This webinar gives a general introduction to the Rohingya refugee crisis to help us understand what the situation is today. The panel discusses the challenges currently endured by the Rohingya as they attempt to resettle in Bangladesh, India and Malaysia specifically, and the vulnerability to exploitation by traffickers they face as undocumented migrants in these countries.
The panelists speak about their experiences and ongoing work to document the migration dynamics, vital needs, and obstacles the Rohingya face in seeking justice, accountability, and protection given their current status as stateless people. They discuss the need for change on many levels, and how lack of legal avenues leads many Rohingya to turn to smugglers to facilitate cross-border migration - increasing their risk for human rights violations and abuse.
The discussion concludes with an overview of the key advocacy issues for this vulnerable population and highlighting the need for empowerment of the Rohingya for sustainable solutions.
Speakers:
Yasmin Ullah, Rohingya Human Rights Network
Gillian Cleveland, Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) Asia
Puttanee Kangkun, Fortify Rights
Relevant resources
Briefing paper: Rohingya migration to India: patterns, drivers and experiences by the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) Asia
Article: Mass atrocities and human trafficking: Rohingya Muslims on the move by Puttanee Kangkun and John Quinley III, Fortify Rights