BANGLADESH'S RESPOND: MANAGING THE ROHINGYA REFUGEE WITH THE HELP OF UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEE (UNHCR) IN BANGLADESH (2009-2012)

Abstract

This research explains the role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as an international organization under the United Nations that deal on refugees in the case of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. This study provides a historical background of the Rohingyas refugee movements from Myanmar state to arrive in Bangladesh by the number of their first arrival was around 200.000 Rohingya peoples and increased since that time. Furthermore, this study analyzes the roles undertaken by UNHCR to the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh refugee camp since the Bangladesh cannot handle the refugee anymore and they considered as the cause of internal instability within the Bangladesh. Due to this situation, the strategy of UNHCR in manage these Rohingya are based on with the activity of international organizations composed of an initiator, facilitator, mediator, reconciler and determiners. UNHCR also run their program in managing the Rohingya refugee as well as provide long-term solution to the case. However, the solution provided by UNHCR in fact, is not easy to be carried on related barriers that arise from different sides. One of those obstacles is about the attitude of the Burmese government itself that still does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens of their country. Thus, UNHCR already run their role in accordance as an IO for refugee protection but unfortunately failed to meet its mandate to achieve the best solution for the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.