Experts call for coordinated action to curb trafficking in Rohingya camps

Preventing human trafficking in the Rohingya camps remains a challenge despite efforts by multiple agencies, experts said at a workshop on Saturday.

They said survivors face barriers in accessing justice, citing weak evidence management, vulnerability of displaced communities, heavy police workloads, frequent staff transfers, difficulties in filing cases, and informal settlement of crimes.

The observations came at a workshop on trafficking and protection issues held in Cox’s Bazar, organised by BRAC, aimed at improving coordination among the judiciary, law enforcement and camp authorities, according to a press release.

Rezaul Karim, Associate Director and Officer-in-Charge of BRAC’s Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP), delivered the welcome remarks.

According to the 2025 report by the Anti-Trafficking Working Group, 33 per cent of victims are women and girls, while 25 per cent are under 18. The number rose by 28.8 per cent in 2025 from the previous year.

BRAC said it has provided legal support to 784 survivors in host communities and camps between 2017 and March 2026. Under a separate project, 400 Rohingya teachers, volunteers and community leaders received training through 18 sessions to help prevent trafficking.

Md Tanvir Islam of HCMP presented on trafficking trends and the legal framework, while Fakhrul Hasan of the Armed Police Battalion outlined operational challenges.

Participants included Tapti Chakma, Camp-in-Charge of Camp 17; Saleem Badsha from the International Organisation for Migration; and representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Mohammed Saifur Rahman Siddique, Senior District Judge of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-3, spoke on legal processes related to trafficking.

More than 60 representatives from international organisations and NGOs attended the workshop.