Rohingya camps see rise in trafficking despite aid efforts
Workshop highlights surge in trafficking cases and justice gaps as displaced Rohingya face legal barriers and weak enforcement systems
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Human trafficking in Rohingya refugee camps in southern Bangladesh is rising despite years of humanitarian intervention, exposing persistent gaps in law enforcement, legal access and protection systems for one of the world’s most vulnerable displaced populations.
The findings emerged during a consultation organized by BRAC, one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, where officials, aid agencies and legal experts warned that weak coordination and systemic failures continue to enable trafficking networks inside the camps.
Located in Cox’s Bazar, the camps host more than one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighboring Myanmar. Their stateless status, movement restrictions and limited economic opportunities have created conditions that traffickers exploit, particularly targeting women and children.
Data presented at the workshop showed a sharp increase in trafficking cases. According to the 2025 Anti-Trafficking Working Group report, victims rose by nearly 29% compared to the previous year. Women and girls account for 33% of victims, while a quarter are children under 18.
Despite these figures, access to justice remains severely constrained. Participants highlighted weak evidence collection, overburdened police forces and frequent transfers of officers as key obstacles. In many cases, serious crimes are settled informally, preventing prosecutions and allowing traffickers to operate with relative impunity.
Law enforcement officials also pointed to operational challenges within the camps, where jurisdictional complexities and resource shortages limit effective investigations. Judicial representatives noted that delays in case registration and processing further discourage survivors from seeking legal recourse.
Humanitarian groups say efforts are ongoing but insufficient. Since 2017, BRAC has provided legal support to hundreds of trafficking survivors across refugee camps and nearby host communities, while also training Rohingya volunteers and community leaders to help prevent trafficking at the grassroots level.
International agencies, including the International Organization for Migration and UNHCR participated in the consultation, emphasizing the need for stronger coordination between humanitarian actors, law enforcement and the judiciary.
Analysts say the situation reflects broader structural risks tied to protracted displacement, where long-term uncertainty and restricted livelihoods deepen vulnerability to exploitation.
With trafficking cases rising and legal protections lagging, experts warn that without coordinated reforms, the camps could remain a persistent hub for human trafficking in the region.
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