Building resilience through skill development

The Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) in Bangladesh are in one of the largest protracted refugee situations in the world with an estimated 1,162,939 Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) living in 33 overcrowded camps in Ukhiya and Tekanf subdistrict of Cox's Bazar and in one camp on the island of Bhasan Char under Noakhali district. The situation changed in 2024-2025 when the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA) and the Arakan Army (AA) consolidated and expanded its area of control following the 2021 Myanmar military coup. By early 2025 the AA controlled major territorial gains in Rakhine State, and, crucially, key areas on the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar. 

With the continued violence, widespread instability, and the human rights abuses in Rakhine, as well as the de facto control of the AA, the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) are unable to return home safely, voluntarily, and with dignity. With repatriation operations stalled indefinitely, the refugee population faces a future of prolonged displacement, debilitating developmental needs of a society in which 97 per cent are living in emergency shelters and being highly exposed to hazards.

Given the improbable prospect of repatriation in the near future, the most prudent, humane, and cost-effective course of action is to transition from an emergency assistance model to one that emphasises building resilience and self-reliance through skill development. By leveraging the potential of the large Rohingya youth population, a systematic investment in portable, certified skills can reduce reliance on charity, promote dignity, and prepare refugees for future economic activity, whether in the host community or upon final reintegration into Myanmar.

The duration of the crisis has also led to a deteriorating security situation in the refugee camps, including an uptick in violence and attacks by organised groups against refugee volunteers, and a "reduced protection space" in Bangladesh, which exacerbates vulnerability and compels desperate refugees to take perilous boat journeys further. As repatriation has stalled, it is now imperative to reduce dependence on aid and promote skill development to become more self-reliant, and to shift the focus from survival to sustainability and community ownership, especially among the large cohort of Rohingya youth. 

The humanitarian response has deliberately changed to allow self-reliance after the Government of Bangladesh-United Nations Framework on Skills Development for Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals and host communities was formally endorsed in August 2022. This framework, which was introduced by UNHCR and is supported by IOM, GAC, ILO and the British Council (for English efficiency), provides a practical way of wage earning as well as a strong basis for skill development for the refugee youths, more specifically the women. The progressive path of this paradigm is focused on how improving literacy leads to vocational training, certification, placement, or enterprise support.

The skills development programme aims to help refugee youths gain skills that are transferable and portable and applicable to the labour market in Myanmar and the camp contexts that will enable sustainable return and integration (in Myanmar) when conditions allow; and enable refugees to sustain hope for the future and lead dignified and productive lives in the camps, including through multi-sectoral camp-based activities, minor livelihood activities, and community works, with the use of skills acquired. The training standards are based on Myanmar National Qualification Framework (MNQF) and ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) to provide training graduates with certification through a standard assessment, internal quality assurance and external verification process. Level 1 skills development training for Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) is 360 hours of training (Guided Learning Hour known as GLH), followed by an assessment by an independent assessor.

The programme focuses on a range of trades that are appropriate for both general market demands and camp-based requirements. These include:

Sewing Machine Operation (Dressmaking), Community Health Worker (CHW), Concreter (Construction), Small Engine Mechanic, Caregiving (Aid to Midwifery and Nursing), Solar (PV) System Installation and Maintenance, Electrician (Building), Plumber, Agricultural Crops Production, Bakery and Pastry Staff. Based on a six-month UNESCO curriculum, an Accelerated Adult Literacy (AAL) programme guarantees that participants have the fundamental skills needed for formal instruction.

Since 2024, selected learners from various trades received additional course support through a comprehensive assessment process determined by UNHCR. This initiative aims to boost employability and self-reliance among Rohingya graduates by providing skills training that facilitates their integration into developed communities and job markets. The programme focuses on improving language proficiency and essential life skills. It enhances communication abilities, such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while also teaching practical skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and emotional intelligence. The programme aims to boost confidence, foster self-expression, and equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate personal and professional challenges successfully.

Partner organisations (Implementing agencies) BRAC and CNRS in consultation with UNHCR and collaboration with a third-party service provider, have a plan to provide advanced ICT training programme for refugee youths (aged 18-35) with IELTS Band 4.5 or above. The programme will be crafted in a way that will link them with online income opportunities (freelancing). To address payment challenges, UNHCR will collaborate with other partner organisations, who are in the process of implementing digital wallet service or adopting an ad-hoc mechanism based on contextual challenges. This initiative is expected to equip youth with marketable ICT skills, expand access to digital income streams, and foster sustainable livelihoods. In 2026, a significant number of trainees are expected to get the opportunity to enroll in digital literacy training which will be implemented at several camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

In Cox's Bazar camps, there is a very structured approach to selecting learners for skills training in a transparent manner to make sure all vulnerable Rohingya youths have equal access. Implementing agencies like BRAC and CNRS, with support from UNHCR and CiC offices, conducts awareness sessions in camp blocks, where community leaders and volunteers encourage people to apply, especially women and persons with disabilities. Youths aged 18-35 interested in the training submit applications and are primary screened to confirm basic literacy and eligibility as well as motivation to apply. Applicants are interviewed or given simple aptitude checks, and CNRS prepares a gender-balanced list of candidates with input from camp authorities. The final list is validated by CiC offices and UNHCR to ensure that the process is transparent and in compliance with RRRC regulations, and learners receive an orientation on what to expect during the course and how long it will last, they are given a baseline, and then they are enrolled in the training.

BRAC and CNRS in collaboration with UNHCR have identified a number of practical and legal ways that trained refugees could utilise their skills in ways that were compliant with the restrictions on employment within the Rohingya camps, allowing youths and adults to continue to be productive, gain experience, and engage in dignified work within the confines of the camp context Skilled trainees are assigned to existing service facilities or operational units within the camps, including health, energy and environment, WASH, Livelihoods and Skills Development (LSDS), protection, education, and site management. Engagements are typically short-term or task-based and often in the form of apprenticeships, which provide trainees with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work discipline, and modest stipends ranging from BDT 10,000 to 13,000 per month. BRAC and CNRS coordinates these placements through humanitarian partners and strives to ensure transparency and safe engagement.

Trained workers may also engage in paid activities related to humanitarian or community service programmes, which are often run by NGOs on a cash-for-work (CfW) or volunteer basis, where workers are paid a regular daily or task-based wage for working on community services.

Trained workers can also use their skills to start small service or production activities within the camp, such as small-scale crop growing, repair services, or other skill-based micro-enterprises, for which BRAC and CNRS may provide some basic start-up guidance, technical advice, and linkages where possible. Self-employment is especially valued because it provides more independence, flexibility, and a sense of empowerment in the camp environment.

International funding will be necessary to sustain and scale up livelihoods and skills training programmes for Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN), while more focus should be put on improving local Bangladeshi implementing organisations (which have the contextual knowledge and community trust needed for implementation) and expanding regulated, market-oriented camp enterprises that offer small earning opportunities and decrease aid dependence. Lastly, more advanced training, especially in English language and higher-level digital skills, should be increased to prepare young refugees for broader economic opportunities in the future. 

The new political and security dynamic in Rakhine State created by the de facto control of the Arakan Army will continue to perpetuate the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh, and humanitarian response will need to focus on more than short-term assistance, since repatriation is now impractical. The best way to harness the potential of young refugees is through skills development programmes that are operationalised through the UNHCR-GoB Framework, which will lower dependency on aid, prepare a generation for a future that is productive and provides a pathway to self-sufficiency by investing in portable, certified skills.