Rohingya Refugees Face Growing Hardships in Neighboring Countries

An estimated 20,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state in recent months, seeking refuge in Bangladesh amid escalating violence from Arakan Army insurgents, RFA reported. Many new arrivals are renting houses outside U.N. camps due to overcrowding, reporting dire conditions in Rakhine, including food shortages and safety concerns.

Bangladesh, grappling with its own political turmoil, has called for international assistance to manage the influx of Rohingya refugees. Local officials note that the new arrivals differ from past waves, as many are from wealthier backgrounds and are paying brokers to enter the country. Immigration experts advocate for humane treatment and legal protections for these refugees, especially those living outside camps, who are more vulnerable to harassment and violence.

In India, over 100 Rohingya refugees at the Matia Transit Camp in Assam have launched a hunger strike, demanding transfer to a U.N. refugee facility and resettlement in a third country. They allege inhumane treatment and poor living conditions, with many having been detained for over a decade. Local authorities are investigating the situation, while 30 Christian Chin refugees are on strike in solidarity. Rohingya rights activist Sabber Kyaw Min highlighted the plight of detainees, noting that India does not recognize them as refugees despite their UNHCR cards. The UN estimates 676 Rohingyas are detained, though activists claim the number is closer to 1,000.