Well being of aid workers dealing with Rohingya crisis sought
Staff Reporter :
Rights groups underscored the paramount importance of ensuring safety and security of aid workers in Bangladesh, particularly those engaged in responding to the Rohingya crisis in Cox’s Bazar.
The urge came during a virtual dialogue titled “No Matter What – Together we stand beside affected communities – Empower local actors,” was jointly hosted by COAST Foundation, Cox’s Bazar CSO-NGO Forum (CCNF), and BDCSO Coordination Process on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day 2023 on Saturday.
Moderated by M Mustafa Kamal Akanda, Director of COAST Foundation, the event’s keynote presentation was delivered by Md. Iqbal Uddin from the same organisation.
Among other participants were Abu Morshed Chowdhury, Co-Chair of CCNF; Mr. Ariful Islam, Chief Executive of YPSA; Ms. Nilima Jahan of Agrajatra; Amir Hossain of NGO Platform; Sheikh Asad of Udayan Bangladesh; Khandakar Faruk Ahmed associated with Trinomul Unnayan Sangtha (TUS) Foundation; and Mujibur Rahman, Advisor of Shushilan. The occasion was inaugurated by Sanat Kumar Bhowmik, Deputy Executive Director of COAST Foundation.
In the keynote presentation, Iqbal Uddin outlined vital recommendations aimed at safeguarding the welfare, dignity, and survival of all humanitarian workers.
These encompassed advocating for equitable compensation, essential facilities, life insurance, and comprehensive local staff support.
A significant emphasis was placed on dedicating 25 per cent of direct funding to local organisations, thereby recognising their pivotal role in responding to crises like the Rohingya situation.
Abu Morshed Chowdhury acknowledged the pivotal role of frontline aid workers in humanitarian responses and proposed a risk-sharing concept involving all partners, including donors, to ensure project designs effectively incorporate risk management strategies.
A positive and supportive environment for female humanitarian workers at camp levels was highlighted by Nilima Jahan who stressed the necessity of providing them with necessary logistical support to enable their effective engagement.
On the other hand, Khandakar Faruk Ahmed suggested a novel approach of allowing non-registered organisations to work as associated entities in emergency projects, potentially expanding the pool of responders during crises.
Amir Hossain of NGO Platform advocated for the direct allocation of funds from donors to local organisations to minimise costs and promote local leadership, which could further streamline aid distribution.
