Through close engagement with their own communities, we are working to build the capacity of the Rohingya population, volunteers, and local leaders to recognize and respond effectively to trafficking risks.”
He also added: “IOM Bangladesh is committed to working closely with the Government of Bangladesh, local authorities, and humanitarian organizations to ensure that those at risk of trafficking receive protection, support, and empowerment.”
Mahmuda Khan, Global CEO of Human Concern International (HCI), said: “Our faith teaches us to stand firmly against injustice and to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Through donor support, HCI is turning the values of compassion, justice, and dignity into reality—ensuring that Rohingya refugees are not only protected from exploitation but also empowered to build a safe and hopeful future.”
She added that under IOM’s newly established Islamic Philanthropy Fund (IPF), this partnership between HCI and the UN agency marks an important milestone in global humanitarian collaboration. The IPF was created to utilize faith-based donations—particularly zakat and sadaqah—for sustainable humanitarian initiatives. Through this partnership, HCI joins a select group of international organizations working with IOM to address pressing global challenges through faith-based initiatives.
In Bangladesh, this project will further strengthen IOM’s ongoing anti-trafficking activities, including awareness campaigns, case management, and coordination support. Moreover, the partnership will expand IOM’s anti-trafficking and humanitarian assistance efforts in countries such as Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine—reaffirming the global commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from abuse and exploitation.
A formal signing ceremony for the project took place on Tuesday at the IOM Cox’s Bazar office. IOM Bangladesh Chief of Mission Lance Bonneau and HCI Global CEO Mahmuda Khan signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Canadian MPs Salma Zahid, Sameer Zuberi, and Senator Salma Ataullahjan, among others, were present at the event.
