Cox’s Bazar Correspondent
Local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have stressed the need for a united approach to addressing the Rohingya crisis, with safe and dignified repatriation seen as the only sustainable solution.
The issue was discussed at a general meeting of the NGO Platform (NGOP), a united platform of NGOs involved in the Rohingya response in Cox’s Bazar, held in Cox’s Bazar on October 7 night.
Representatives of organisations working for Rohingyas, officials of various UN agencies, government officials and local government representatives attended the meeting.
A roundtable discussion was held on a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. Speakers said the only long-term solution to the crisis is the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas. At the same time, they stressed the need to strengthen support and development programmes for local communities, which have come under additional pressure due to the crisis.
The participants highlighted various problems faced by communities living around the Rohingya camps. Concerns were raised over a possible worsening of the water crisis due to prolonged groundwater extraction, as well as poor waste management, deterioration in law and order, and incidents of abduction and robbery.
The meeting also stressed greater participation of local organisations and communities in the Rohingya response. Speakers called for strengthening local capacity, ensuring more effective engagement of local organisations and increasing their role in decision-making.
The meeting also discussed the localisation initiative led by the Rohingya Coordination Platform (RCP). Speakers said strengthening the capacity and leadership of local organisations was essential for ensuring long-term and sustainable responses to the Rohingya crisis.
Members of the NGO Platform expressed satisfaction at having the opportunity to exchange views collectively after a long time. They said the problems faced by local communities and environmental challenges should receive equal attention alongside the Rohingya crisis.
The meeting was organised by Plan International Bangladesh, a member organisation of the platform, in collaboration with the NGO Platform secretariat. #EK
