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In late 2020, the Government of Bangladesh began relocating refugees from the Cox’s Bazar camps to Bhasan Char located about 60 km from the mainland. As of the latest UNHCR figures, nearly 27,000 Rohingya refugees reside on the island and the Government plans to relocate up to 100,000 Rohingya refugees to the island in phases.
Recognizing the prevailing humanitarian and protection needs of the refugees, UNHCR on behalf of the UN agencies working on the Rohingya humanitarian response, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government in October 2021 to set the policy framework that will guide the UN’s humanitarian response on the island based on humanitarian and protection principles and the Government’s priorities and policies. UN engagement on Bhasan Char is to support and complement the work of the Government, in charge of the overall response, as well as NGOs who are present and have been delivering critical assistance on the island. WFP is guided by the UN’s agreement with the Government, stressing the need for protection measures and freedom of movement for refuges relocated to the island.
Along with other UN agencies, WFP has conducted factfinding visits to Bhasan Char since November 2021. The findings of the multi-sectoral technical assessments conducted provide a comprehensive mapping of gaps and needs that inform the operational plan for the UN to ensure that the human rights, basic needs, and wellbeing of Rohingya refugees on Bhasan Char are upheld and provided for.