Desperate Time Calls for Desperate Measures: Exploring the Coping Mechanisms of the Rohingyas in Camps

Abstract

The Rohingyas have escaped one unbearable situation only to end up in other where they barely ‘staying alive’, and caged up in  limited space, with minimal access to social and financial capitals. This prevents them from enjoying a desired ‘livelihood’ mode since  they have hardly any control over any of their livelihood elements. Although ‘entitlement’ and ‘enfranchisement’ are preconditions for  a livelihood and several International Human Rights covenants, refugee conventions and protocols confirm certain rights and  entitlements of the Rohingyas; however, they are unable to exercise those rights. This study explores some of the prevalent challenges  of economic activities of the Rohingyas and share several coping strategies regarding their livelihood mechanisms in the camps. The study also recommends certain strategies which can serve them better and simultaneously discourage them to partake in  any illegal activities. The findings might be helpful for the Rohingya communities, governments, humanitarian, and development  agencies and those in the international community, actively working to alleviate the Rohingya refugee crisis. The outcome of the  article is result of a small-scale study carried out in Kutupalong camp only in Teknaf Upazila.