Bangladesh provides a significant global public good by hosting over one million Rohingya refugees. Most are living in camps in Cox’s Bazar District, where local resources and livelihoods are already strained. Safe, voluntary, and sustainable Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar is ultimately the best solution. However, the conditions for return currently do not exist, and Myanmar has not demonstrated meaningful progress toward establishing them. Even if conditions did exist and voluntary repatriation began tomorrow, estimates show a large number of Rohingya will still be in Cox’s Bazar 10 years from now. While the international community must maintain maximum pressure on Myanmar to ensure accountability and conditions for return, it should also engage in medium-term planning given the likelihood of protracted displacement.
CGD’s MDHP team has been working with local and international partners to understand what that medium-term response could look like. In particular, we focus on what the “responsibility-sharing” role of the international community could be, in terms of humanitarian, development, and environmental commitments. Over a series of publications, covering forest and landscape restoration, trade, private sector investment, labor mobility, and policy reforms to benefit refugees and host communities, we outline the steps that could be taken to develop a medium-term plan for Bangladesh, to benefit refugees and host communities.
Displacement
A medium-term strategy for Bangladesh
Why Bangladesh Needs a Refugee Compact and Three Ideas to Make it Happen
New Opportunities for Bangladeshi Citizens and Rohingya Refugees: A Refugee Compact for Bangladesh
A Bangladesh Compact: Beyond Aid Solutions for Rohingya Refugees and Host Communities
The Rohingya Crisis: Bangladesh Deserves a Win-Win Solidarity Compact
Two Years On, and No End in Sight: How Should We Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in the Medium-Term?
Moving Beyond the Emergency: A Whole of Society Approach to the Refugee Response in Bangladesh
The Rohingya Response: Shifting to a Whole of Society Approach that Benefits All
Responsibility-sharing
Financing
Flexible and Innovative Financing for Refugee Crises and Other 21st Century Challenges
Note to G7: Now Is the Time to Support Rohingyas and Their Hosts
Thematic pillars
Sexual and reproductive health
Making Sexual and Reproductive Health Services a Priority for Rohingya Refugees and Host Communities
Forest landscape restoration
Creating Opportunities for Rohingya Refugees and Hosts Through Forest Landscape Restoration
Labor mobility
Sharing Responsibility for the Rohingya Crisis: What Role Can Labor Mobility Agreements Play?
Private Investment
How Business Can Invest in the Future of the Rohingya and Host Community in Bangladesh