Structural exclusion heightening security risks in Rohingya camps: Study

Structural exclusion--such as restricted mobility, limited income opportunities and barriers to economic participation--has significantly increased security risks among Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh, according to a recent research study.

It also found that structural vulnerabilities not only limit refugees’ economic prospects but also create psychological distress and weaken social cohesion with host communities, contributing to heightened security concerns.

The findings were presented at a session of a national seminar titled “From Vulnerability to Resilience: Assessing Security Risks and the Role of Livelihoods in Rohingya Camps,” held at a city hotel on Sunday.

The seminar was organised by the Peace Building Program of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), Japan, in collaboration with Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).

Dr Emadul Islam, senior research fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and Dr Mohammad Zainuddin of the Australian National University presented the research.

According to the study, although humanitarian organisations have introduced livelihood initiatives to create some economic opportunities, their scale and stability remain limited.

Asad Alam Siam, foreign secretary, attended the event as the chief guest.

Among others, Dr Khalid Koser, executive director of GCERF, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, refugee relief and repatriation commissioner (RRRC), and Tomohide Ichiguchi, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh, were present.

The study suggested that strengthening stability in the Rohingya camps requires integrated policy approaches that address structural vulnerabilities while promoting meaningful livelihood opportunities, psychosocial well-being, youth engagement and inclusive governance.

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