Young Rohingya Refugees: Risks and Future Prospects in Bangladesh

This chapter focuses on violence against Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers, who have been arriving in Bangladesh in waves from Myanmar since the 1970s. In Myanmar, the Rohingyas are denied citizenship and treated as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. But they are also unwanted in Bangladesh—they are persecuted, impoverished, and practically stateless. Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and has long complained that its overcrowded cities and villages cannot cope with the burden of Rohingya refugees flooding into the country. About 10 years ago, Bangladesh quietly adopted a policy to push the refugees back into Myanmar. Nevertheless, the Rohingyas have repeatedly managed to return by sneaking through the porous border, mostly via river crossings. Since 25 August 2017, the worst influx of nearly one million Rohingya has been recorded. Almost 60% of these new refugees are children under the age of 18, and among these Rohingya refugees, 14,000 are single children. Focusing on the socioeconomic, environmental, and protection issues they face, this article explores the dangers and security concerns experienced by young Rohingya refugees in BangladeshYoung Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Drawing on empirical data and theoretical frameworks, the study examines how displacement affects the growth and well-being of young Rohingya refugees. It also analyzes how to reduce the risks and increase their safety in the host country.