Exploitation of Rohingya Refugee Women Experiences at Kutupalong Camp of Bangladesh

Abstract

Rohingya refugee women encountered various kinds of exploitation at the refugee camp. This
study explores the scenario of women exploitation of Kutupalong Rohingya refugee camp in
Bangladesh located at Ukhiya of Cox’s bazaar district in 2013. It analyzes the various forms
of exploitation of refugee women, and focuses on the root causes of women exploitation at
the refugee camp. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods, and scheduled
Interview, In-depth interview and Case study methods are used for data collection. The study
found various forms of exploitation present at the Kutupalong camp. It is observed that a lot
of women in the camp experienced sexual exploitation by their own community people, and
also by security personnel and NGO staffs working there. Poor living status and abuse of
power are main contributors of women exploitation at the camp, identified in the research. It
is also found that female-headed household’s women and young girls are more vulnerable of
sexual exploitation at the camp. Most of the cases of women exploitation at the camp are left
unidentified because of the victim’s preference to be silent for social dogma and existing
patriarchy. Nevertheless, lack of efficient prevention and response mechanism created
obstacles to address women exploitation at the camp.