EU proposes allowing small businesses in Rohingya camps

"We need to look for win-win solutions," visiting EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib says

The European Union, or EU, has proposed engaging Rohingya refugees in economic activities to reduce their reliance on humanitarian aid amid a backlog of repatriations.

EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib made the proposal at a meeting with Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain at the ministry on Monday.

She said the focus should be on lasting solutions to reduce the refugees’ dependence on aid. The EU wants to continue supporting initiatives that are straightening both the economic and livelihood opportunities of refugees and benefiting the local host communities.

“We need to look for win-win solutions. Just one example, allowing small businesses in the camps could empower refugees, while also economically benefiting the local host community’s suppliers.

“This is important until conditions allow for a safe return to their homeland in Myanmar,” she said.

Facing persecution and genocide by Myanmar’s military, Rohingya began pouring into Bangladesh from Rakhine State after Aug 25, 2017.

Within a few months, over 750,000 Rohingya took refuge in camps in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya and Teknaf, adding to the 400,000 already residing there.

Under international pressure, Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi-led government agreed to repatriate the Rohingya later that year, signing a bilateral agreement with Bangladesh in September 2017.

Despite discussions on identification and other issues, two repatriation attempts in 2019 failed due to the Rohingya’s mistrust of the Myanmar government.

The COVID-19 pandemic further diverted global attention from the crisis.

In February 2021, Myanmar’s military junta, led by General Min Aung Hlaing, ousted Suu Kyi’s government, creating fresh challenges for repatriation.

As conflicts between Myanmar’s military and rebel groups intensified, repatriation discussions have come to a standstill.

Meanwhile, ongoing violence in Rakhine has led to a fresh influx of Rohingya into Bangladesh.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said over 80,000 additional Rohingya have entered the country.

Amid Myanmar's ethnic armed conflict, all areas along Bangladesh's border have been taken over by the rebel group Arakan Army, leading to a decline in communication between Dhaka and Naypyidaw.

Concerns have also emerged over funding for Rohingya refugees after United States President Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily halted Washington’s global development aid for three months.

The US remains the largest single donor for the Rohingya crisis, but the interim government has confirmed that emergency food assistance funding will continue.

Development partners have raised the issue of Rohingya's involvement in economic activities and opportunities for them to move out of the camps amid the repatriation backlog, but Bangladesh relented.

Meanwhile, EU Commissioner for Equality; Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib visited the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Sunday upon her arrival to Dhaka on the tour.

She also held the discussion with Touhid after meeting Yunus and chief advisor's High Representative for Rohingya Crisis and Priorities Affairs Khalilur Rahman.

Addressing the media after a meeting with the foreign advisor, Hadja Lahbib announced a new $71 million grant for the Rohingya.

She said the fund will be spent to help the Rohingya in refugee camps in Bangladesh as well as other countries in the region.

Of this, $33 million is for the Rohingya and local people in Cox's Bazar.

In addition, more than $34 million will be spent for partners working for the Rohingya in Myanmar, and $3 million for the Rohingya in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

To a question about the EU's initiative to create an environment for the Rohingya refugees’ return to Myanmar, she said: "We are supporting Bangladesh by all means and we are using ‘our’ all tools.

“It means diplomacy, sanctions against Myanmar, economic pressure and support for the hosting communities here in Bangladesh and in the region.

“So, we are also supporting the talks that are currently leading, we are well aware that the only lasting solution is peace.”

EU ‘RELIABLE PARTNER’ IN BANGLADESH’S TRANSITION

The EU commissioner assured Bangladesh of continued support for its democratic transition after the power shift.

Hadja Lahbib said, “This is a crucial moment for Bangladesh. I would like to start with one very clear message. Bangladesh can count on the European Union. We are a reliable partner.

“The EU is ready to continue supporting Bangladesh's reform efforts as part of a peaceful and inclusive transition, underpinned by good governance, democratic values, and respect for human rights.

She said “enhanced engagement and potential upgrades of relations” are at the forefront of this support.

“The EU is willing to reinforce our partnership to boost cooperation in trade, development, disaster preparedness, and other areas of mutual interest.”