Social protection

The Government of Bangladesh maintains that Rohingya refugees are temporarily in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds and should not be included in national plans or systems, including social protection. Refugees can access curative and preventative healthcare facilities within the camps, and, as arranged exceptionally by the Government, referrals to district hospitals are possible for more complex medical needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government exceptionally included Rohingya refugees in national testing and treatment facilities, marking a positive development in their access to healthcare.

The National Health Policy (2011) does not include refugees, but in practice, referral mechanisms in refugee camps exceptionally allow access to national healthcare services as needed. Basic healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, psychosocial support, nutrition, and access to specialized services, are provided by humanitarian partners within the camps. Refugees facing difficulties in accessing camp-based services can seek intervention from UNHCR and partners, who may liaise with Government officials such as the Camp-in-Charge or the Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner.  For advanced services not available in camps, refugees are referred to government-run facilities through established referral mechanisms. 

Legal protections for women and children, such as the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children Act (2000), the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act (2010) and the Children Act (2013) apply regardless of nationality. However, the rigid interpretation of laws and lack of clear direction often result in refugees not accessing these protections. Despite this, national authorities have implemented some positive approaches, including providing medical assistance and psychosocial counselling to refugee survivors of gender-based violence. Victims of trafficking among refugees also receive some level of support from the Government with law enforcement agencies providing rescue and legal support (while UNHCR and partners offer medical assistance and family reunification services).