Justice For All Calls on UNHCR to Address Escalating Kidnappings of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Justice For All Calls on UNHCR to Address Escalating Kidnappings of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh

[Washington, DC] – [January 20, 2025] – Justice For All, a leading human rights organization, has issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to take immediate action in response to the alarming rise in kidnappings targeting Rohingya refugees around the camps in Teknaf, Bangladesh. This plea follows disturbing reports of over 30 individuals being abducted in just three days, with dozens more being victimized daily, including a 6 year old child.

In a detailed letter addressed to Ms. Gillian Triggs, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at UNHCR, Justice For All’ Burma Task Force highlighted the devastating impact of these kidnappings on an already vulnerable population. “Victims are not only forced to pay exorbitant ransoms but also endure severe torture, with some losing their lives,” the letter states. A delegation from Justice For All recently visited the camps and interviewed several families who have suffered at the hands of these criminal syndicates, shedding light on the widespread fear and trauma gripping the refugee community.

Despite recent efforts by Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which resulted in the rescue of 12 victims and the arrest of some syndicate members, these actions have not curtailed the relentless operations of kidnapping networks. Rohingya refugees, who have already faced unimaginable hardships due to displacement and systemic persecution, now find themselves living in constant fear of abduction.

Justice For All’s letter to UNHCR calls for the following urgent measures:

1. Enhanced Protection Mechanisms: Collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen security in and around refugee camps.
2. Support for Victims: Provision of medical care, trauma counseling, and rehabilitation services for kidnapping survivors.
3. Preventative Awareness Campaigns: Education programs for refugees on recognizing and avoiding kidnapping risks, as well as implementing community watch programs and security tools such as cameras.
4. Global Advocacy: Amplifying the plight of Rohingya refugees to generate international pressure for systemic reforms.

“The Rohingya people have already endured profound suffering and displacement. The continued threat of abduction and violence further erodes their safety and dignity,” said Hena Zuberi, Director of Advocacy at Justice For All. “UNHCR must take swift and coordinated action to protect this vulnerable community.”

Justice For All is committed to working with international stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Rohingya refugees. The organization urges the global community to stand in solidarity with the Rohingya people and support measures to address this humanitarian crisis.

For further information or to arrange interviews with Justice For All representatives, please contact:

Walaa Katoue

media@justiceforall.org