High Commissioner's Dialogue on Protection Challenges, 2008

Protracted Refugee Situations

The 2008 meeting focused on protracted refugee situations and examined the challenges and opportunities for refugees and other stakeholders in camps, rural and urban contexts. The Dialogue moved forward discussions on the work that the UN refugee agency is pursuing in targeted protracted refugee situations under the auspices of a "Special Initiative on Protracted Situations." In particular, the Dialogue examined instruments that could critically affect and unlock protracted refugee situations. A concept paper outlining the key discussion points is available.

Two side events were organized. In one, an update was provided on UNHCR's follow-up of the results of the first Dialogue meeting last December. The second event provided the opportunity for a preliminary discussion on the challenges relating to refugees and asylum seekers in urban settings, an issue that will be the subject of further consideration in 2009.

Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

27 November 2006

In 1991, some 250,000 refugees from Myanmar's Northern Rakhine state fled by boat and on foot to neighbouring Bangladesh, where they were sheltered in 20 camps in the Cox's Bazar district. While the majority of these refugees eventually returned home, some 20,500 people &; mostly Rohingya, a Muslim minority ethnic group &; remain in two of the original camps.

Conditions in these camps are below standard, with many refugees living in overcrowded shelters in desperate need of repair. Frequent heavy rains inundate the area, further damaging shelters and spreading disease. Harassment and discrimination add to the plight of the Rohingya refugees, the majority of whom say that they do not want to return home until there is peace and democracy in Myanmar.

The UNHCR has expanded its routine protection monitoring in Cox's Bazar to address the problems of sexual and gender-based violence as well as trafficking of women and children. The UN refugee agency continues to work with governments, other UN agencies and non-governmental organisations to try and find a durable solution for the Rohingya refugees.

Posted on 27 November 2006

  • Some 6,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar live in the makeshift Teknaf camp, in Cox's Bazar.
    Some 6,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar live in the makeshift Teknaf camp, in Cox's Bazar. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • Conditions are tough in Teknaf camp. Movement of refugees is restricted and housing is in need of repair or renewal.
    Conditions are tough in Teknaf camp. Movement of refugees is restricted and housing is in need of repair or renewal. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • Because there are no regular schools at the Teknaf site, children read the Koran in a madrassa, or religious learning institute.
    Because there are no regular schools at the Teknaf site, children read the Koran in a madrassa, or religious learning institute. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • The absence of water outlets and proper sanitation means that Rohingyas living at the Teknaf site must collect water from a spring on a nearby hill.
    The absence of water outlets and proper sanitation means that Rohingyas living at the Teknaf site must collect water from a spring on a nearby hill. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • Income generation programmes provide many Rohingyas with the skills and means to start a small business. Here, a tailor makes clothes in Nayapara camp, one of the two government-run camps in Cox's Bazar.
    Income generation programmes provide many Rohingyas with the skills and means to start a small business. Here, a tailor makes clothes in Nayapara camp, one of the two government-run camps in Cox's Bazar. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • A mother and her newborn child at the Teknaf site.
    A mother and her newborn child at the Teknaf site. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • A mother feeds her child milk at the feeding centre in Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar district.
    A mother feeds her child milk at the feeding centre in Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar district. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • The squalid Teknaf site is located on river flats, making its inhabitants vulnerable to high tides, flooding and cyclones during the monsoon season.
    The squalid Teknaf site is located on river flats, making its inhabitants vulnerable to high tides, flooding and cyclones during the monsoon season. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • A small Rohingya-run shop in Cox's Bazar District.
    A small Rohingya-run shop in Cox's Bazar District. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • A young woman learns embroidery in Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar district.
    A young woman learns embroidery in Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar district. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • Children make up about 65 percent of the population at the Nayapara camp, but there is little for them to do. Here boys play football in the rain.
    Children make up about 65 percent of the population at the Nayapara camp, but there is little for them to do. Here boys play football in the rain. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • A woman weaves fishing nets to sell in the local market, Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar.
    A woman weaves fishing nets to sell in the local market, Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar. ©  UNHCR/G.M.B.Akash, June 2006
  • Some 6,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar live in the makeshift Teknaf camp, in Cox's Bazar.
  • Conditions are tough in Teknaf camp. Movement of refugees is restricted and housing is in need of repair or renewal.
  • Because there are no regular schools at the Teknaf site, children read the Koran in a madrassa, or religious learning institute.
  • The absence of water outlets and proper sanitation means that Rohingyas living at the Teknaf site must collect water from a spring on a nearby hill.
  • Income generation programmes provide many Rohingyas with the skills and means to start a small business. Here, a tailor makes clothes in Nayapara camp, one of the two government-run camps in Cox's Bazar.
  • A mother and her newborn child at the Teknaf site.
  • A mother feeds her child milk at the feeding centre in Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar district.
  • The squalid Teknaf site is located on river flats, making its inhabitants vulnerable to high tides, flooding and cyclones during the monsoon season.
  • A small Rohingya-run shop in Cox's Bazar District.
  • A young woman learns embroidery in Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar district.
  • Children make up about 65 percent of the population at the Nayapara camp, but there is little for them to do. Here boys play football in the rain.
  • A woman weaves fishing nets to sell in the local market, Nayapara camp, Cox's Bazar.

From the Archives: Protracted Refugee Situations

A wide-ranging collection of UNHCR documents on the issue published since 1999.

High Commissioner's Dialogue 2008 Documents

view more

Protracted Refugee Situations: Overview and Plan of Action

Read the report, "Protracted Refugee Situations: High Commissioner's Initiative"

Opening Statement by High Commissioner António Guterres to 2008 Dialogue on Protection Challenges

Theme: Protracted Refugee Situations

Enduring exile, by António Guterres

High Commissioner's editorial article.

Keynote Address by the Honourable Mizengo Peter Pinda

Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania

Chairman’s Summary 2008 High Commissioner's Dialogue

Discussion Paper: Protracted Refugee Situations

Revisiting the Problem

Standing Committee's 2008 report on Protracted Refugee Situations.